Well here we are week twenty six and it’s the last round of our 2024/25 season of the Barnet League. Yes I know you have all already looked at the website to see who has won but indulge the writer as I report on this the last week of our ever exciting and interesting League. Last night saw the final five games played with the top four places not confirmed until the completion of the evening.
Mat one had Fairfield Falcons Gill, Neil and Bev playing our current third place Northiam East’s Mike, Martin and Jeff. East started with a double to which Falcons replied for a single. East hit back for a four on end three and followed this with a single. Falcons swooped in for a single and followed this with a triple to reduce Easts lead to 7 - 5 after six ends. East fought back and extended their lead with a second four on end seven. Falcon attacked again for a single but with East reply of a second single followed by a triple they had extended their lead to 15 - 6 after ten ends. Falcons went on the attack again and held a double but East came straight back for their their third four of this game and a 19 - 8 lead. Falcons hung on and took a second double but with East holding the last two ends for singles they had a comfortable win at 21 - 10.
Mat two and our valiant Potters Bar Kestrels Gill, Steve and Dave were playing fifth spot Shillington Black’s Paul, Tony and Bill. Blacks got this match rolling with a double and followed that with a triple. Kestrels bowls were always in the mix but just missed out, by end twelve Blacks had pulled out a slim 26 - 0 lead. End thirteen went Kestrels way, to much cheering their last bowl rolled in for a single. Blacks pushed and took the last two ends for singles and the win at 28 - 1 in what was a very enjoyable game that involved very many measures and a great deal of enjoyment by all six players.
Mat three and Greenwood Peckers Audrey, Brian and Mark were looking to regain that top spot they had held for most of the season. They were playing Letchworth Lions who were looking to nab that third place from Northiam East. Lions got of to a good start with a single. Peckers reply was to take a double followed by four singles, a triple and a second double for an 11 - 1 lead after eight ends. Lions now got some growl back, they started with two singles, followed this with a double and two further singles and had reduced Peckers lead to 11 - 7 with two ends to play. Peckers dug deep and held the last two ends for singles. Lions hope of reaching that third spot fell away and Peckers win at 13 - 7 meant they might get their top spot back. It all depended on mat five.
Mat four and St Margaret’s Mercury’s Darren, Lynn and Terri were playing Harpenden Eagles Barbara, Suzanne and Beryl. Mercury who were looking for another win to stay ahead of their team mates Mars started well with a four. Eagles flew in on the second end and pulled it back with a double. Mercury ‘rose’ to the challenge, they held a triple, a second four and a double to pull out a 13 - 2 lead after five ends. Eagles then gained height and took a run of four ends. With two singles and two doubles they had pulled it back to 8 - 13. Mercury recovered from their rest, they took a single and followed this with a game breaking five. Following on with a single they had increased their lead to 21 - 8 with three ends to play. Eagles flew in and attacked again by holding two singles. Mercury finished the game off with a triple for a 24 - 10 win.
Mat five and Greenwood Hawks Barry, Val and Darren who had taken the top spot from Peckers last week needed a win to hold on for the title. They were playing St Margaret’s Mars Tony, Derek and Jim. Hawks went on the attack, starting with a double and following this with a triple they then held a hotshot six for an 11 - 0 lead after only three ends. Mars attacked and held a double on end four but Hawks pushed again and took two triples. Ends seven and eight saw Mars hold a single and a double but the writing was on the wall. Hawks took six of the remaining seven ends. Mars took a single on end eleven but Greenwood Hawks had a substantial win at 26 - 6 and had won the league.
With Greenwood’s two teams dominating the top of the table all season congratulations must go to Hawks who have only had the top spot for the last two but must crucial weeks. As one competition ends another starts. Next week sees the first round of the Gayler Cup. This is a straight knockout. Two teams drew a bye, but the other twelve will all be fighting it out next week for a place in the quarter finals. So those of you that want to come along and watch will be most welcolme but for the first and only time this season there will be no roll up mats available as all six will be in use. Tune in next week to see how everyone gets on.
GREENWOOD HAWKS.
Your 2024/2025 Barnet League Winners.