IT'S HARD CHEESE FOR MIDDLESEX IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE!

What a difference a year makes.

July 21st last year, you would have needed flippers and a snorkel to have any hope of bowling on the Fairford BC green after the unprecedented storms of that day brought a deluge of biblical proportions down, leaving not only the green but the Fairford town itself and in deed most of Gloucestershire under several feet of flood water.

Thankfully, although conscious of the suffering being experienced by some of their opposition, Middlesex were at home and the match went ahead at West Ealing BC.

12 months on and Sun hats, sun glasses and sun cream were the order of the day as glorious blue skies welcomed the players of both Middlesex and Gloucestershire CBA's for this annual fixture.

With most of the Middlesex players having enjoyed a hearty lunch at the Bull Hotel the combatants gathered for the match, which was played on a fast but deceptively tricky green.

At the half time tea and biscuits interval Middlesex CBA seemed to have things under control, leading on 5 rinks and being around 20 shots in front, but there is an old bowls adage that everything changes after tea, and so it proved. Gloucestershire fought back and the match was in the balance right up to the last wood when the Middlesex skip needed to convert his head from 4 down to at least 1 up to give Middlesex victory. Unfortunately he narrowly missed and saw Middlesex slip to a 123 shots to 119 defeat.

On a positive note Middlesex did still manage to retain the lead on 2 rinks with the top one being that of Ron Searle (Cambridge Park), David Steele (Wealdstone), Ron Petch (Patron / Acton Park) and Andy Knott (Masonian) who won 24 shots to 13. A disappointed Andy was heard to lament on the coach home that every time he wins the County looses and every time he looses the County wins, a clear plan of action there then for his next game (only kidding Andy)!!

After the match President Tony Paulley had the pleasure of presenting George Morton (Bishops Duppas) and Douglas Osborne (Staines) with their colts badges.

Next up, the side travel north to the Fordham BC and a match versus Cambridgeshire CBA to be played on the 23rd July

 Tony Waller