A number of players from Hertfordshire descended on the Potter's Resort at Hopton-on-Sea for a 4-day Bowls Tournament and many came away successful, winning cash prizes.
Five Hertfordshire players reached the knock-out stages of the Singles competition. Unfortunately Jeff Branch, who had won all his round-robin games lost in the preliminary knock-out round, but Alexis & Dennis Mack, Robin Quarterman and Brian Fowler all reached the quarter finals where they were drawn against each other, with Robin winning over Alexis, and Denis beating Brian. Dennis restored family honour in the semi-finals by beating Robin by one point in a very close and exciting match. Dennis then went on to win the singles out-right by beating the favourite, Simon Briggs, in the Final. Well done Dennis!
Although three Hertfordshire teams were successful in the "round-robin" phase of the pairs competition, Mick Thrush & Sam Salmon, and Brian & Audrey Fowler, lost their first KO round matches. However, Hertfordshire spirits were maintained by Tony & Jeanette Gayler who managed to reach the semi-finals!
There was more success in the Triples competition. Against stiff opposition, five Hertfordshire (or mainly Hertfordshire) teams won through to the Knock-out stages. Dennis & Alexis Mack and Malcolm Petrie drew their first round match but unfortunately lost the extra end! Again the other four Herts teams were drawn against each other! Val Thorogood, Keith Darvell and Colin Jones managed to beat Tony & Jeanette Gayler and Lyn Forster in their quarter-final game; and Brian Fowler, Robin Quarterman and John Donlevan (from Hampshire) won their match against Audrey Fowler, Jill Quarterman and Jeanette Donlevan. Once more the two Herts teams were drawn against each other in the semi-final with Brian, Robin and John winning through to the final. Although they were up against strong opposition, Brian, Robin and John maintained their excellent form to win the Final by 11 shots to 4 with an end to spare!
A very enjoyable and successful week was had by all the Hertfordshire bowlers!