Battling Sleaford bowlers lose out at Lincoln

At Sleaford Indoor Bowls Club, they encourage participation in these events and support them with experienced bowlers when necessary. Their latest game against a Lincoln friendly team played at Lincoln on their faster carpet proved to be enjoyable even though the home side were the victors by 125-94. The Sleaford spirits were not dampened and they look forward to the next match.

Nigel Moxon supported by John Scott, Helen Quirk and Steve Chambers led the way for Sleaford with an 18-14 win. Although the set were 4-2 down after the fifth end, they gradually caught up and began to ease ahead of their opponents until they dropped six shots over two ends to stand just one in front at 12-11. The Lincoln set began to open a slight gap but Sleaford produced five shots on the penultimate end to win 18-14.

The all ladies set of Jenny Elphick, Carol Wallis, June Wilson and Betty Bowyer swapped shot for shot with the opposition to be just behind 5-6 after the 10th end. Lincoln extended their lead to 13-8 after the 15th but Sleaford hit back, picking up 10 shots to run out winners by one shot, 18-17.

Andrew Morris skipped an experienced set of Alan Horne, Sheila Pratt and Terry Wallis to recover after being 2-10 down after seven ends, producing eight shots to stand just one down after end 10. Neither team would give way with the score swinging one way then the other, to finish the match at a credible 18-18.

The mixed set of Ray Bales, Diane Watson, Barbara Leonard and Keith Richards took the lead on the first end but were never able to build on that, with Lincoln edging ahead and never looking in trouble in winning 24-14.

The other all ladies set of Pauline Hansen, Janet Horne, Angeline Taylor and Barbara Clarke found themselves 9-0 down before they were able to put any score on the board. Of the 21 ends played, Sleaford only scored on seven and went down 14-25.

Kim Callow and his set of Don Wilson, Colin Lambert and Jon Shand were matching the opposing set until the 13th end at 8-8. Lincoln then produced an inspired spell of bowling, picking up 16 shots without reply to run out worthy winners, 27-12.

Even though the result was not in Sleaford’s favour, everybody enjoyed the match that was followed by an excellent meal after the game.