01/09/2025
The Ken Booth Classic 2025 – Grand Final
Well… what can we say? We’ve just about dried out after what can only be described as horrendous conditions for finals night. Of all the evenings for the weather to turn, it had to be the biggest one! After seven of the eight qualifying nights were played in glorious sunshine, we were hoping the weather gods would smile on us for the grand final. Sadly, it wasn’t to be.
The rain and blustery winds tried their best to spoil the occasion, but the players carried on regardless and the 2025 Ken Booth Classic came to a close in true battling spirit. Thankfully, the skies cleared for most of the final itself, giving us a fitting conclusion.
Although the weather kept some of our usual large crowd away, the die-hards turned out in force—and we can’t thank you enough for braving the conditions and supporting the players.
A huge congratulations goes to Chris Kelly of Thongsbridge BC, who was crowned the new champion. That’s three years of the competition and three different names on the trophy—proof of just how open and competitive this event has become. One of the highlights of the evening was Chris’s touching speech in tribute to the late Ken Booth, which truly summed up the spirit of the competition. Chris now qualifies for the BCGBA Champion of Champions later this month, and we'd like to wish Chris all the very best for then. 🏆
Greg Smith added to his night’s winnings by taking home the highest break prize, thanks to a 14 break in his last-16 match.
Another big talking point was the fantastic showing from the juniors. Sam Blackstone, Ashley Walton and Charlie Fisher all qualified for the finals, with two making it as far as the quarter-finals. With bowls often struggling to attract younger players, this was a brilliant sign for the future.
We’d like to thank absolutely everyone who played a part this year—from the bowlers who entered (and the many reserves who stepped in) to the tireless team working behind the scenes. Most people only see a few names and faces on competition night, but there is a huge amount of unseen effort, and we’re so grateful for it all.
This year also saw our biggest prize pot to date, made possible thanks to our sponsors. We welcomed two new event sponsors, Nexus Corporate Solutions Limited and RE Arnett Engineering, alongside our ever-present supporters: Encirc Glass, Yorkshire Repak Ltd, and Ryan Lysons Ins Services Ltd. Your support means the world, and without you, the Ken Booth Classic simply wouldn't be what it is today. ❤️
A special mention also goes to Melvin Axe, Alan Greig, the Booth family, and AWBC for their continued financial support, hard work and commitment. ❤️
We’re almost certain we’ll have missed some names—it’s been a long build-up and an even longer finals night! But please know how much we appreciate every contribution, big or small.
Despite the testing conditions for players and spectators alike, we hope everyone enjoyed the evening. Hopefully, we’ll be back next year—bigger and better once again. But for now, it’s time for a well-earned rest.
Congratulations once more to Chris Kelly—and commiserations to Josh.
Pictures of The Ken Booth Classic Champion 2025, Chris Kelly with competition organiser Mark Booth and 2 of our event sponsors, Lee & Nicola from Nexus Coporate Solution and Ryan from Ryan Lysons Insurance Services.
