B&D League Division 2 v Ardagh (Away)
Won 58 – 46 8 points
Another job done, with another win under our belts.
This was not a fixture I was looking forward to, with Ardagh having some very experienced/good players and their green often being “testing”, but this time there could be no complaints about the green.
Onto the game, as the “Sage of Redland” (Jim Russell says), in bowls you never know what’s going to happen.
(Editor’s Note: Very true but I have to say that I wish we had the “Sage of Omaha”, rather than the “Sage of Redland” – we would all then be very rich 😉 )
On Jim’s rink with Will, Trev (returning from his recent “sojourn” in the North East League) and Vince, being very tight early on they then powered on to win 11 out of 13 ends to finish 25-6.
On RKJ’s rink with Calvin, Larry and Andy it was a different story being 12 behind at 11 ends and Redland overall behind by 9, things were not looking good, but picking up a 5 on end 12 put us back into the game, another 5 on end 15 helped narrow the end deficit to 15-23
On Mike Inghams rink (standing in for Josh) and with Kev ,Nigel and Gerry, started well enough and with Mike being a bit harsh on himself, but actually bowling a few “critical ” woods, stayed in touch and went into the last end 7 down. It was at this time that the “bowling novice” Nigel Rushmer said “Only 7 for the draw” and Kev replied ” Yes Nigel, ok!” (that Nigel doesn’t know anything about this game).
Gerry kicked off with 2 a couple of feet from the jack, Nigel bowled 2 ” selectors woods * , Kev managed to get to within a yard and with the opposition skip bowling his two worst woods of the night Mike followed his last wood down and watched incredulously as Kev counted out 5 shots ,then 6 then 7 then 8** to win 18-17!!!!
Nigel said “There you are kev – simple!” 😉
A very good end to the night.
*Selectors wood – one right on the jack on the last end when everybody watching and it is crucial to do so – Andy please note for future reference.
** 8 Shots in a fours game is also known in bowls as a “Hot Shot” and happens very, very rarely in this game.
In conclusion we might find a place for Josh next week, but in the meanwhile we wish him every success in the White Rose Trophy game on Saturday (White Rose is the inter county national 2 rink under 25 comp). Redland would also like to send their very best wishes for the future to the Ardagh Club in these difficult times.
Home to Victoria Park next week and lets make sure we continue to push on..