Hertfordshire were well represented at the main ESMBA National Finals which were held at the Melton Mowbray Indoor Bowls Club from Thursday 11th April to Sunday 14th April 2019. Hertfordshire entered their full allocation of teams in all disciplines.
The Singles Finals were held on Thursday 11th April and Herts were represented by Denis Mack, Alan Spicer and Tony Gayler. Denis was in excellent form, winning two of his three Group matches and progressing to the first knock-out round. Although he played well, Denis was knocked out at this stage by Andrew Beard from E Sussex who went on to the quarter-finals. Tony won one of his Group matches and Alan drew one of his.
On Friday 12th April, Herts had three teams in the Pairs Finals: Brian McGivern & Alan Spicer; Jeanette & Tony Gayler; and Jeff Branch & Sam Salmon. Brian and Alan won one of their three Group matches and finished in third place. Jeanette and Tony also won one of their matches finishing third as well. Unfortunately Jeff and Sam couldn't find the form they showed at the Over-55s Pairs Finals two weeks ago and lost all three of their Group matches, finishing fourth. No one from Hertfordshire went on to the knock-out rounds.
The Fours Finals were held on Saturday 13th April and Hertfordshire fielded three teams: Herts Team 1: Martin Nash, Alan Spicer, Michael West and, skip, Brian McGivern; Team 2: Audrey Fowler, Jill Quarterman, Robin Quarterman and their skip, Brian Fowler; Team 3: Bill Durham, Jeff Branch, Jeanette Gayler and, skip, Tony Gayler. All three teams finished 3rd in their Group matches, Brian McGivern's and Tony Gayler's fours winning one, drawing one and losing one match each. Brian's team missed out on second place and progression to the first knock-out round on shot difference only. Brian Fowler's team won one of their three Group matches. None of the Herts' fours teams managed to get through to the first knock-out round.
Hertfordshire had two teams in the Triples Championship which were held on Sunday 14th April: Team 1 Audrey Fowler, Denis Mack & Brian Fowler; Team 2 Barry Thorogood, Val Thorogood & Jill Quarterman. Unfortunately both teams were drawn in strong groups and finished fourth. Barry, Val and Jill managed to win one of their games but Audrey, Denis and Brian lost all theirs. Hence, neither team made the knock-out rounds.
Although Herfordshire did not have too much success to boast about with only 2 teams managing to get through the Group stages, all teams involved in the National Finals had a very enjoyable and instructive time and were a credit to the County. Well done to all who took part!