Hello to all our Barnet League followers in this, our last match week of 2024. We had five games scheduled for Hatfield this Tuesday but unfortunately one was cancelled due to illness. How will the remaining four games affect our league table? Read on to find out.
Mat one had Shillington Black’s Paul, Tony and Julia playing Harpenden Eagles’ Beryl, Denise and Brian. Eagles started well this week, flying high they took three singles before Black could get a look in with a single on end four. Eagles came straight back, taking their fourth end with another single for a 4 – 1 lead. Blacks then pushed hard and took the lead with a four on end six. Eagles came back for a fifth single but Blacks attacked again taking a triple and a double for a 10 – 5 lead after nine ends. Eagles flew high and reduced their deficit with a four on end ten. Blacks instantly replied with a single for an 11 – 9 lead with four ends to go. Eagles pushed and drew level with a double on twelve. They then took the lead with a second double and followed this with a triple to be 16 – 11 up with one end to play. Blacks ditched the jack on the last end but only managed to hold a single giving Eagles the win at 16 – 12.
Mat two had Shillington Red’s Derek, Michelle and Trevor playing our table leaders Greenwood Peckers Brian F, Wendy and Mark. Reds started well, taking the lead with a triple on the first end. Peckers got their heads down and matched Reds triple on end two then took the lead with a single followed by a double and a second single. Reds fought back by taking a double on end six to be only 5 – 7 down. Peckers got going again, taking three more ends they had a 13 – 5 lead. Reds took a double on end ten but Peckers increased the pressure by taking a four on the next end. Reds came back again, taking their third double on end ten. Peckers reply was to take a triple and increase their score to 20 – 9. The Reds took a single on the penultimate end but Peckers showed why they top our table by finishing the game with a double for a 22 – 10 win.
St Margaret’s Mars Tony, Paul and Derek played Potters Bar Kestrels Bernice, Pam and Mike on mat three. Mars started with a triple and followed that with a single. Kestrels then got started by taking two singles. Mars replied with a single but then applied some pressure by taking a four followed by a third single and a triple for a 13 – 2 lead after eight ends. With the following two ends going for a single apiece Mars were retaining their eleven-shot lead. Kestrels pushed again and took the following two ends for singles. Mars got going again taking the last three ends for a double and two singles they had the win at 18 – 5.
Mat four had two of our top five teams battling it out for second place. We had Letchworth Lions Andrew, Margaret and Alan H playing Northiam East’s Mike, Martin and Jeff. Lions roared and started with a tremendous five. East regrouped and took a single only to see that matched by Lions on end three. East then took a second single but with Lions holding a double on end five they had an 8 – 2 lead after five ends. East now got some direction and took a triple on end six, they followed this with a single then took the lead with the second five of this game. Lions roared again, taking a single followed by a triple they had the lead back at 12 – 11 after ten ends. East got back on the mat and regained the lead with a double. Lions pushed again, taking a triple the lead had switched again. East tried to restore their lead on end thirteen, they held a single but Lions were ahead at 15 – 14. The last two ends saw Lions roar again and go in for the kill, they started by taking the third five of this game and finished with a double for a 22 – 14 win.
Well, going into our Christmas break the top of our table has been shaken up with Lions regaining the second spot. How long can they stay there? With the two teams below them having games in hand next year we will see more movement amongst these three with Shillington Black close on their heels. St Margaret’s Mars win moves them up the table to sixth place with their stable mates Mercury very close in seventh. When we return after the festivities on the 07th January Lions have a rest week, can they hold on to that second spot? See you all next year when this exciting contest will continue.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our bowlers be you Barnet League players or just followers of our match reports