Three Spalding Indoor Bowls Club players were involved in making a slice of history for England at the men’s senior international series over the weekend.
Matt Whyers, Graham Smith and Martin Spencer, represented England in the senior international series – which took place at Falcon IBC in Chelmsford, Essex – as they lifted the Hilton Trophy for a record-equalling fifth year in a row.
All three players were selected in successful rinks that they played in last year.
Whyers and Smith were selected as a front end with Perry Martin (Swale) and skip Robert Paxton (Exonia), while Spencer was chosen at lead with Neil McKee (Kingsthorpe), David Bolt (South Shields) and Jamie Chestney (Exonia).
Their first game on the Thursday morning was against Ireland. As defending champions, England were in control throughout and ran out comfortable winners by 48 shots (134-86).
Whyers and Smith’s rink found their opposition in top form and went down 14-19, but Spencer’s rink beat Ireland captain, Ian McClure, 22-13.
In the afternoon game, Scotland comfortably dispatched Wales 146-101.
Prior to England’s game against Wales on the Friday afternoon, Exonia’s Paxton withdrew from the series due to personal circumstances.
Perry Martin, from Swale, was promoted to skip with James Rippey from the host club at Falcon presented with his first cap with Whyers and Smith as a front end.
A presentation was also made to Huntingdon’s Nicky Brett, who was playing his 50th game for England.
The game against Wales started well for England and they eventually won on five of the six rinks to win overall comfortably by 35 shots (131-96).
Whyers and Smith’s set won 18-17, while Spencer’s rink triumphed 22-20.
In the other game on the Friday, Scotland beat Ireland 125-101 – which set up a winner-takes-all match between England and Scotland on the Saturday afternoon.
On the final day, the stadium was a sell-out as more than 600 spectators eagerly anticipated the main event between England and Scotland after the morning’s game between Wales and Ireland resulted in a rare draw (105-105).
In the afternoon game, the atmosphere was electric.
Prior to the match, a presentation was made to Andy Thomson MBE from Kent, who retired from international bowls and gained over 100 caps for England and is now part of the selection process.
The match itself started exceptionally well for England, who raced into a 15 to 20 shot lead.
Scotland bounced back well, which saw the score level at 78 all at around 13 ends. However, despite this fightback England showed their class in the end to eventually win by five shots, 112-107.
Whyers and Smith’s rink won 20-19 against four-time world indoor singles champion Alex Marshall MBE whilst Spencer’s rink won 20-17 against Iain McLean.
This ensured that England won the series and lifted the Hilton Trophy once again.
A Spalding IBC spokesperson said: “Congratulations to Matt, Graham and Martin. You have done yourself, the club, your county and the country proud.”
