SUSSEX TIED IN KNOTT’S AS MIDDLESEX BOUNCE BACK

Middlesex CBA continued their domination of Sussex CBA at Home Counties Level as they bit back from their opening week defeat to Surrey to beat Sussex 115-88.

A re shuffled rink were the stars of the show. With Brian Elbourn (S.D.P. / Harrow), to whom every one sends their best wishes for a speedy recovery, unavailable Andy Knott (Masonian) moved up to skip to be joined by late replacements Terry Doe (Bishopswood) and Andy Dempster (Ladygate). The last member of the rink was last weeks debutant young Glenn Adams of Uxbridge. They stormed to a 27-7 victory to underpin a good afternoon’s work by the squad.

Unlike last week, on arrival at the game the players were greeted by slate grey skies, a stiff breeze and persistent and at times heavy rain. Thank fully by the time the game, delayed again by traffic issues, started the rain at least had desisted.

Middlesex started well and at 5 ends had opened up a promising 6 shot lead (26-20), at ten ends that lead had been extended to 10 (53-43) but it was after the warming half time tea and biscuits that Middlesex kicked on and by 15 ends the game was looking more secure with a 26 shot lead (88-62).

That lead was maintained over the next 3 ends as Middlesex edged further ahead to 103-75. Things tightened over the last 3 ends with Middlesex happy to hold what they had and Sussex looking to avoid further damage. With wins on 3 rinks and one drawn Middlesex returned home with 17 points to their opponents 5.

Alongside the top rink, plaudits should also go to the rink of Ray Fortune, John Stacey and Perry Cook (all Poplar) with Alistair Frankland (west Finchley) who won 22-13 and Ian Ellis (Finchley), Airan Wallis, Alan Harman and Jim Paveling (all North London) who won 25-14. Something possibly to be said there for club mates playing together at higher levels?

Finally congratulations to Michael Kopp of Uxbridge (Pictured) who was playing his first game.

With the under 25 squad due to stay in Sussex for their under 25 double rink match the following morning the post match meal atmosphere was some what jovial with Gaffer Ray Fortune and Pied Piper Perry Cook taking some flak, to worried looks from some parents present, as to what they were going to be getting up to in Crawley with their young charges that evening!!

So, one win, one loss from their opening Home Counties games. The league now takes an extended break as the even more serious stuff of the Middleton Cup takes centre stage.

Next Saturday the selected squad travel to Shirley Park in Surrey for the opening fixture, Supporters will be welcomed as the squad hope to get off to a positive start to their campaign, full preview next Friday.

Tony Waller

Your Roving reporter.