Spalding Indoor Bowls Club won their first round match in the national mixed Top Club competition against Charnwood as they got their bid for glory off to the perfect start.
The match had extra significance for Spalding IBC, as it was the first time they wore their new club shirts – which have been generously sponsored by Colin Luesby Interiors, who are based at Swineshead.
The local company has a five-year sponsorship deal and the club is grateful for their support.
Spalding’s new-look team found themselves behind early on in the match, but they turned things around with nearly a third of the clash remaining to win all five of the disciplines.
Louise Catchpole made her debut in Spalding colours, playing the ladies’ singles and winning 18-10. The other debutant, Mathew Orrey, skipped the triples and was joined by Annie and Scott Dunham as they won on the last end 15-14.
Other scores: Men’s singles – Matt Whyers won 12-8; Men’s pairs – Ruby Hill and Martin Spencer won 20-16; Mixed fours – Rebecca Simpson, Gloria Haney, Ashley Caress and Graham Smith won 18-11.
Spalding IBC’s friendlies division played host to the Lincolnshire Vice Presidents and emerged victorious in a close clash.
This is a twice annual event and always strongly contested by both teams, as the VP’s tend to be seasoned bowlers from around the county.
In this instance, Spalding took the lead as is usually the way until the visiting team get the feel of the green.
However, the VP’s then began to peg back Spalding’s lead and by the 15th end there was only one shot separating the two teams. A number of rinks swung back and forth and the visitors only got ahead on one occasion by a small margin.
The home team maintained the pressure and closed the game with 116-105 win.
