Week four and we had another five games in our Barnet League at Hatfield. With many players buzzing following their performances on Sunday at the over 55’s competition we were expecting some stiff competition from our ten teams. Read on to see how everyone progressed.
Mat one and our current League leaders Greenwood Hawks, Barry, Val and Darren were playing Letchworth Lion’s David, Alan S and Margaret. Lions started by taking the first end for a single, Hawks swept in for a double and then, gained some height and took a whopping five and followed that with a single for an 8 – 1 lead after only four ends. Lions attacked and pulled back a single followed by a double. Hawks swooped in for a second double which Lions instantly matched on the following end. Hawks replied by taking a second single but Lions roared, and took a four, following that with a single they had levelled the game at eleven all after eleven ends. With all to play four Hawks regrouped, swooped in and regained the lead with a four, they followed this with two singles and a final double for a comfortable 19 – 11 win.
Mat two and Potters Bar Kestrels Bernice, Mike and Dave played Harpenden Eagles Beryl, Denise and Brian. Eagles attacked first and took the first end for a double, Kestrels swooped in and matched Eagles double then took two further doubles for the lead at 6 – 2 after four ends. Eagles attacked again, they started with two singles then levelled the game with a double. Following this with a single they had the lead at 7 – 6 after eight ends. Kestrels attacked again, they pulled back level with a single then took the lead with a second single followed by a triple for an 11 – 7 lead with four ends to play. Eagles then matched the previous triple and were within one shot. Kestrels pushed again, taking another single on end thirteen they were maintaining their lead at 12 – 10 with two ends to play. Eagles pulled it back with a single on the penultimate end. Eagles pushed again, taking the third triple of the game they had regained the lead and taken the win at 14 – 12.
Mat three and Shillington Red’s Tom, Carol and Trevor played Letchworth Tigers Lisa, Andrew and Alan H. Tigers started with a double and Reds replied by holding the second end for a single. Tigers matched this single on end three then took a double, two singles, a whopping five and a triple to have a 15 – 1 lead after nine ends. Reds went on a short attack and held two singles. Tigers then pushed hard, holding two successive triples they had increased their lead to 21 – 3 with three ends to play. Reds attacked again and took their fourth end of this game for a double. Tigers came straight back by matching this double and finishing with a triple for a good win at 26 – 5.
Mat four and our second Shillington team, the Black’s Paul, Tony and Julia were playing Fairfield Falcons Gill A, Gill H and Bev. Blacks started well with a triple. Falcons came back on the second end for a single. Blacks pushed for a double and a 5 – 1 lead after three ends. Falcons came back again they took a second single followed by a triple to level the game. They followed this with a single for a 6 – 5 lead after six ends. Blacks then levelled the game with a single and took the lead with a four followed by a double. Falcons had a bit of a team rearrangement and reduced Blacks lead with a double on the following end. Blacks matched this double to maintain their six shot advantage at 14 – 8 after eleven ends. Falcons pushed their new team order and took the following two ends for doubles. The penultimate end saw Blacks hold a single for a three shot lead at 15 – 12. The last end and with four bowls to come Falcons were holding four and looking for the win. Julias bowl came whizzing down the mat, the jack left the side and all bowls had to be sent back and the end played again. The last end (well, last end No2😂) saw Falcons attack again but this time they only managed to hold two shots giving Blacks the close win at 15 – 14.
Mat five and our last game of the evening had Greenwood Peckers Sue, Penny and Brian playing St Margaret’s Lyn, Jeanette and Stephen. St Margaret’s got on the scorecard first with a double. Peckers reply was to take a single, they followed this with a triple and two further singles for a 6 – 2 lead after five ends. ST Margaret’s then held a single which Peckers matched on end seven. St Margaret’s pushed again, holding a triple on end eight they were only one shot behind. Not to be outdone Peckers instantly matched this triple to increase their lead. St Margaret’s pulled straight back with a single to be only three shots behind. Peckers upped the pressure; they started with a double and followed that with two fours and another single. St Margaret’s finished the game as they started with a final double but the damage had been done and Peckers had the win at 21 – 9.
This weeks five games have resulted in some changes to our league table. The main winners being Letchworth Tigers who have climbed four positions to second place by nature of their high shot difference. Next week we have another five games, most notable being a Northiam derby with East playing South, we can't wait to see which direction that game will take.
Next week your webmaster will be on holiday where he will be flying through the Kielder Forest. He hopes to get the tables on the website updated on the Wednesday or maybe the Thursday provided he returns to earth without too much of a bump, however the match report will be delayed.
Best Wishes from the Webmaster.👀