BUCKINGHAMSHIRE GAIN REVENGE AND END’S MIDDLESEX WINNING RUN

Middlesex CBA's winning run in the Home Counties came to an end as Buckinghamshire CBA gained a modicum of revenge for their recent Middleton Cup loss to Middlesex.

The match played at Iver Heath BC was generally played in glorious sunshine and on a fairly fast green and even the slightly disturbing sight of a swarm of bees passing over the green early on could not disturb the good atmosphere.

Due to the important EBA double 4's match being contested that morning between Poplar and Uxbridge the Middlesex CBA side showed a number of changes to that selected and the players were confident they could continue there steady progress during the season but Middlesex got off to a terrible start and were 20 shots behind at 5 ends (17 shots to 37).

The gap narrowed slightly at 10 ends (45 shots to 59) but was extended back to 20 at 15 ends (68 shots to 88) and extended further to 26 at 18 (69 shots to 95). Middlesex then launched a last gasp fight back and with 4 rinks all playing their last end the gap was down to 7 shots. Roger Butlers rink took shot to win and narrowed the gap further but just as Middlesex sensed they might grab victory from the jaws of defeat Buckinghamshire skips Dave Simpson and home player Peter Picknell played vital shots to turn round poor positions and put the match to bed. The final score being 103-115.

Middlesex did however have 3 winning rinks and so gained 6 points to their opponents 16. Top rink for Middlesex was David Pitt (Masonian), David Crudington (Bush Hill Park), Tommy Lawford (Holtwhites) and Ernie Rudston (Bush Hill Park) who won 25 shots to 15. There were also winning rinks for Terry Doe (Bishopswood), Ron Smith (Holtwhites), Chunky Lee Barber (Broomfield) and Warrior Jamie Gibbs (Paddington) who won 21 shots to 18 and Smiler Richard Southgate (Harrow), Les Massey (Pymmes Park), Richard Clarke (Brentham) and Roger Butler (Fassnidge) who won 16 shots to 15.

It was a good day all round for Ron Smith who was making his Home Counties league debut in the fabulously boisterous and confident rink containing the Under 25’s 3 and skip.

Next week Middlesex have their all important Middleton Cup clash against Surrey CBA and then in 2 weeks they return to Home Counties action with a home tie at Finchley against Berkshire CBA.