Spalding Indoor Bowls Club have reached the final of the Denny Cup – dubbed the FA Cup of bowls – as they bid to win the national trophy for the first time in their 50-year history.
The team, who defeated Wey Valley in the last four on Sunday, were playing in the semi-finals of the event for the first time since 1979.
This year, the trophy will have a new name on it as Spalding’s final opponents are Norfolk IBC, who are twice runners-up in the competition.
The duo will clash at Nottingham on Saturday, April 9 at 6pm in what promises to be the biggest day in the South Holland club’s history.
Saturday’s semi-final clash was described by many of the players and spectators as having the best atmosphere they have experienced – and was likened to an international series.
And, while Spalding have some very good players, they were underdogs in this tie as Wey Valley have reached the later stages on a number of occasions.
Spalding started well on all four rinks and held a two-shot advantage (18-16) at five ends.
This was extended to 37-24 at ten ends as Spalding’s stars began to pile the pressure on.
Wey Valley were not willing to give up without a fight and, at 18 ends, had clawed back to within six shots which set up a tense final few ends.
This did close to within three shots but, driven by the support of the spectators, some outstanding bowls from the Spalding team meant that they were 11 up (72-61) when the four-hour time limit ran out.
Everyone played their part in a great day in the club’s history, but the top winning rink was skipped by Dominic McVittie. He had a fantastic game with his rink of Harry Mycock, Lewis Parnell and Andy Dunham and returned a winning scorecard of 21-13.
A special mention also has to go to both of Spalding’s youngsters, 13-year-old Ollie Jeapes and 18-year-old Mycock, who conducted themselves well in a pressure game and enjoyed such a fantastic experience.
Rink scores: Harry Mycock, Lewis Parnell, Andy Dunham and Dominic McVittie – won 21-13; Stephen Harris, Ollie Jeapes, Graham Smith and Mathew Orrey – won 20-15; Brian Martin, Mike Robertson, Ean Morton and Tristan Morton – won 19-14; Simon Lilley, Martin Simpson, Martin Spencer and Jordan Philpott – lost 12-19.
- Spalding enjoyed a big win in a friendly triples game against Sleaford IBC.
Spalding took early control of the game and by nine ends the score was 52-38.
They continued to build on their lead to 120-78 at the close, winning across four of the six rinks.
The winning rink for Spalding was Chris Williamson Alan Tokley and skip Tony Westland.
