Stuart Greenhalgh concludes his mini series of Q&As with local crown green bowling legends – Stan Frith being this week’s focus of attention…
“Do not beat anyone to zero”, “If a bad bowl gets hit, don’t ask for it back”, “Introducing yourself at the start of a game with a shake of hands”.
These are unwritten rules in crown green bowling that hint at a sport where sportsmanship is fundamental to it.
Other things that happen just show off the real class of an opponent.
One memorable moment for me was, during a national competition with local qualifiers, my first game was at Wharton Cons against Stan Frith.
Even though Stan could not compete in the next round, he got up on a Sunday morning just to ensure I had a chance to bowl. Such sportsmanship is rare and has always stayed with me.
Q: What age did you start bowling?
Stan: Left school in 1954 and joined ICI Winnington, in the research department. Aged 17, started playing in my lunch hour.
Q: Who or what inspired you to start bowling?
Stan: A works colleague and bowler, Herbert Buckley nicknamed (Major), encouraged me to start playing league bowling, aged 18, at The Farmers Arms, Rudheath, alongside my best mate Peter Hayes (Squibber) who was also a workmate.
Q: What was your first home green?
Stan: Farmers Arms, Rudheath (1957 to 1980) - the happiest days of my bowling career, both on the green and socially. I will never forget any of them.
I moved to Owley Wood, Weaverham, in 1980 and spent many happy years there. Owley Wood No1 green has everything for a crown green bowler. Apart from its immaculate condition, it has every type of mark you would wish to play.
Q: Can you remember your first set of bowls?
Stan: They were 2lb 10oz Lignum Vitae Thomas Taylor 2’s Full. I got them from Wilsons Sports Outfitters (Northwich). Second set were 2lb 10oz plastic, Thomas Taylor Lo-den- Deluxe – slightly modified (half a bowl strong).
Q: Can you remember your first ever league match?
Stan: I don't remember my first home or away league match, but I do recall playing at Farmers Arms against Percy Wilkes (Cheshire and Davenham captain) and losing 21-18.
Q: If you did not win your first ever league match, can you remember when and where you first won a league match?
Stan: Played Fred Dodd – Winsford Libs – won 21-4.
Q: The first team you played for consistently, as a team did you ever win promotion or a cup?
Stan: The Farmers Arms won the Brunner Cup in 1972 and 1978. They won the Littler Cup in 1961 and secured the Whitby Cup in 1980.
Q: When you started playing in league competitions, when did you first play in a final? What age were you?
Stan: In 1968, myself and Peter Hayes (Squibber) were Pogson Pairs winners. I then played with Keith Birkett in this competition and we went on to win the cup in 1972, 1973, 1983, 1989. We travelled many miles together successfully over the years.
Q: What was the first major competition you entered outside the Mid Cheshire area and which did you first win?
Stan: July 1966 – Cheshire individual Merit - beat Derek Kirkham 21-8.
Q: When did you play your first county match and do any other county matches stand out for you?
Stan: 1960 Cheshire under 23s v Lancashire under 23s), won 21- 5. 1961 Cheshire (under 23s) v Lancashire (under 23s), played Brian Duncan and won 21-15.
At senior level, 1962 – Cheshire v Yorkshire – beat Ken Johnson 21-18; 1963 Cheshire v Yorkshire, beat Brian Armitage 21-1. Selected on reserve but came on at number 12 and played Brian Armitage the Yorkshire captain.
Q: Stan: Have you ever played for a county other than Cheshire?
Started playing crown green bowls for Cheshire in 1960, but played for Lancashire Indoor in the winter (1970 – 1980).
Q: Who were your toughest opponents…both on a national level and local level?
Stan: Brian Duncan, Graeme Wilson, Bob Hitchen nationally, Ken Winnington, Glynn Cookson, Eric Duncan locally
Q: Over the years I am sure you have had many card markers, good and bad... who was (is) the best for you?
Stan: Undoubtedly, my father– in–law Cyril Forster – nicknamed ‘Bud’.
Q: What is your proudest achievement in bowls?
Stan: Winning the ‘Grand Slam of Crown Green Bowls’ in 1983 - CGBA All England (August), Waterloo Champion (September), Champion of Champions (September).
Q: Which bowler(s) would you pay to watch bowl currently? And which bowler(s) of the past did you enjoy watching?
Stan: I like to watch Castle Sports in the Brunner Cup. Bowlers over the years: Brian Duncan, Norman Fletcher, Vernon Lee, Bob Hitchen, Arthur Murray, Brian Prolze, Charlie Tattersall, Tony Poole, Barry Booth, Martin Gilpin, Keith Birkett, Arthur Land.
Q: In your opinion, what have been the biggest changes in bowls as a sport and with bowlers over the years?
Stan: In recent years lack of TV coverage has been a major factor in the game going into a recession, greens closed, decrease in new players especially at junior level.
Pre 2000 televised competitions have all gone: the Bass Masters, Granada Classic, BBC Pairs, Champion of Champions, Waterloo Handicap.
All these competitions attracted adults and juniors to the game, consequently greens have closed and new bowlers, especially juniors, have sadly decreased.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to a new bowler?
Stan: I would certainly recommend ‘coaching’ as a priority. I spent many hours coaching under the BCGBA and travelled hundreds of miles before qualifying as a national coach.
Q: What advice would you give to a bowler wanting to improve their game?
Stan: Coaching, practice, concentration always, especially in a competitive game. Make sure the bowls fit nicely into your hands, so you can handle them on all distances. Practice all distances and types of marks.
Q: What is your funniest bowls memory?
Stan: During a county game a teammate slipped on the wet green and, lying flat on his back, lifted his head and watched his bowl win the end. He signalled one to win the end and the game, while still lying flat on his back!
Q: If you were to pick your best team of eight bowlers to play at home, past or present, who would be on your team?
Stan: Brian Duncan, Arthur Murray, Jack Hunt, Bob Hitchen, Graeme Wilson, Glynn Cookson, Roy Nicholson, Gary Ellis
Q: Are you aware of videos available of your bowling on the internet?
Stan: Waterloo Handicap, September 1983, at youtube.com/watch?v=D0nODSfSxKg
Also, semi-final and final of the BCGBA ‘Champion of Champions’ 1983 - semi-final 21-18 against Norman Fletcher; final 21-20 against Noel Burrows. Two cracking games came from 18-14 down in both games. Crowd capacity was 4,000-5,000, brilliant atmosphere, and my dad was there which made my day: youtube.com/watch?v=8kIK6p9vAXo
Q: Reflecting on your bowling career could you or do you have any ideas on how to introduce new people to the game?
Stan: I believe that coaching could attract new players at all levels, juniors and seniors. If the lessons were free to all ages and were well advertised and well organised and if the response was positive, I am sure that seasoned players would give up their time on a Saturday or Sunday morning, for an hour or two, to help with coaching.
