Whitchurch & District's Fantastic Five

Andover Bowling Club competed yesterday (Saturday 19 July) in the first round of a new competition created by Whitchurch and District Bowls Association.

This report on the day was written by Gordon Bazley, Men's Team Captain; while the photo is courtesy of Sue Milton, Club Secretary - thanks very much to the both of you.

Gordon wites: 'The format is five players in the team (mixed; with a minimum of two per gender), playing matches of 12 ends (singles); 8 ends (rinks); followed by three wood pairs (10 ends); and two wood triples (also 10 ends). Two points are awarded for each discipline while, in the event of a draw, a one end 'shoot out' is scheduled to be played by the triples.

Andover were drawn at home to Old Basing.

Andy Carnegie played the singles and won by two shots; while the rinks team (Nikki Furniss, Ray Cozze, Gordon Bazley and Lesley Taylor) lost on the very last end. At the halfway stage, therefore, both teams were tied on two points each.

The triples (Nikki, Ray and Gordon) won by five shots, which meant that, if the pairs (Andy and Lesley) won or drew, the overall tie was won. Going into the last end, they were two down; a very tight final end could have gone either way but, with her last wood, Lesley was unable to get to the jack.

With the match tied on four points each, the one end 'shoot out' took place. Old Basing won the toss and took the mat. Despite Nikki having one close, their lead was slightly nearer. Their skip drew a second. With the last wood, Gordon removed the skip's wood and turned over the lead's wood. Result, however - a measure. After a few tries, it was agreed that the Old Basing wood was a couple of millimetres closer.

Everyone enjoyed the different format which, in our opinion, could be tweaked a little.

Better luck next year!'