Having reached the final of the Newton Trophy just two years ago, Northants Federation’s second string were looking for a good start to the 2019 campaign against a North Cambs outfit able only to field one team in the Federation championships and in recent years the whipping boys in the top Adams division.

However, under new rules, the team which normally gathers its players from the Kings Lynn, Downham Market and Wisbech area, was rejuvenated in its first season among the county reserve teams of Norfolk, Hunts, Suffolk, Lincs and Northants.

Playing an aggressive style of bowls that at times caught Cliff Watson’s team off guard, North Cambs captured all six two-bowl triples rinks, stacking up a 53-shot victory at the City of Peterborough club and claimed all 22 points.

Commented a shocked Watson: ” I have just come from a dark place. The new North Cambs squad are going to do some damage now that they are competing against county second strings.

“I suspect there is going to be some bleating about single county teams competing in the Newton (traditionally for reserve sides) when the national annual meeting comes round but, though we didn’t play badly overall, we got beaten by players attacking and trailing the jack.”

Even the combination of Peter Brown – who has elected to join the Hunts EBA Middleton Cup campaign, with occasional sorties alongside his son Zac and Dave Corney in the Newton squad, couldn’t stop the Cambs rampage, losing 24-25.

Elsewhere there was a narrow 24-27 defeat for new cap Dave Roberts, Brian Bassam and Roger Strong.

This weekend Northants entertain Suffolk in the Newton at City of Peterborough, while the Northants Adams team hosts Suffolk at Blackstones.

Result (Northants names only):

Newton Trophy: Northants 136 (0) North Cambs 183 (22). Richard Allam, Martin Stokes and Malc Squires lost 24 – 30; Dave Roberts, Brian Bassam and Roger Strong lost 24 – 27; Andy Dyer, Tony Kemp and Dick Noble lost 18 – 35; Les Sharp, Mick Greaves and Alec Emery lost 20 – 30; Dave Corney, Zac Brown and Peter Brown lost 24 – 25; Jeff Clipston, Peter Jessop and Fred Richardson lost 26 – 36.

Northants Bowling Federation has strengthened its Newton Trophy team in a bid to recapture the form that got them to the final in 2017 when they were narrowly beaten by Humberside.

For the home fixture against North Cambs at City of Peterborough on Saturday, May 25, Pete Brown (Whittlesey Manor) steps down from the Adams team to join his son Zac in a rink alongside experienced lead Dave Corney. Zac will be the third generation bowler to represent the county.

New faces, named by captain Cliff Watson, include Andy Dyer (Conservative) and Dave Roberts (Market Deeping), while Roger Strong (City of Peterborough) is among those making a return.

The Adams team, captained by Jonathan Earl, begin their campaign on his home turf at Blackstones, in Stamford against Suffolk. He has yet to announce his squad.

Northants Newton team v North Cambs: Richard Allam, Martin Stokes, Malcolm Squires; Dave Roberts, Brian Bassam, Roger Strong; Jeff Clipston, Peter Jessop, Fred Richardson; Andy Dyer, Tony Kemp, Barry Lawrence; Dave Corney, Zac Brown, Peter Brown; Les Sharp, Mick Greaves and Alec Emery. Reserves Dick Noble and Mick Linnell.

Newton fixtures: May 25 (at City of Peterborough) v North Cambs; June 8 (at Grantham) v Lincs; June 22(at City of Peterborough) v Hunts; July 6 (at Carters, Norwich) v Norfolk.

Adams Trophy fixtures: June 1 (at Blackstones) v Suffolk; June 8 ( at Burton House, Boston) v Lincs; June 22 (at Blackstones) v Hunts; June 22 (at Radwinter) v North Essex; July 6 (at Holt) v Norfolk.

Hail stones cover the Manor green.

Pete Brown and Jon Earl enjoy the spectacle.

Martin Welsford receives the trophy from Mary Dickenson watched by President Dick Noble.

