Barnet League Week Seventeen
Division one
In the battle of the Shillington’s, Reds team of Tom, Carol and Neil played Blacks triple of Julia, Toni and Bill. Black got this game started with a tremendous triple, they followed this with a second triple and a single before Reds got on the scoresheet with a double, they followed this with a single and a double it was three ends each but Black had the lead at 7 – 5. Black then took the mat again taking two successive doubles for a six shot lead. With the following two ends going for a single apiece Black were maintaining their six shot lead. Reds now halved the gap by taking a triple on end eleven. Blacks held a single but with Reds taking a single and a double they had reduced Blacks lead to one shot with one end to play. The last end saw Black take a double for their second win of the season at 15 – 12.
Greenwood Hawks Bill, Val and Barry played top of the table Northiam East’s Martin, Mike and Jan, Hawks took the first end for a single, East came straight back for a double, following this with a single and two doubles they were leading 7 – 1 after five ends. Hawks then stepped it up a gear, starting with a double and following up with two triples and a single they had turned the tables and had a 9 – 7 lead after eight ends. Both teams then held a single. Hawks increased their lead by taking a triple on end eleven only to see it matched by East on end twelve. Hawks dug in, taking a single followed by a double and a final single Hawks increased their lead and took the win at 17 – 11.
Division two
Harpenden Eagles Beryl, Denise and Trevor played first place St Margaret’s Mercury’s Terri, Steven and Roger. Mercury started with a double and Eagles replied with a single. Mercury then took a triple followed by a four for a 9 – 1 lead after only four ends. Eagles held end five for a single but Mercury came back again for a single and a double. End eight saw two bowls sitting on the jack for a tied end giving Mercury a reasonable lead at 12 – 2. Eagles then started a comeback taking a four followed by a double they had reduced Mercury’s lead to four shots. Mercury stepped up and pulled back in front with a double and a single. With the following two ends going for a single apiece Mercury had the lead at 16 – 9 going into the last end. Eagles fought hard on the last end and held onto a triple however, Mercury had the win at 16 – 12.
St Margaret’s Mars team which included John and Derek, but no third member is listed on the card played Cuffley Gin’s Paul, Jen and Ann. With only ‘two’ Players Mars started by taking a single and two doubles. Gin got rolling taking singles on ends four and five. Mars then held a double but with Gin holding a triple on end seven they were slowly narrowing the gap. They followed this with two singles and had pulled it back to seven all after nine ends. Mars held a single on end ten but with Gin holding a tremendous four on end eleven they had taken the lead for the first time in this game. Mars fought straight back, taking a triple on end twelve it was all square again at eleven all. Gin then held a double on end thirteen and their first win of the season was in their grasp. The penultimate end saw our Mars ‘pair’ Step it up again, holding a double of their own it was all square again going into the last end. In this closely fought game Mars held on to the last end for a final double taking the win at 15 – 13.
Northiam East are maintaining their top spot in Division one. However with the two teams below them having games in hand, this lead may not last long. With Shillington Red now joining their teammates at the bottom of the table it looks like both Shillington teams could be in the second division next season. St Margaret’s Mercury’s win reinforces their top spot in Division two and their promotion to Division one looks more likely. Although Cuffley Gin are yet to win a game this season, this week’s game has been their strongest showing to date. With three more matches to play there is still time to get a win this season. Next week sees Shillington Red play Greenwood Peckers, Will Red lift themselves out of the relegation zone or will Peckers get the win and take top spot. The second Division sees Cuffley Gin take on Letchworth Tigers. Will this be Gin’s week or will Tigers reinforce their second position and their likelihood of promotion. Look in again next week for more highs and lows in the next episode of our fascinating Barnet League competition.