Martin Puckett Club Celebration

 Dorchester Bowls Club held a Celebration Party to honour the achievements of Martin Puckett, the England International bowler who plays for the County Town Club.  Martin has had an incredible run of success in the last 18 months or so.  In March 2022 Martin won the England National Bowls Championship, defeating top bowlers such as Sam Tolchard and Nick Brett on his way to the title as well as finishing runner-up in the two wood version of this event.  

This success qualified Martin to play in, and win, the British Isles Championship earlier this year before he was selected, along with Kirsty Hembrow, to represent England at the World Bowls Indoor Championship held at Warilla Bowls Club in New South Wales, Australia.  Martin played brilliantly during his time in Australia as he gained a bronze medal for both the Men’s Singles (being narrowly defeated by eventual winner Australia’s Aron Sherriff after a superb game of bowls) and the Mixed Pairs, along with partner Kirsty.  Martin was accompanied to the Celebration by his wife Katherine, nine month old son William as well as his parents and grand-parents.  Martin was delighted that his World Mixed Partner, Kirsty Hembrow was also able to come along.  Kirsty – a Somerset bowler who plays at the Ilminster Club – has herself had a tremendous year having won the National Mixed Pairs Championship in February along with brother Levi.  

A packed Clubhouse enjoyed chatting with Martin, who gave his thanks to Dorchester Bowls Club for providing such a friendly, well-organised environment in which to ply his trade.  Martin is, of course, still a young man - just 30 years of age -so we can look forward to enjoying his successes for many years to come.

Photos by Linda Hill.