BOWLERS are used to the odd shower of rain, wind debris or even too much sun interrupting their game but the annual match between a team brought together by Northants Bowling Federation President Dick Noble and the host club Whittlesey Manor for the John Dickenson Memorial Trophy was somewhat different…

Hail stopped play!

With the game delicately balanced in the President’s favour and only 18 of the scheduled 21 ends played, the players were pelted by hail stones and sent scurrying from the green while the shower abated and the icy particles, which had turned the surface white, melted.

After a short break, however, this group of hardy bowlers recovered their woods and resumed. This time the Manor bowlers recovered their form and after a scoring dispute was sorted, Martin Welsford, the Manor president, received the trophy from John’s widow Mary, reflecting on victory by just one shot!

Said Dick Noble, who is officiating over the Federation’s 90th year and will stage an anniversary match at Whittlesey Manor on August 4: “Apart from the weather, it was a great day, even though it took three re-counts to settle the score!”

Winning skips for the Manor included Peter Brown, Tony Mace and Martin Welsford, while Noble, Mick Greaves and Alec Emery were successful for the president’s team.

A magnificent buffet was provided by the ladies of the Whittlesey Manor Club.

Result (NBF names first):

Dickenson Trophy: Northants Federation 108 Whittlesey Manor 109. M.Humphreys,P.Buckley and J.Earl lost to S.Roden, C.Trueman and P.Brown 11-21;R.Allam,M.Stokes and M.Greaves beat R.Hunt, A.Penfold and M.Duell 21-12; J.Clipston, D.Ford and Dick Noble beat P.Burbridge, B.Burbridge and S.Woodcock 23-20;A.Dyer, T.Kemp and B.Lawrence lost to R.Stevens, I.Smith and M.Welsford 16-24;L.Sharp, M.Linnell and A.Emery beat S.Agger, C.Brown and L.Welsford 22-13; D.Roberts, B.Bassam and R.Strong lost to B.Tate, R.Stark and T.Mace 15-19 TOTAL:- NBF 108 MANOR 109

Derbyshire winners, from the left (front row) Adam Warrington, Tristan Morton, Mick Humphreys, Dick Noble (president), James Harford, Trevor Collins, Martyn Dolby (back row) Bob Warters, Roger Martin, Simon Law, Paul Dalliday, Nick Wilkie, Jeff Newson.

President and captain immediately after the presentation.

Action from the final

Jeff Newson takes a closer look

Tristan Morton and Martyn Dolby

Northants president Dick Noble with national president Mick Rayson

FOR ONLY the third time in its history and in its 90th anniversary year, Northants Bowling Federation won the coveted Derbyshire Trophy – the English Bowling Federation’s inter-county title.

In the final at Newark IBC on Sunday (April 28), Northants A beat Nottinghamshire 97-80 on their home surface over 25 enthralling ends, winning on three out of four rinks played in a match of two-bowl triples format.

Northants had emerged full of confidence from a tough southern area qualifying group featuring Lincs, Hunts, North Cambs and Norfolk while Notts – who have also indicated they plan to introduce a B team next season – completed an unbeaten campaign against Northumberland, Durham and Humberside.

Led by captain James Harford, Northants quickly got into their stride, despite unfamiliar conditions of a slower carpet to that which all but one of the team are used to experiencing at Stamford IBC – and under overhead lighting that had most players peering through the comparative gloom.

Overall they led by just six shots after five ends and only 35-30 after ten ends before stretching it to 59-45 with ten ends still to play by each rink.

Against the experienced Dave Adams, Simon Law was in outstanding form inspiring his rink of Paul Dalliday and Harford to 15 shots in 11 ends and an eventual 24-19 victory.

Meanwhile, the wily Jeff Newson – a Derbyshire Trophy winner with Northants back in 1996 – showed that he had lost none of his old skills in the 23 intervening years. With Nick Wilkie and Trevor Collins, the trio ran out triumphant 25-16.

