2025 BCGBA Champion-of-Champions

Bowling News

***BCGBA 'Champion of Champions' Weekend***

Ashley Wellings Crowned 2025 BCGBA Men’s Champion of Champions!!!

Owley Wood Recreation Club in Northwich played host to one of crown green bowls’ blue-riband events on Saturday 27th September 2025 — the BCGBA Men’s Champion of Champions. The annual showpiece, which brings together winners of the sport’s most prestigious competitions, always delivers drama, quality bowling, and that unique mix of camaraderie and competitive edge that defines our sport.

This year’s edition was no different, and by the end of a long day of top-class action, it was Shropshire’s Ash Wellings (Naz Worthington qualifier) who emerged as the newly crowned Champion of Champions. Ash’s name now sits proudly alongside some of the biggest legends of the game, his victory secured with a commanding 21-6 win in the final over Anthony Walker (Castle Sports Open). It was a day of tension, skill, weather-watching, and above all celebration of everything that makes crown green bowls so special.

Once again, Owley Wood proved to be an excellent venue. Both greens were immaculately prepared and drew praise from players and spectators alike. Over 500 spectators flocked through the gates, and the atmosphere was vibrant all day. Families, friends, and bowling aficionados lined the banks, with a buzzing atmosphere throughout the day.

The weather, as often the case in late September, kept everyone guessing. For most of the day the sun and cloud played nicely together, allowing for perfect bowling conditions. But just as the Semi-Finals concluded, the skies darkened, and the Final was played in steady rain. Did that dampen the crowd’s spirits? Not at all — if anything, it added to the theatre, with umbrellas going up and everyone watching a champion crowned in gritty conditions.

With such a stacked field, the early rounds produced mouth-watering clashes from the very start. The crowd swelled around Green Two for the much-anticipated First Round showdown between Callum Wraight and Gareth Coates. Gareth burst out of the blocks, opening up a 6-chalk lead and putting the pressure firmly on Callum. True to form, Callum fought back strongly in the later stages, but Gareth held his nerve brilliantly to seal a memorable victory and book his place in Round Two.

There was drama across both greens. James Hanson (Yorkshire) edged out Scott Simpson in one of the matches of the round, finally clinching it 21-19 in a contest that swung one way then the other. Meanwhile, Lee Brown (Potteries & District) also survived a nail-biter, overcoming Danny Barwise 21-19 to squeeze into the next stage.

Other notable early performances included Ashley Wellings safely negotiating his tricky tie against Kerry Morris (Jack & Jean Isherwood) 21-20, and Chris Kelly (Isle of Man Tourism – June) showing his class to defeat Sam Sam Enos Millward (Dennis Lewis Open) 21-18. With such tight battles right from the off, it was clear we were in for a great Champion of Champions event.

By the Last 16 the standard of bowling had got better and better. The crowd were treated to a feast of high-quality matches, and several stood out. John Bailey (Bridgewater Open) held his nerve in a thriller, just edging Tommy Johnstone (Cheshire) 21-20 in one of the tightest games of the day. Ash Wellings came through another testing encounter, beating Paul Dudley (Fleetwood Festival) 21-19 after being pushed all the way. Anthony Walker (Castle Sports Open) was starting to look ominous, defeating James Wilcox (Weston Park Trophy) 21-17. At the same time, Ryan Prosser (Triplex Super 64) produced a solid performance to eliminate Lee Brown 21-15.

Into the Quarter-Finals, the matches carried even more bite. Walker overcame James Hanson 21-16, while Bailey produced some of his smoothest bowls to dispatch Ian Wassell 21-12. Wellings stepped up another gear, crushing Andy Saunders (Warwick & Worcester) 21-7 in one of the day’s most dominant displays, while Prosser saw off Chris Kelly 21-15. It set up two high-quality Semi-Finals that had the spectators licking their lips.

The first Semi-Final saw Anth Walker clash with John Bailey. Both men had shown superb form all day, but it was Walker who kept finding the telling woods, edging in front and never quite letting Bailey back into it. He sealed his spot in the Final with a 21-16 win, and the Castle Sports winner looked full of confidence.

In the second Semi-Final, Wellings took on Ryan Prosser in a fascinating battle. Prosser had been one of the most consistent performers on the day, but Ash showed why he has long been tipped as a future Champion. In a see-saw match that had the crowd on edge, Wellings dug deep to win 21-18, booking his place in the Final and guaranteeing Shropshire representation in the showpiece.

And so the final was set: Ant Walker vs Ash Wellings. Unfortunately for the players, the heavens opened just as they walked onto the green. Rain poured down steadily throughout, but the crowd — undeterred — huddled under coats, umbrellas, and gazebos to witness the climax of the tournament.

If there were any fears that the weather might spoil the spectacle, Wellings soon dispelled them. From the very first end, he looked in complete control. His length judgement in the wet was immaculate, his striking crisp, and his temperament rock solid. Walker, who had bowled so well all day, simply couldn’t find an answer to the relentless pressure. End after end, Wellings built his lead, and before long the scoreboard told the story: 21-6. It was a commanding, almost flawless performance — the kind that marks out a true Champion of Champions. As the final wood was sent down, soaked supporters roared their approval, and Ash Wellings raised his arms in triumph.

For Wellings, this victory is about more than just a trophy. It cements his place in the sport’s history. To win the Champion of Champions is to join a roll of honour that reads like a who’s who of crown green greats, and Ash has fully earned his place there. His composure, his quality under pressure, and the way he grew stronger with every round all spoke volumes about his character and talent.

For Shropshire bowls, too, this is a proud moment. The County has produced many fine players over the years, and Wellings’ triumph adds another chapter to that rich story.

Beyond the individual success, the 2025 Champion of Champions was another shining advert for crown green bowls. The superb organisation, the immaculate greens, the lively crowd of over 500, and the sportsmanship shown by every player made it a day to savour. From nail-biting First Round encounters to the rain-soaked Final, it showcased everything we love about the sport: skill, tension, camaraderie, and the thrill of competition.

So, as the lights dimmed on Owley Wood Recreation Club and supporters headed home damp but smiling, the 2025 Champion of Champions was etched into memory. The day had given us drama, quality, and above all a new name on the famous trophy.

Congratulations, Ash Wellings — 2025 BCGBA Men’s Champion of Champions. A worthy winner, a popular champion, and a good lad as well

[Report provided by BCGBA]

Coming Next: Finals Day Matchday Scoreboard Coming Tomorrow: The BCGBA Ladies Champion-of-Champions Matchday Report