On Saturday, August 9th, Johnny Vegas and The Steve Prescott Foundation once again joined forces to host the PSD Vehicle Rental Johnny Vegas Celebrity Bowls in association with Bartons Pickles. The event, celebrating its 10th anniversary, drew a massive crowd excited to witness 16 celebrities from TV, theatre, football, and rugby league compete on the crown green, all in memory of Johnny's father, Lol Pennington.
Before the tournament even began, members of the public participated in an online auction, raising an incredible £6,000 to support the SPF and continue the great mans legacy.
The first round kicked off with a spirited match between St. Helens RLFC Chairman Eamonn McManus and Leigh Leopards Derek Beaumont, with Derek and his partner Richard Mathias emerging victorious. However, they faced elimination in the next round. The most thrilling contest in the first round featured Johnny Vegas squaring off against Hollyoaks actor Ashley Taylor Dawson. The intense match ended in a narrow defeat for Johnny, with Ashley triumphing 13-12. This outcome left Johnny eager for redemption, calling out for skilled crown green bowlers willing to bid for a chance to play alongside him in the next year’s event. Ashley, though spent from their contest, fell short in the following round.
The grand final featured two rugby league legends, Gary Connolly and his partner Martyn Shaw against LMS with Tony Korny, who showcased remarkable skill throughout the tournament. Ultimately, Tony’s expertise proved decisive, leading LMS and Tony to lift the Lol Pennington Memorial Cup amidst cheers from the home crowd.
The true winners of the day were The Steve Prescott Foundation and its beneficiaries, The Christie Charity and Rugby League Benevolent Fund (Rugby League Cares).
Martin Blondel expressed immense gratitude, stating, “It was a remarkable day played in a phenomenal spirit in tribute to Lol Pennington and Steve Prescott MBE. We are deeply thankful to everyone who contributed to this event, which reflects our community coming together during these challenging times.”
We would like to thank our incredible sponsors PSD Vehicle Rental Group, Barton’s Pickles, Glassbond North West, Taylor Bowls, Vinyline Graphics and Bubble Customised Clothing, whose generosity made the event possible. The day was filled with entertainment from Ukes 3a, 99th Garrison, St Helens Classic Cars, and John Gripton All The Gear No Idea, plus offerings from 15 stall holders with unique and diverse goods.
A big thank you goes to the referees, the army of volunteers, and the SPF committee members, MC Fraser Dainton, quite simply we could not put on an event like this without you, you are all truly remarkable selfless people.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the St Helens Gala on August 30th at #TheHalo Totally Wicked Stadium. Tickets are selling fast, and we look forward to seeing the community come together once more for another spectacular event!”
Tickets available here https://www.totallywickedstadium.com/gala/
Incredible pictures provided by Bryan Fowler 🙌🏻
