There were mixed emotions for Spalding Indoor Bowls Club’s national inter-club teams on Saturday.
The women had a comfortable first round win in the Yetton Trophy against Melton Mowbray, but the men suffered a rare first round defeat at the hands of Leicester in the Denny Cup.
In the Yetton, Spalding’s women stamped their authority from the outset and were already 36-11 ahead after five ends.
This was extended to 53-26 at ten ends and 87-39 at 15 ends before a final 114-52 win secured a safe passage.
Charnwood or Peterborough await in the second round on November 16.
The main damage was done at home by the rinks skipped by Chelsea Tomlin and Annie Dunham, who both won 37-7.
Rink scores: Home – Jenny Patterson, Judy Jackson, Ruby Hill and Chelsea Tomlin won 37-7; Ann Newbury, Barbara Hurst, Lauren Finbow and Annie Dunham won 37-7.
Away – Freda Lyon, Tracy Philpott, Maisie Belding and Betty Deaton won 23-16; Jan Sinclair, Karen Martin, Pearl O’Brien and Gill Needham lost 17-22.
On the other hand, the men came up against an inspired Leicester side and just fell short by nine shots (75-84).
Leicester opened up an early lead and led 28-13 by five ends, but Spalding fought back well and reduced their deficit to only two shots (53-55) at 15 ends.
However, Leicester finished the stronger of the two sides to secure their place in the second round.
Spalding are now entered into the Denny Plate competition, where they will play Melton Mowbray or Church Gresley on November 16.
Rink Scores: Home – Harry Mycock, Rhys Hill, Maurice Elding and Martin Spencer won 22-10; Steve Hill, John Needham, Simon Lilley and Graham Smith lost 11-32. Away – Nick Wilkie, Martin Simpson, Andy Dunham and Kevin Ekins won 20-15; Brian Martin, Nigel Eagle, Stephen Harris and Jordan Philpot lost 22-27.
- Spalding IBC’s under-25 double triples team secured a safe passage through to the national second round after a comfortable win against Boston.
The main damage was done by the rink of Harry Mycock, Rhys Hill and Stephen Harris, who won 34-1.
- Spalding IBC’s friendly side won on all six rinks as they beat Fenland Bowlers 138-53.
The winning rink honours went to Alan Tokley, Sheila Chamberlain and Abi Belding. Captains for the day were Jan Sinclair and Maisie Belding.