Elsewhere, Roger Martin’s rink was finding it difficult coming to terms with the conditions so as Federation rules allow the skip switched with lead Adam Warrington after 13 ends and it immediately paid dividends cutting the scoreline to 17-19 by the 17th end. But a five count against them on the 20th end put them on the back foot. However, they held gamely to keep the overall deficit manageable.

In the end, the rink honours went to Bob Warters, Martyn Dolby, the two most senior members of the squad and Tristan Morton – a young title winner in 2006. With the front pair in control for the most part – they led 10-2 and 14-7 before a dip in the middle, brought two devastatingly accurate killed ends by Morton and two superbly drawn saving shots to keep the rink’s noses in front.

Normal service was resumed, however, from the 18th end and the rink’s 12 shots in seven ends put the result and the match beyond doubt.

A delighted Northants president Dick Noble – a winning team member in 2006 – joined in the celebrations and said what a proud moment it was for him to be president on this momentous occasion.

Results (Northants names first):

Derbyshire Trophy final (at Newark): A Warrington, M Humphreys, R Martin lost to S Ayling, D Rouse, N Osbourne 21-31; N Wilkie, T Collins, J Newson beat D Colley,M Lenton,P Dayus 25-16; B Warters,M Dolby, T Morton beat M Walker, A Brownley, R Pearce 27-14; P Dalliday, J Harford, S Law beat A Rana, D Gascoyne, D Adams 24-19.

(Images courtesy of Malcolm Squires)

FOOTNOTE: During the individual championships earlier in the week, Helen Holroyd was the only county bowler to reach a final – the women’s four-bowl singles. It was due to be played on Sunday morning against Anne Lennie (Northumberland). However, a previous commitment meant Ms Holroyd failed to appear.

Bob Warters

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Helen Holroyd, Chris Ford and Eva Dayes (Humberside)

Northants scored a narrow first round women’s triples win over Norfolk. From the left are Chris Ford, June Brennan and Denise Mackie.

Pictured after their first round triples win against Northumberland, Adam Warrington, Martyn Dolby and Jon Earl with NBF president Dick Noble.

The Holroyd family secured a shock first round win over Northumberland in the mixed pairs. They are pictured with Dick Noble (NBF president), their opposition and Northumberland president Karen Weites.

Nice shoes, Adam! With Forterra-sponsored shirt and at last a sparkling pair of bowls shoes to replace the much-loved ones he has worn for almost decades, Adam Warrington in action at Newark.

NORTHANTS Bowling Federation bowlers gave the county a promising start to the national championships at Newark on Wednesday, when the Blackstones trio of Adam Warrington, Jon Earl and Martyn Dolby came through their opening round 25-17.

But against three from Northumberland, it was closer than the score might suggest. After trailing early on, the Stamford triple surged into a 16-9 lead only to see it whittled away to 20-17 with an end to play.

A five count on the last, however, was enough to see them through to a clash with Derbyshire’s former winners Ashley Clipston, Gary Shepperson and Russell Robinson who earlier beat Richard Vinter’s Lincolnshire rink.

In the women’s rinks June Brennan, Denise Mackie – substituting for Jan Want – and Christine Ford, were up against Norfolk. They eventually scrambled over the line 20-19 to earn a second round tie with North Essex.

And in the mixed triples, the Holroyd family – Moira and John and daughter Helen faced the formidable Northumberland trio of John Dobinson, Annie Lennie and Herbie Blacklock.

But despite dropping three shots on the last end they won 20-19. They lost 14-21 in the second round to Notts who went down 8-22 to Nick Brett, his daughter Chloe and Ed Elmore in the final

Sadly Northants’ hopes of progression in both men’s and women’s triples disciplines ended the same day. The Blackstones three never quite got to grips with a tricky rink two against an experience Derbyshire outfit, losing 21-13.

As for NWBF president Ford’s rink, they fought gamely against North Essex but despite switching positions midway as Federation rules allow they finally bowed out 21-15.

There were wins on Thursday for Chris Ford and Helen Holroyd respectively,in the senior and four-bowl singles over Hunts and Humberside bowlers.

