Away v Willmott Park: Won (just!) 44-43 8 points
The following report was written by Kevin French:
Away to Willmott is always going to be tough, and with weather conditions threatening to be dire I don’t think we were looking forward to the match
Editor’s Note: It was like a night in September – freezing cold and wet. The coldest mid June evening I have ever known!!!
For the game the rain was as bad as predicted, but we won and so travelled home in better spirits than we arrived!
On RKJ’s rink with Mike, Calvin and a returning Phil we went behind early on, picked up a 4 to get things closer, drifted away again, but as things looked as though they may get out of hand kept the deficit down, which had importance to what was happening on the other 2 rinks – ended 10-21.
On Josh’s rink with Mark, Keith and Kev, again went behind 6 nil down, but then tactically moving the mat for short jack’s, won 10 consecutive ends to be 18-7 up, with the game now close it wasn’t a good time to concede a 5 on end 16 but after a slow start to win 19-12 was a good result.
On Jim’s rink with Will, Trev and Andy, another slow start to be 6 nil down, in fact across the 3 rinks Redland were 3-19 down at 4 ends, which makes our win all the more impressive. This rink then staged its usual comeback and picking up a game changing 5 on end 16 went into the last end all square (the first time they weren’t behind during the whole game and the overall match tied). With both teams looking we were shot down when our opponents skip bowled an unfortunate wood which pushed Andy’s up for shot to us and we ended winning by one.
Editor’s Note: I’d like to say that I left that wood short tactically but it was, in fact, just a poor wood 😉
No league game next week, but with Glos 2 rink “B” team on Saturday, Lloyd Trophy v Bristol on Tuesday and Top Club away at GB’s on Wednesday, a lot to play for in the coming week.
HALF TERM REPORT
Having reached half way through the league season we find ourselves riding high at the top of Division 1 and with the North East team second in their division, things are coming along nicely.
My first match report focused on setting our sights higher than just avoiding relegation, but I don’t think any of us would have thought that at this stage we would be top, (we have played one extra game than the other teams, but at this moment we are where we are).
If we can keep up the impetus and good spirit in the whole club there is no reason why this shouldn’t be a successful year for Redland.
Well done all.
P.S I’m sure the whole club will join me in wishing Calvin, Roger (subbing for Mark who unfortunately isn’t available for this game) and Josh all the best wishes for success in the Glos triples semi final tonight (at Bishops Cleeve). A win will book their place to the National Finals at Leamington.
Also the very best of luck to Josh for his game for Gloucestershire against Dorset on Saturday at Cheltenham BC.