This Tuesday there was a buzz at Hatfield as we had the Final of the Gayler cup between the two Greenwood teams being played on mat four along with three Aussie Pairs matches. We had Audrey Fowler, Brian Fowler and Mark Spalding playing Barry Thorogood, Val Thorogood and Darren Brown. As you all know these two teams were also the top two in the Barnet League which finished a month ago. With Darren’s team winning the Barnet League could they do it again or would Mark’s team take revenge with the win. With many spectators and Darren Stanford our organiser and umpire ready, the final got under way.

SET 1

Audrey, Brian and Mark started this first set with a single and after some measuring by the umpire took a double for a 3 – 0 lead. Barry, Val and Darren attacked and following another measure caught up with a double, they then took the lead with a triple. Audrey, Brian and Mark fought back, taking a single on end five Darren’s team had a one shot lead with two ends to play. Yet another call to Darren Stanford to get on his well-used knees and Darren Brown’s team had a double and a three shot lead going into the last end. Audrey, Brian and Mark held the last end for a single but with a score of 7 – 5 Barry, Val and Darren had won the first set.

SET 2

As with the first set Audrey, Brian and Mark held the first end, this time for a double. Barry, Val and Darren replied by taking a single (after another measure). Audrey, Brian and Mark took end three for another single and a 3 – 1 lead. Barry Val and Darren reversed the score with a triple on end four and followed this with a single. Audrey, Brian and Mark then held a double on end six and it was all square going into the last end. The last end and it was all to play for. After a few bowls the jack went into the ditch and it was a competition of who could draw to the line. With two bowls close to the line and the jack, Mark called the umpire for another measure. Darren Stanford  got down again, after a double measure and a bit of good natured banter it was declared that Barry’s bowl was nearest the jack and Barry, Val and Darren had won the second set 6 – 5 and won the Gayler Cup. Congratulations to Barry, Val and Darren who have repeated their success from last year and for the moment are the only team to have their name on this cup.

Darren Stanford, Darren Brown, Val Thorogood, Barry Thorogood, Jeanette Gayler.

Your 2025 Gayler Cup Winners