News 2018
Wet and blustery conditions greeted the competitors for the first day of club competition finals. First onto the green were Mike Caird & Quentin Smith, defending their Pairs Shield title from the challenge of Sheila & Rod Payne
The game was tight and after 12 ends the score was 11-all. A loose 5 from Mike & Quentin put Sheila & Rod into the lead, but a fight back brought the score to 16-16 after 16 ends. A three for Sheila & Rod put them ahead again but Mike & Quentin fought back with 2-2-1 to take them into the last end two shots up. Mike put on a good shot bowl early in the last end and Quentin dropped strategic short bowls to frustrate Rod's attempts to get the two shots required to force an extra end.
Next up were John Albutt and Leon Flint, contesting the QRS Cup. Both players were drawing well, but Leon just had the edge and gradually outscored John to win 22-14.
In the afternoon session Rod, Sheila and John were in action again - Sheila playing Mike Hubbard in the Caird Cup and Rod and John contesting the Cyril Davies Cup.
Sheila started well and quickly built an unassailable lead, taking the first set with three ends to spare. Mike fought back in the second set and briefly held the lead, but Sheila was too strong and took the second set for the match.
Rod and John both played extremely well and early ends were nip and tuck. After 18 ends the score stood at 14-12 to Rod but four for Rod on the next end proved crucial and though John responded Rod took the match 21-15. This set up a delicious looking Tarmac Cup handicap final for the following day, with Rod having to give John a 6-shot start!