Stephen and Louise Harris also won in the mixed pairs but no joy for Paul Dalliday in the four-bowl singles, beaten by Mike Smith from Suffolk.

MEN’S COMPETITIONS

Wednesday, April 24 : 2-bowl Rinks – Adam Warrington, Jon Earl, Martyn Dolby beat R Symonds, K Blacklock & C Knott (Northumberland)25-17; Northants lost to Derbyshire 13-21.

Mixed rinks – Moira, Helen & John Holroyd beat A Lennie, R Dobinson, H Blacklock (Northumberland) 20-19; Northants lost to Notts 14-20.

Thursday, April 25: 4-bowl Singles – Paul Dalliday lost Mike Smith (Suffolk)7-21.Mixed pairs – Louise & Stephen Harris beat P Rolf & R Greef (Norfolk)18-12. (6.30 pm) Northants v Durham (ALawton & M Charles).

Friday, April 26 (9.30 am) Pairs – James Harford & Simon Law lost to D Hall & L Creaser (Humberside) 12-19.Senior singles – Martyn Dolby lost to P Cox (Humberside)15-21.

Friday, April 26 (7.30pm) Under 25 Open singles – Helen Holroyd lost to Ed Elmore (Hunts) 2-21.

Sunday, April 28 (1pm) : Derbyshire Trophy final: Northants v Nottinghamshire.

WOMEN

Wednesday, April 24 (12.30pm) :Rinks – June Brennan, Jan Want, Chris Ford beat S Stacey, J Kirby & G Xuereb (Norfolk)20-18. 3.30pm Northants lost to North Essex 15-21.

Thursday, April 25: Senior singles – Chris Ford beat Jane Baldwin (Hunts) 21-10.4-bowl Singles semi-final – Helen Holroyd beat Eva Dayes (Humberside) 21-13.

Friday, April 26: Pairs – Louise Harris & Helen Holroyd beat P Gooch & L Alexander (Suffolk) 19-8; senior singles – C Ford (Northants) lost to E Dayes (Humberside) 10-21;(5pm)- Pairs – Holroyd and Harris lost J Earl and M Wilson (Lincs) 9-29.

From the left: Doris Flowers, Vivienne Hempsell, Chris Ford, Terri Handley, Glenys Edwards, Joan Robinson.

THE EXECUTIVE members of the Northants Women’s Bowling Federation finished third in the Harry Carver Trophy at Newark IBC – one of their best finishes since the county won the inaugural event in 1977.

Playing a two-rink triples format, the team of Joan Robinson, Doris Flowers & Viv Hempsell and Glenys Edwards, Terri Handley and NWBF President Christine Ford beat Cleveland, Derbyshire and North Cambs losing only to Suffolk.

They finished with 12 points, two behind the host county Notts and one less than Lincolnshire. 12 counties took part.

In the men’s equivalent last week – the Eversley Trophy in which they were defending champions – the Northants men’s executive team of Richard Montgomery, Les Sharp, Malcolm Squires, Cliff Watson, Graham Agger and President Dick Noble finished 6th of nine counties – seven points behind winners Durham.

The 1996 team : (from left to right): R. Malton, Jeff Newson, Eric Kew, Peter Jessop, Roger Strong, Tony Morton, T. Cairney, Dan Duffy, Fred Addy, D. Smith, Malcolm Squires, Peter Edwards, Cliff Watson, A. Norfolk (National President), Wilf Redhead, Andrew Thurston, Peter Black, John Dickenson (Deputy National President), Bob Crow, Albert Horton. (Picture courtesy of Malcolm Squires).

The 2006 team (back row, left to right): Andrew Thurston, Ean Morton (partly hidden), Doug Want, Dick Noble, Mick Durber, Simon Law & Trevor Collins (both hidden), Graham Agger, Roger Martin (partly hidden), Peter Edwards, John Stoneham. Front (from the left) Nigel Eagle, Norman Buttery, Tony Morton, Fred Addy, Richard Montgomery (Northants President), Chris Wheeler, Tristan Morton (Picture courtesy of Roger Martin).

