OPENING DAY DEFEAT AS SURREY TAKE THE HONNORS

Middlesex’s Home Counties Campaign for 2011 got off to a disappointing start as they slid to a 37 shot defeat to Surrey CBA at Croydon bowls Club.

The match was played in lovely conditions, under a clear blue sky but a decidedly tricky green proved difficult to master for a number of the players from both sides.

Traffic problems meant that not for the first time between these two counties the match started slightly late. The delay however did not seem to affect Surrey as they led by 11 (32-21) at 5 ends.

At 10 ends the lead was extended slightly to 13 (57-44) and Surrey led on 5 of the 6 rinks. The real damage was done over the next 5 ends as Surrey rattled up 41 shots to Middlesex’s 10 to lead 98-58 at 15 ends and retain their lead on 5 rinks.

From there it was simply a containment exercise as Surrey cruised home 132-95. Middlesex did however turn round 1 of the losing rinks to pick up 4 points to Surrey’s 18.

Top rink, thanks largely to 3 counts of 5 over the last 4 ends, was Paul Reynolds (Ladygate), Jamie Gibbs and Roger Milton (Paddington) and Ernie Rudston (Bush Hill Park) who won 30-18. Middlesex’s other winning rink, by 1, was Ashley Tanner (Ashford), Thomas Brookes (Poplar), Jim Paveling (North London) and Tony Waller (Ladygate).

David Hards of North London BC made his Home Counties debut in the match.

So a disappointing start but Middlesex have an early opportunity to put things right when they host Sussex CBA at Finchley on May 28^th in their 2^nd League game.

What do you think?

What next?

I'll tell you what?

Is he gonna draw?

What way is he coming?

Just a draw?