OXFORDSHIRE “COOKED” IN THE BANBURY RAIN.

Middlesex CBA entered their 2^nd Middleton Cup group game knowing that only a win would preserve their interest in this year’s competition.

Their hosts at Banbury Central Bowls Club, Oxfordshire CBA who also found themselves in the same position after both sides lost their opening games.

On a very wet and cold afternoon however it was to be Middlesex who triumphed and the players, selectors and Supporters all returned down the M40 over the moon at a thoroughly deserved victory.

Middlesex actually started the game slowly and at 5 ends were 5 behind (24-29) but a dominant second set of 5 ends saw them storm into a 20 shot lead (66-46).

As the weather worsened and the fair weather cricketers on the adjacent field headed for the sanctuary of the changing rooms Middlesex remained in front although the lead had narrowed to 11 (93-82) at 15 ends.

As the master scoreboard went up to show the “in play” position Middlesex held a 14 shot lead but within the next 5 completed ends, across the green, this had been erased and Oxfordshire led by 1 shot. At 18 ends Middlesex had nudged back in front and led by 2 (106-104).

Surely Middlesex would not crumble for the second week in succession, well no, spurred on by the near miss from last week, a 20^th end 7 for Pat Briscoe’s rink, and the cheers and encouragement of various Officers and Supporters on the sidelines Middlesex forged home to win 130-119.

With defeat on only 1 rink, two draws and 3 winning rinks Middlesex picked up a great 18 points to their hosts 4.

Top rink, for the second week in succession, was Ray Fortune, Tommy Brooks and Perry Cook from Poplar, with Tony Waller of Ladygate who won 25-10.

Also with winning  rinks were Chris Cleaver (City of London), Jamie Gibbs and Pat Briscoe (Paddington) with Alan Harman (Hendon) who won 26-18 and Darren Gosnell (Bounds Green), Barry Wheeler (West Ealing), John Sweeney (Hendon) and Norman Worley (Paddington) who won 23-11. The rinks skipped by Phil Sutcliffe and Paul Cater both earned draws, a particularly good performance by Pauls rink who early on trailed by 11.

In the other group game played yesterday Hampshire beat Sussex 18-4 so the table looks as follows:-

Hampshire      Played             2          Points 36

Middlesex       Played 2          Points 22

Kent                Played 1          Points 18

Oxfordshire    Played 2          Points 8

Sussex             Played 1          Points 4

So Middlesex find themselves right back in the hunt for honours. Next week is Middlesex’s rest week where we can sit back and watch the others fight it out, the games are Sussex home to Oxfordshire at Worthing Pavilion and Kent at home to Hampshire at Canterbury. 11 each would do nicely in the later fixture thanks!!

Middlesex’s next game is at home to Sussex CBA at Finchley on June 25^th. Come along and cheer on a resurgent Middlesex team.

Concentrate The

Managers Watching

Game on - 7 Up

Pre-Match Pep Talk

Paul Carter

Deliberates

John Sweeney does

Riverdance

Should have had lunch