The 2019 squad: (from the left): Tony Scarr, Nick Wilkie, Martyn Dolby, Adam Warrington, Simon Law, Tris Morton, Paul Dalliday, James Harford, Jeff Newson, Mick Humphreys,Roger Martin, Stephen Harris, 2017/18 President Tony Mace.

FOR THE first time in 13 years, Northants Bowling Federation will contest the final of the Derbyshire Trophy at Newark IBC on Sunday (April 28, 1pm). It’s the prestigious inter-county title of the English Bowling Federation.

Northants bowlers last won the trophy in 2006 at Newark against Durham, having first won it in 1996 at Lincoln IBC against Northumberland.

This time, under the captaincy of James Harford, and celebrating the county’s 90th anniversary since its formation in 1929, Northants A will play Nottinghamshire who qualified through the northern section of the competition by defeating Durham, Humberside and Northumberland.

For the Northants team it was a more gruelling road to the final, defeating Northants B, Lincolnshire, North Cambs and Norfolk, suffering their only defeat, away to Huntingdonshire.

Only Jeff Newson remains from the team which won in 1996 and only four survive from 2006 – Roger Martin, Trevor Collins, Simon Law and Tristan Morton.

Of the 1996 team, Malcolm Squires recalls: “I wore three hats that day – as county president, team captain and as a player. It was a privilege to be the first Northants team to win the Derbyshire Trophy.”

Roger Martin remembers that in the qualifying rounds in 2006, the competition demanded three rinks of triples playing at home and away simultaneously with the aggregate score counting for extra points.

Subsequently the competition is now played as four rinks of two-bowl triples played home or away in alternate years.

” I think the rink I played on in the final was the only one out of six to lose but the rest did more than enough to bring the trophy home for our president Richard Montgomery, who was also in the team.”

This time Martin is paired with fellow Blackstones bowlers Mick Humphreys and Adam Warrington.

The rest of the 2019 team is: Paul Dalliday, James Harford & Simon Law (all Parkway); Bob Warters (Ketton), Martyn Dolby (Blackstones) & Tristan Morton (Parkway); Nick Wilkie (Vanguard), Trevor Collins & Jeff Newson (both Parkway). Apart from Wilkie (Spalding) the rest of the team play their indoor bowls at Stamford IBC. BW

James Harford, the captain, has named his Northants Bowling Federation ‘A’ team to play Nottinghamshire in the final of the Derbyshire Trophy at Newark IBC on April 28.

Northants, sponsored by Forterra, will be making their first appearance in the Federation inter-county showpiece since 2006 when they beat Durham.

The team – which will play to a four-rink two-bowl triples format – shows only one change from that which beat Norfolk in the final game in the southern section at Stamford. Bob Warters replaces the unavailable Tony Scarr at No.2 alongside Martyn Dolby and Tristan Morton.

The rest of the side is : Paul Dalliday, James Harford (captain), Simon Law; Adam Warrington, Mick Humphreys, Roger Martin; Nick Wilkie, Trevor Collins, Jeff Newson.

Says Harford, one of six bowlers from the premier Parkway club, in the side, several of whom played in the 2016 victory: “Team selection was hard but I have stuck with players who have been available throughout the campaign and I feel this is the team that can bring back the trophy.”

Despite losing at Hunts, Northants ‘A’ beat Northants ‘B’ at Peterborough and North Cambs at Wisbech, before taking vital points from Lincolnshire and Norfolk at Stamford.

Both Lincs and Norfolk had the chance to take the southern section but in the last game, failed to claim enough points to make the final.

Nottinghamshire, who will have home advantage after wins against Durham, Northumberland and Humberside won the northern section by just six points from Northumberland. They have never won the title but have been finalists on three occasions.

The Derbyshire final will round off a week of individual English Bowling Federation competitions at Newark featuring Northants men and women in singles, pairs, triples as well as mixed pairs and mixed triples. Northants will also contest the curtain-raiser Harry Carver and Eversley Trophies for county executives.

