Ollie Jeapes was in action for England at the British Isles u18 international series in Wales at the weekend.
The Spalding Lightning youngster was selected to lead the triples with Sam Brugnoli, from Huntingdon, and Charlie Beeton, from Ipswich. They were joined by Izzy Pymm, from Melton, in the fours.
It was a series to remember for Jeapes as he came away with the gold medal in the triples and England secured team silver behind Scotland, who won the series.
The trio started the series well with a straight sets win against Ireland (6-5, 13-0). Another straight sets win in the semi-final against Wales (10-3, 14-1) was equally dominant to book a place in the gold medal match against Scotland. They continued their impressive form in the final, again without dropping a set to win 8-1, 5-1.
Unfortunately, it did not go as well for Jeapes in the fours as the quartet lost against representatives from British Lions and Scotland but a win against Wales in their third game meant they finished seventh.
Meanwhile, Spalding Lightning progressed to the semi-final of the Egham Trophy with a quarter-final win against Norfolk IBC. Lightning suffered an agonising extra end semi-final defeat against Huntingdon last season so will be hoping for better fortune this season.
In the quarter-final on Sunday, Norfolk started the stronger but Spalding showed their fighting qualities to bring the score back level at around 15 ends.
The comeback was finished off as Spalding won by four shots (84-80), which was mainly due to the home rink of Carole Nunney, Louise Harris, Stephen Harris and Mathew Orrey, who won
29-12. It was certainly a team effort though as Jordan Philpott’s rink came back from 18-7 down to win
26-24. Dominic McVittie’s away rink drew after falling 11-2 down early on and, although Graham Smith’s rink found it tough and their opposition on top form, they played their part as they won four of their last five ends.
Next up in the national semi-final are Wellingborough at a neutral venue on Sunday, March 3.
Rink scores – Home: Carole Nunney, Louise Harris, Stephen Harris and Mathew Orrey won 29-12; Ruby Hill, Tracy Philpott, Simon Lilley and Jordan Philpott won 26-24. Away – Jean Patterson, Karen Martin, Martin Spencer and Dominic McVittie drew 17-17; Kevin Ekins, Julie Hicks, Chelsea Spencer and Graham Smith lost 27-12.
There was World Championship heartache For Annie Dunham at Potters Leisure Resort, Hopton-On-Sea in Norfolk.
She had booked her place in the Ladies World Matchplay, which also meant she was partnered with one of the top eight men to play in the World Mixed Pairs.
On Friday, Dunham played with David Gourlay against defending mixed pairs champions Ceri Ann Glen and Stewart Anderson. Unfortunately, Dunham and Gourlay found their opposition in top form and lost 9-5, 8-5.
It did not get any easier for Dunham on Sunday in the Ladies World Matchplay against defending and five-time champion Katherine Rednall. Dunham lost a high-quality, closely contested encounter 1.5-0.5 (11-5, 6-6).
Despite the defeats, Dunham fulfilled a childhood dream to play at the world championships on the portable rink and played her part in two entertaining games.
