Spalding Indoor Bowls Club’s national mixed team have marched into the last 16 of the Egham Trophy after a battling win over Barwell.
They won on two of the four rinks and drew the others to book a showdown with county rivals and last season’s national finalists Lincoln on Sunday, December 8.
Spalding started the stronger of the two teams, albeit, only leading by two shots (16-14) after five ends – and that advantage was extended to 46-26 after ten ends.
Barwell fought back well and even got back within nine shots at one stage, but Spalding finished superbly and closed out an impressive 87-71 win.
The main damage was caused away from home by the rink skipped by Kevin Ekins, with Judy Jackson, Karen Martin and Andy Dunham, who won 26-13.
Jordan Philpott skipped his rink to a win too, while Annie Dunham and Martin Spencer’s sets also avoided defeat with draws in their respective clashes.
Rink scores: Home – Nick Wilkie, Simon Lilley, Chelsea Tomlin and Annie Dunham drew 23-23; Brian Martin, Barbara Hurst, Ruby Hill and Jordan Philpott won 22-19. Away – Judy Jackson, Karen Martin, Andy Dunham and Kevin Ekins won 26-13; Jean Patterson, Julie Hicks, Matt Whyers and Martin Spencer drew 16-16.
- Spalding IBC’s over-60s team took to the road to play Lincoln on their new blue carpet last week.
This did not deter Spalding in any way as, at the half way stage, the away side had their noses in front – albeit only by two shots.
This lead was extended as Spalding eventually won by 18 shots and 14-4 on points.
A special thank you was offered to David Head and Den Wilkinson, who stepped in to play at last minute. The top winning rink was skipped by Maurice Elding, with David Nunney, Mick Lamb and Mick Dolton.
Captain for the day was Ken Challans.
The next game for the team is away at Skegness on December 5.
- Spalding IBC’s friendly bowlers were back in action as they hosted an enjoyable match against Sleaford.
The visitors got off to a good start and had a narrow lead for the first four ends.
Spalding fought back hard and, by the ninth end, the scores were level.
The game continued to be very competitive, where the lead exchanged on a number of occasions.
However, Spalding finished the stronger of the two teams and won 99-86.
They won on three of the six rinks but the top winning set for Spalding was skipped by Tony Westland, with Chris Williamson and Sue Lovett.
Captains for the day were Phyl Borst and Jenny Horner.
A special mention for Pat Cox, Martin Cox and Doris Rawding, who kindly agreed to play for Sleaford as they could not field a full team.
- Saturday then saw Spalding IBC’s friendly bowlers play away at Stamford in a nip and tuck affair – which resulted in an narrow eight-shot defeat (87-79).
Special mention goes to Lily Drawbridge, who won her rink with the very last bowl of the game with the whole club watching.
Spalding’s top winning rink was skipped by Maggie Wheatley, with Doris Rawding, Janet Beckson and Janet Staples.
The return fixture is being played on February 1, 2020.
Captain for the day was Ken Challans, who was ably assisted by Tony Westland.