Draws for individual competitions are as follows:

MEN

Wednesday, April 24 (9.30am) 2-bowl Rinks – Adam Warrington, Jon Earl, Martyn Dolby v (R Symonds, K Blacklock & C Knott (Northumberland)

Wednesday, April 24 (12.30pm) : Mixed rinks – Moira, Helen & John Holroyd v A Lennie, R Dobinson, H Blacklock (Northumberland).

Thursday, April 25 (6.30pm): Singles – Paul Dalliday v M Smith (Suffolk).

Thursday, April 25 (6.30pm) :Mixed pairs – Louise & Stephen Harris v P Rolf & R Greef (Norfolk).

Friday, April 26 (9.30 am) Pairs – James Harford & Simon Law v D Hall & L Creaser (Humberside).

Friday, April 26 (5pm) : Senior singles – Martyn Dolby v P Cox (Humberside).

Friday, April 26 (7.30pm) Under 25 Open singles – Helen Holroyd v Ed Elmore (Hunts) or Sam Ashton (Lincs) Friday, 7.30pm.

Sunday, April 28 (1pm) : Derbyshire Trophy final: Northants v Nottinghamshire.

WOMEN

Wednesday, April 24 (12.30pm) :Rinks – June Brennan, Jan Want, Chris Ford v S Stacey, J Kirby & G Xuereb (Norfolk)

Thursday, April 25 (9.30pm) : singles – Chris Ford v J Baldwin (Hunts).

Thursday, April 25 (3.30pm, provisional) Singles – Helen Holroyd v E Dayes (Humberside)

Friday, April 26 (12 noon) : Pairs – Louise Harris & Helen Holroyd v P Gooch & L Alexander (Suffolk).

If further evidence was needed that bowls is that rare phenomenon where the game can be played on equal terms by both men and women, the final of the Northants Federation Under 25 singles proved it beyond doubt.

Recently capped England Under 25 international Stephen Harris (21) representing the Blackstones club, was matched against Stamford Town’s Helen Holroyd (23) and though a young player with great potential she was not expected to trouble a bowler who has held this county title both indoors and outdoors for several years.

How wrong the assembled spectators at Stamford IBC were. Helen, who is currently qualifying for her coaching badges, was outstanding against an adversary recently named England player of the series on his recent debut in Aberdeen.

In the two-bowl singles contest, she trailed 6-8 at nine ends and 9-10 (12) before asserting her authority on longer jacks to lead 13-10 and 19-13 before conceding the 23rd send to a single.

Helen finally clinched it with an unbeatable front bowl to win 21-14 and went on to win three more titles, including the women’s pairs with Louise Harris, whom she beat in the women’s singles 21-18 after trailing 6-16.

At the other end of the age scale, playing on their home indoor rinks were Martyn Dolby (Blackstones) celebrating his birthday, and Christine Ford (Ketton) in their respective Veterans and Senior singles.

Dolby saw off the keen challenge of Northants president Dick Noble (West Ward) with a 21-9 victory, while Ford beat Conservative’s Sheila Craig 21-13. Turning point came on the 13th end when Ford picked up a maximum to stretch clear 19-10.

Both Dolby and Ford also went on to win a second title each in their respective men’s and women’s two-bowl triples.

Dolby joined with Blackstones colleague Adam Warrington and Jon Earl to defeat Peter Edwards rink – who had taken a 12-0 lead – in a thriller that went to an extra end.

For Ford, June Brennan and Jan Want, it was far more straight-forward against Hazel Bass, Marlene Osborne and Penny Hart – and 15 shots in an eight end spell soon took them out of reach.

But a Dolby/Ford combination came unstuck against brother and sister Stephen and Louise Harris in the mixed pairs, conceding eight shots in the last four ends.

The men’s blue riband event – the 4-bowl singles – went to former carpet bowler Paul Dalliday who just had the edge over Parkway clubmate James Harford. The duo also opposed each other in the two-bowl pairs where Harford gained revenge with partner Simon Law.

