I OBITUARIES

Ex- star dies The Viking'bids BOWLERS from Wiltshire turned career, and played for England also lives in Wiltshire and who farewell up at Semington Crematorium outdoors from 1966 to 1975, regarded Cliff as a guide and BRIAN Thomas (58) suffered between Melksham and but it was as a member of the mentor, said: "Cliff recently a cardiac arrest while Trowbridge to pay their respects Christie Miller club, where he asked if Bowls England would representing Aberdare against to one of the most respected was a life member, he obtained like to display his World Bowls Blaenrhondda at the end of 'Moonrakers' of all time. international honours indoors gold medal and other items in April. London-born Cliff Stroud, between 1971 and 1973. their collection of memorabilia, He died despite the attentions who represented Trowbridge He won the Wiltshire county and I intend to present them of a paramedic, an ambulance Westbourne, Wiltshire and singles twice -1964 and 1966 - and to Tony Allcock at the next BE crew and the efforts of the England with distinction, would completed a notable double in board meeting." Wales Air Ambulance Service. have celebrated his 100th both those years by also winning David Bryant said: "I first met Known affectionately as birthday later this year, but died the fours for good measure. Cliff in the 1950's, and we got 'The Viking,' Brian was also at the end of March. The furthest he went in the on like a house on fire. He was a member of the Harlequins A stylish and consistent player, national championships was a first-class player and a fine club and was a bowls fanatic. he made key contributions when he reached the semi• ambassador for bowls. He was Having recently been elected in the 'engine room' when finals of the triples in 1966, but a close friend of mine and I will as club vice-captain, he had England struck fours gold at the his value as a reliable drawing miss him." captained Aberdare against 1972 World Championships in player was recognised by the Abercynon just five days Worthing. Playing second, he national selectors, who named Below: Cliff competes against Ireland earlier. built on the good work of the for the 1970 Commonwealth in 1972 An Aberdare clubmate said: late Norman King at lead, and Games and the 1972 World England- Ted Hayward, Cliff Stroud, "Brian played for Aberdare and set up favourable positions outdoor championships. Norman King, Peter Line. his heart was in the town. for the back-end duo of Ted Bowls England's director of Ireland- Gerry Sloan, Jimmy Dennison, "He loved the game of bowls, Billie Tate, Tom Kennedy Hayward and Peter Line. finance, Howard Pryse, who played darts and skittles The England quartet hit the and was very generous to headlines in their last match charities." against the highly-rated South He leaves a wife, Barbara, Africans, skipped by Doug two sons, Luke and Saul, and Watson, which they needed to two grandchildren, Jake and win to be sure of finishing in top Tyler. spot in what, in those days, was a gruelling 'round robin' event - no finals or medal play-offs in those days! Cliff took up bowls in 1954 after leaving the Army, where he was a PTI. He was a member of the Trowbridge Westbourne club for most of his bowls Brian with his wife Barbara Top Kiwi bowler remembered PHIL Skoglund, one of New as New Zealand's 'Mr Bowls.' hid a warm and generous WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Zealand's greatest bowlers, who Arguably, Phil outdid their personality, and, according to his 1980 (Frankston) - pairs and fours died in April, will be remembered achievements. He was, at twenty, peers, he was one of the best skips bronze fondly by bowlers all over the New Zealand's youngster-ever to play for. 1984 () - fours silver world after collecting an impressive singles champion, he won A reminder that bowls is a family 1988 () - Triples gold and haul of medals from world outdoor eight medals at World and sport, Phil's son, Phil Skoglund fours silver and Commonwealth level, and, in 1988, Jnr, is also a fine bowler, who has championships between 1974 and he was granted the Order of the represented New Zealand on a 1990. British Empire for services to bowls. number of occasions. Blessed with an exaggerated The pinnacle of his achievements New Zealand stalwart Ian Birch back-swing that experts decreed came in 1988, when he skipped Ian said: "Phil was one of the finest was hardly suited to the fast greens Dickison and Morgan Moffat to the bowlers ever produced in New of the southern hemisphere, triples gold, and , Zealand. Apart from the OBE Skoglund's right arm would Dickison and Moffat to the fours he received in 1988, he was descend at speed from a lofty, silver in the World Championships inducted into the NZ 'Sports Hall overhead position, then de-celerate at the Henderson club in Auckland. of Fame,' and was installed as a before dispatch, which was as He also competed in the World 'Legend' in the NZ 'Bowls Hall of smooth as silk. Indoor Singles championship when Fame.' His father, also named Philip, was the event was still being staged in a Minister of the Crown, and his Coatbridge and he was runner-up SKOGLUND'S MEDAL HAUL uncle, Thomas T 'Pete' Skoglund, to Tony Allcock in 1986. COMMONWEALTH GAMES skipped a Kiwi quartet to a bronze Skoglund, who died at the age 1974 () - pairs bronze medal in the 1950 Commonwealth of 77, had an almost intimidating 1978 (Edmonton) - fours silver Games in Auckland and was known presence, but his granite exterior 1990 (Auckland) - fours bronze Skoglund in action

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