BACK TO BACK DEFEATS FOR FRIENDLY SQUAD

It’s not been the best of weeks for bowlers in Middlesex!

Hot on the heels of the Middleton Cup defeat at the weekend Middlesex CBA’s friendly squad gathered at Pymmes Park for the annual friendly with their friends from Essex CBA.

With the weather having deteriorated from the weekend a chilly afternoon was in prospect and it did not get much warmer on the green.

Defeat on 4 rinks with one drawn meant that the side slipped to a 97-121 shot defeat.

Top rink was Peter Taber (Grovelands), James Corbett (G.P.C.), Eric Pelling (County Coach) and Ian Rudston (Bush Hill Park) who won narrowly 22-20.

It was at least a step towards their County Badge for David Franklin (Bury Lodge) and Kevin Birch (Poplar) who both played their 2^nd County Game.

24 hours later and those selected sped down the M4 towards Maidenhead for the game with Berkshire CBA.

With the weather threatening, even more than Tuesday, Middx CBA crumbled to a 51 shot defeat, 98-149.

Again the County only won on the one rink with Tony Covey (Ladygate), George Hughes (Cambridge Park) Mike Rayner (Gunnersbury Park) and Eric Prior (Match Secretary / Mill Hill) succeeding 21-18. This was Eric’s 4^th top rink of the season keeping up his better than 50% winning ratio.

It was a double day to remember for George Hughes who got his Colts Badge. It was also a day to remember for George Morton of Bishops Duppas who received his full County Badge from President Graham Kellet.

Two defeats in a week mean that the friendly squad’s seasonal record has gone into the negative and they will be looking to bounce back in a fortnight when they again have back to back games. On the 23^rd they make the popular trip up to Notts HQ to play Nottinghamshire CBA then 24 hours later on the 24^th they head to Staines for a game against Sussex CBA