Police Lawn Bowls Club celebrates Centenary
The guest-of-honour was Acting Commissioner Tang King-shing, who presented trophies to Police A Team, the champions, Kowloon Cricket Club, first runner-up, and United Services Recreation Club, second runner-up.
The Club's Patron, retired officer Ian Tyzzer, flew in from Vancouver to take part in the celebrations. A parallel Club competition was played at the PSRC, with the finals at POC. The day was rounded off with an evening barbecue provided by Sodhexo at POC.
Police Bowls started 100 years ago as the Police Recreation Club on the site of the Craigengower Cricket Club in Happy Valley. The bowlers made their first major impression by winning the Hong Kong National First Division Championship title for three consecutive years from 1910 to 1912. The Club went through various changes over the years and at one time there were two police teams, one based at POC and the other at PSRC. They also took the club names as their titles, i.e. POC A team and PSRC A Team. They were eventually combined into the Royal Hong Kong Police Bowling Club and then in 1997 the "Royal" was dropped from the name.
Police Lawn Bowls Club returned to their former glory in 1997 by winning the Hong Kong Premier League Men's First Division Championship and, having tasted victory, returned in 1999, 2001 and 2004 to take the title again.
The key to the team's success was a concerted effort, whereby all players are important components, who can support each other when the going gets tough.
The Force has had many good players and many of them have transferred to other clubs where they have all done very well. The Force has also provided players for the Hong Kong National Team and representatives have visited many countries to take part in international competitions. This is a fine tradition and reflects well on the high standards achieved.
Over the years the Police Team has used various logos. Departing from the traditional design, the new logo features hands shaking to symbolise sportsmanship and friendship, as well as leaves to represent peace and harmony.
Force lawn bowlers have made a strong comeback