HONG KONG—Craigengower Cricket Club secured their first top-flight title in 22 years after registering their seventh 8-0 victory of the season last weekend, Oct 15.
This is the 26th top flight title CCC has won since the lawn bowls league was inaugurated in 1910 and further strengthened their position as the winner of the most titles, followed by Club de Recreio (18) and Kowloon Cricket Club (17).
Before the penultimate game last Saturday, CCC were leading second-placed Kowloon Cricket Club by 11 points. They needed 6 points from the match against Tuen Mun Sports Association (TMSA) to take the title, their first since 1994.
TMSA were the only team to record an 8-0 victory against CCC throughout the season.
Last Saturday’s game was tight but two of the CCC rinks kept their composure and came from behind to take the 8-0 to win the title, with a game to spare.
KCC in 2nd place beat the B team of Kowloon Bowling Green Club 2-6, but that was not enough to bridge the gap.
Now the title race is decided, all eyes are on the relegation battle. Hong Kong Cricket Club will fight with KBGC-B to avoid joining already-relegated Island Lawn Bowls Club in Division 2 next season.
KBGC-B lead HKCC by 5 points and they will both play away from home against mid-tabled teams in their last game.
The men’s league will give way to the ladies this weekend to allow them to complete their final matches. The final game of the men will be played on Oct 29.
Women
In the women’s Premier League, defending champion Hong Kong Football Club’s quest for their 10th consecutive title officially ended when they suffered their 3rd consecutive 6-2 defeat. The title will now be taken by Shatin Sports Association or Kowloon Cricket Club.
STSA is currently leading the table by 5 points and need a draw at Indian Recreation Club to achieve their first ever Premier League title. The team has been the runners-up for the last two seasons.
Second-placed KCC will play away at already- relegated Seabird Sports Club.
Indian Recreation Club, Club de Recerio and Kowloon Bowling Green Club will be fighting for their survival in the final match of the season.
All games will start at 3:00 pm this Saturday.
Claudius Lam is an officer of the Hong Kong Lawn Bowls Association.
