30/07/2023
SALISBURY PLAYERS QUALIFY FOR LEAMINGTON
This weekend saw the latter stages of the men’s national competitions taking place at Devizes BC.
First up on the Saturday was the semi final of the Men’s Pairs where Fraser Boynton and Tom Warner took on Westlecot’s Dave Murray and Neil Smith. The Salisbury pair stormed into a strong 18-6 lead, before the Swindon duo dug in and scored successive doubles to bring the score to 18-14 to Salisbury heading into the final end. Despite a great strike from Neil on his third bowl, Tom managed to draw right behind the jack which couldn’t be removed and the Salisbury boys took the game 19-14 and booked their place in Leamington.
In the Final the Salisbury duo faced the experienced pair of Chris Cheesley and Mel Biggs from Royal Wootton Bassett. Unfortunately this was one step too far and the Salisbury boys had to settle for runners up 17-18.
On the Sunday we had plenty of representation for the club. First up was the Men’s Fours where Jim White, Graham Annetts, Toby Fiddy and James Vincent took on a strong Holt side of Andy Young, Tony Keating, Justin Davis and Wayne Snook. A back and forth game with good heads from both teams saw the Salisbury four trailing 12-14 into the last end.
After the skips’ first bowls each the Salisbury four held the required two shots to force an extra end. A great bowl from Wayne saw him get second wood more or less jack high. James had an opportunity to lift the bowl and stay to claim three shots, the game and their place in Leamington. Unfortunately James’ bowl was slightly too wide and so the Salisbury boys fell short by one shot 13-14. Good luck to the Holt boys at Leamington.
Next up saw two Salisbury players in singles matches. By this time the rain had really settled in and the tricky conditions were apparent.
Nick Revell faced the experienced Graham Shadwell from Spencer Moulton in the Men’s Singles. Nick’s bowls suited the rink brilliantly just finishing that little bit stronger. Despite a slow start Nick came onto a brilliant game and took the match 21-12 and booked his place at Leamington in the Singles for the first time. Nick went onto play Graham Hatherall of Royal Wootton Bassett in the final and continued in fine form taking an 18-10 lead. However, some big bowls from Graham saw him come right back into it and take a 20-18 lead, a single from Nick saw the match enter its final end. A loose end from both players saw Nick collect the two shots and take the match 21-20 and be crowned Men’s Singles county champion.
Unfortunately, the same success was not had by Toby Fiddy in the Men’s Under 25 Singles. He faced a strong player from Westlecot Jake Webster who has been in fine form this season including earning his Middleton Cup debut. The game was very tight with never more than one or two shots in it for most of the match. Unfortunately Toby’s run came to an end losing 17-21. Great effort Toby.
The weekend follows Tom Warner having qualified to Leamington in the Last 16 of the Champion of Champions. He faces Vinnie O’Neil from Middlesbrough on 15 August.
A great run from the Salisbury lads and the Club wishes them all the best at the national finals next month.
