Herbie Turner Cup comes back to Andover

As the temperature dial climbed higher at Salisbury Bowling Club this afternoon, Andover Bowling Club turned up the heat in the final of the Herbie Turner Cup and ensured that the Cup returned east to Hampshire.

The Cup, which the Club has won on previous occasions, most recently in 2021 and 2022, is competed for by teams in the Salisbury & Distrct men's league. Andover's two clubs in this league - Lions and Eagles - met in this year's semi-finals of the competition, which Lions won taking them into the final, this year against Wilton, whom Lions had beaten home and away in this year's regular S&D league season.

The final - as all matches, featuring four rinks of triples - started strongly for Andover, who were 23 shots ahead after 10 ends. Wilton, however, fought back and, as the match ticked on, were one shot ahead with just four woods left to play. Gordon Bazley, Andover men's team captain, managed to save the day with one shot to spare, ensuring Andover triumphed but by the thinnest of margins - 71-70.

Congratulations to the Lions and sincere commiserations as well as a hearty 'well done' to Wilton, who put up a tremendous fight in a match befitting a final. Lions' bowlers and Mick Corden, team captain, is also grateful for the supporters who turned out to give the team their support on a scorching afternoon.

Attention now turns to the final match of the League season which sees Lions, top of the league by a half-point from Salisbury, take on Alderbury here at Vigo Park. The match is this coming Thursday evening, 14 August. Only a resounding win will guarantee the title returns to Andover, who also won it in 2024, though a narrower win may be good enough depending on the Salisbury result. Supporters are, once again, very welcome to attend and encourage the team to bring it home.