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REPORT FOR MATCHES
MIDDLESEX CBA RECORD BACK TO BACK FRIENDLY WINS - JUST!
Middlesex's Inter County Friendly Squad enjoyed the comforts of home this week as they recorded back to back wins, although Wiltshire CBA may have a lot to say about the second of these.
The week started with the side gathering at Winchmore Hill BC for a game against Northamptonshire CBA. It was a glorious afternoon and the game proceeded to be a nip and tuck affair. At the end though Middlesex prevailed on 4 rinks to garner a 114-109 victory.
Middlesex's top rink was Graham Kellet (Cambridge Park / JDP), Malcolm Cinna (Assist Secretary / Stanmore), Alex Gibson (Brentham) and Andy Knott (Masonian) who won 29 shots to 15. After the game Antonio Bracallello (Broomfield) received his colts badge for playing his second County Game.
Two days later and the players moved on to the other side of London and the match against Wiltshire CBA at Ashford BC. The afternoon started sunny but there were threatening clouds circling around. An even tighter game than earlier in the week ensued and when the players stopped briefly for tea Middlesex led by 2 shots, when play resumed eyes were being cast with great concern to a line of black clouds approaching from the West, unfortunately about 20 minutes later the players were scurrying for any shelter they could find as the heavens opened up, 20 minutes of heavy rain and hailstones left parts of the green flooded. When the rain did desist the decision was taken to have a 20-minute drinks break to allow the green too drain.
The players though, then found they could not leave the green as the entrance was under 4 inches of water draining from the car park. One local member, clearly versed in thinking outside the box, came up with idea to lay pallets across the water so the players could cross to safety. Some interesting photos were taken which hopefully we can get hold of and add to the report.
With the break completed, the green was still very wet and with further rain threatening the two Presidents took the decision to abandon the match at that point, with player safety their top consideration. Luckily for Middlesex there had been 79 ends played and as they were 74 shots to 69 in front a win was declared by President Tony Paulley!
Top rink at that stage was Tony Paulley (President / Harrow), Eric Pelling (County Coach / Selborne), Maurice Zollo (Strawberry Hill) and Tony Waller (Ladygate) who were 18 shots to 7 up when the heavens opened. During the speeches it was suggested that after last years match in Wiltshire, played at the Purton BC, being played in constant rain, could next years game be moved to another date.
Next up, the
friendly squad have another set of back to back games. On Wednesday 16th
they travel North West to Huntingdonshire CBA hoping to repeat last years
massive home win and then on the Thursday they return home to Pymmes Park
to play Hertfordshire CBA for the “Toucan” Trophy. |