GLOUCESTERSHIRE GLORY, HUNTINGDONSHIRE HURT!

If the Middlesex Friendly Squad has been consistent at anything this season it is that that are completely inconsistent on the green as another mixed week demonstrated.

They opened the week by recording their second straight victory, a feat only recorded once before this season, then promptly followed it up with a heavy home defeat.

The week opened with a trip down to the tranquil surrounds of Suffolk Square Bowls Club in Gloucestershire where under a glorious English summer sun Middlesex won on 3 rinks, with a further 1 drawn, to record a winning margin of 117-101.

Top rink was Colin Rigby (Norman Park), Dennis Ayton (Ashford), Andrew Taylor (Cambridge Park) and Eric Prior (Match Sec / Mill Hill) who won 24-11.

Of note should be the fact that Eric has played in every friendly so far this season and has been on a winning rink in 7 of them. Also when he wins, he win’s well and in those 7 wins he has been part of the top rink 5 times. Finally to prove the inconsistency issues plaguing the friendly squad this season here are Eric’s rink results for the season to date:-

W, L, W, L, W, L, W, L W, L, W, L, D, W 

So onto Wednesday and a home date with Huntingdonshire CBA a side thrashed by Middlesex 2 seasons ago when the Counties last met.

Well lightning was not to strike twice and on a glorious day and on a splendid green Huntingdonshire CBA, clearly spurred on by their senior squads success in the Middleton Cup, handed out a 30 shot thrashing 97-127.

Middlesex had 2 winning rinks, the best of which was Graham Kellet (President / Cambridge Park), John Brennan (Ladygate), David Todd (Sunbury Sports / Treasurer / J.D.P) and Tony  Waller (Ladygate) who won a great match with their opposition 20-14. This success was Graham’s third top rink of the season and David’s fourth.

As Brian Elbourne always likes a mention in despatches I should report that this was his 10^th friendly of the season and he has an excellent personal record of being on a winning rink 6 times with another 1 drawn. Andy Knott also played his 10^th friendly and to his annoyance his record this year is not as successful!

Finally returning to Eric Prior’s record outlined above, his rink result for yesterday was…..yes you guessed it, L, so if you are from Cambridgeshire CBA and you draw Eric next week, unlucky.

Well as already mentioned Middlesex now hit the road and a dash up the M11 to Bottlesham BC in Cambridgeshire for the annual game. Middlesex will be hoping to continue their in consistent streak and record a win as they have beaten Cambridgeshire in each of the last 3 seasons.