Last night the culmination of the Gayler Cup competition was played at Hatfield. We had Shillington Red Robins Trevor Michelle and Neil playing Northiam East’s Mike, Jan and Martin. The hall was buzzing, we had more spectators than bowlers, all looking forward to a hard fought final. At the centre of the audience were Tony and Jeanette Gayer. As the two roll up ends drew to their conclusion the hall quietened and play began.
Set one
Red Robbins got the first set started with a single and followed that with a double. East went on the attack and held a double but Red Robins came straight back and held a triple for a 6 – 2 lead after four ends. East pushed again and following a measure from Darren held a single, they then attacked again and held a four to take the lead at 7 – 6 with one end to play. The last end was hard fought but East just sneaked in to hold a single and win the first set 8 – 6.
Set two
East started the second set by continuing their run and held a single, they followed that with a triple to go 4 – 0 up. End three and East had the jack surrounded and were holding five, a spectacular draw from Neil cut it down to a single but East were looking good at 5 – 0 after three ends. Red Robbins then started a comeback; they held a single and followed that with a double to be 5 – 3 down with two ends to play. End six and Red Robins were all over the jack. The last bowl of the end from Martin slipped through all the gaps ditched the jack and all of a sudden East were holding a double to be 7 – 3 up with one end to play. So we now know that Red Robbins need a five to take the set and force a tie breaker. As the head started to build both teams had bowls fairly close to the jack. Neil had the last bowl; a slightly overweight bowl attacked the head and Easts bowls all scattered. The number two’s looked at the head and four Red Robin bowls were counted out. Then Darren was called for a measure for the fifth. Darren measured and double checked but it was East that held onto the fifth position meaning that the set was a draw at seven all.
With a win and a draw congratulations go to Northiam East’s Mike, Jan and Martin who are this year’s Gayler Cup champions. This competition had produced another great final, both teams should be proud of their performance. The crowd were certainly well entertained.
Next week there will be no bowling at Hatfield as many members will be at Potters competing in the East Coast Triples. The following week 12th May it’s all back to normal when Hatfield will be open again for roll ups. Look out for those emails from Margaret as it wont be long before our Summer Aussie Pairs competition starts. Make sure you come along and get some practice in ready for this enjoyable summer activity.
Best Wishes from the Webmaster.👀