[<<] [>>] by John Wilkinson at Bowdon
12th August 2003 (AC - Secretary's Shield)

Bowdon Firs came within one match of retaining the Shield with a resounding 6-1 victory over Southport. To be fair to Southport it must be said that the score does not reflect the balance of play in a match played in sweltering heat.

In the morning session James Hawkins and John Taylor beat John Wilkinson and Sylvia Steer +26. John (18) went to 3 back using just one bisque and James completed the demolition job with two double peels ending with a bisque standing to his great delight. The two singles games were very tight affairs Lorna Frost beating Diana Williamson +1 on time and Frank Moir beating Carol Lewis +2 also on time.

Lunch Score Bowdon Firs 2 Southport 1

John Wilkinson took his revenge on James in their singles game by beating him +26 also with a bisque standing! James had escaped from a cross wiring at hoop 1 with a jump shot over the hoop using a mallet borrowed from the clubhouse but mis-hit the ensuing take-off and missed the consequent long roquet. He said he had not realised the mallet was two inches shorter than his own! The other three singles were a very different kettle of fish. After one and a half hours Frank had taken a good lead over Diana but Lorna was a few hoops down against Carol and John Taylor was on peg and 5 while Sylvia had not started but he had used all his bisques.

With twenty minutes of time left Diana and Carol had both established leads and Sylvia was still five hoops behind so Southport were beginning to look favourites. The resilience and determination of the Firs players which has characterised their performances in this competition came to the fore and all three snatched victory, Lorna and Frank by +5 and Sylvia by +1 on time.

Results

James Hawkins (-0.5) and John Taylor (18) beat John Wilkinson (5) and Sylvia Steer (7) +26
Lorna Frost (7) beat Diana Williamson (6) +1 on time
Frank Moir (7) beat Carol Lewis (7) +2 on time
John Wilkinson (5) beat James Hawkins (-0.5) +26
Lorna Frost (7) beat Carol Lewis (7) +5
Frank Moir (7) beat Diana Williamson (6) +5
Sylvia Steer (7) beat John Taylor (18) +1 on time

Frank Moir and Lorna Frost both triggered handicap reductions to 6.