FULL RESULTS

Men’s veteran 4-bowl singles – Dick Noble (West Ward) lost to Martyn Dolby (Blackstones) 9-21; women’s senior 4-bowl singles – Sheila Craig (Conservative) lost to Christine Ford (Ketton) 13-21; Under 25 Open singles – Stephen Harris (Blackstones) lost to Helen Holroyd (Stamford Town) 14-21.

Women’s 2-bowl pairs – Marlene Osbourne & Hazel Bass (Yaxley) lost to Louise Harris (Blackstones) & Helen Holroyd (Stamford Town) 6-28; men’s 4-bowl singles – Paul Dalliday (Parkway) beat James Harford (Parkway) 21-17.

Mixed 2-bowl Triples – Alan Romaine (Vanguard) Carol and Bob Warters (Ketton) lost to Moira, Helen & John Holroyd (Stamford Town) 14-20 ; men’s 2-bowl pairs – Dalliday & Tristan Morton (Parkway) lost to Harford & Simon Law (Parkway) 14-16 ; mixed 2-bowl pairs – Ford (Ketton) & Dolby (Blackstones) lost to S & L Harris (Blackstones) 12-20.

Women’s 4-bowl singles – L Harris lost H Holroyd 18-21; men’s 2-bowl triples – Adam Warrington, Jon Earl and Dolby (Blackstones) beat S Harris (Blackstones), Cliff Watson (Peterborough & District) & Peter Edwards (Ketton) 21-19 (after extra end); women’s 2-bowl triples – June Brennan (Ketton), Jan Want (Ryhall), Chris Ford (Ketton) beat Penny Hart (Whittlesey Town), Marlene Osbourne & Hazel Bass (Yaxley) 21-7.

Mixed 2-bowl Triples – Alan Romaine (Vanguard) Carol and Bob Warters (Ketton) lost to Moira, Helen & John Holroyd (Stamford Town) 20-14; men’s 2-bowl pairs – Dalliday & Tristan Morton (Parkway)lost to Harford & Simon Law (Parkway) 16-14; mixed 2-bowl pairs – Ford (Ketton) & Dolby (Blackstones) lost to S & L Harris (Blackstones) 12-20.

4-bowl singles – L Harris lost to H Holroyd 18-21; men’s 2-bowl triples – Adam Warrington, Jon Earl and Dolby (Blackstones) beat S Harris (Blackstones), Cliff Watson (Peterborough & District) & Peter Edwards (Ketton) 21-19 on extra end; women’s 2-bowl triples – June Brennan (Ketton), Jan Want (Ryhall), Chris Ford (Ketton) beat Penny Hart (Whittlesey Town), Marlene Osbourne & Hazel Bass (Yaxley) 21-7.

Also visit www.stamfordindoorbowls.co.uk

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER

There are still a handful of places left to fill for the Stamford Indoor Bowls Club’s Presidents gala tournament on Sunday, April 7 (starting times at 9.30 and 10.30 am).

It is a three-bowl triples event, each team playing four 8-end matches, also scoring points for matches and ends won.

Entry is £18 for a team of three with big cash prizes available. Entry forms from Stamford IBC (01780 756452); closing date March 29.

Bowlers competing in the Northants Federation finals at Stamford IBC on Sunday (March 17) and those planning to spectate, are advised to arrive early for the sessions which start at 10 am, & 12pm, 2pm and 4pm (see Federation finals timetable story).

Simultaneously, Stamford Rugby Club is hosting its annual Under 9s rugby festival on the adjacent Empingham Road Playing Field – with families arriving from a wide area – and it is inevitable they will endeavour to use the Stamford IBC/Bridge Club car parks.

The bowls club is aiming to put up parking restrictions but past experience of ‘school runs’ tells us this may not prove a sufficient barrier to visitors parking where they see ANY SPACE close to the action!

The bowls club can only suggest that bowls competitors and spectators arrive early to avoid disappointment, inconvenience and further congestion.