HISTORIC Holgate Bowling Club celebrated their centenary with a challenge match against Bowls England.

The representative team included Bowls England president Adie Lloyd, plus the senior and junior vicepresidents and players from 11 different counties.

Holgate won four rinks to two, with home players sporting new club shirts purchased to commemorate the centenary with the support of Phil’s Carpets, of Woodthorpe.

Holgate chairman Phil Parsons said: “For any club to reach a century these days is a terrific achievement and I would like to thank all the players and guests who made it such a memorable day.

“Holgate has seen a turnaround in its fortunes recently after a few years of struggling for members, with an influx of new talent over the last couple of years which will hopefully secure its future for some time to come.”

A special award was made to John Emmerson in recognition of his services to Holgate over many years.

The club also thanked the Railway Institute club, whose Ashton Lane bowling green is the original home of Holgate, for making their facilities available for the match.

Meanwhile, three Wigginton teams will play host to three West Park sides in the next round of the York Amateur Bowling Association’s Maddison Cup.

Although all four Wiggy teams lost in the Veteran’s League, Colin Ellis’ ‘A’ team advanced to the next round of the cup after beating Bishopthorpe ‘B’ 26-13.

The club’s Huby Triples League results remain disappointing, but Wigginton did manage a 51-33, six points to one win against leading side Huby.

There were winning rinks from skips David Moorhouse (13-4) and Tony Baker (19-3).