Spalding Indoor Bowls Club’s under-25s made progress in the David Cornwell national double rink competition with a victory over St Neots.
The home rink of Lucy Cooke, Chelsea Tomlin, Ryan Huskisson and Ashley Caress started off with three on the first end then a closely fought encounter ensued, with the opponents holding a slender 10-9 lead up to the tenth end.
By the 15th end this lead had increased to 16-9, but by the 19th end this had been reduced to 17-13 – and on the very next end Spalding picked up five shots to lead 18-17. However, they then dropped one shot on the 21st end to draw the game 18-18.
The away rink of Ruby and Rhys Hill, Jordan Philpott and Ben Wilson raced away to an early 9-3 lead at five ends and continued their excellent bowling, leading 13-7 at ten ends. Their opponents rallied, though, and started to reduce the deficit.
At 15 ends the score was 16-12 to Spalding and held on to win 19-17 thanks to a saving drawing shot from Ben Wilson. With the jack in the ditch he was three down in the head and drew within two inches of the jack to win the game.
Spalding now play local rivals Boston in the next round.
