BAD WEEK FOR FRIENDLY SQUAD!

Middlesex CBA’s friendly squad had a poor week this week both on and off the green.

First up was the home fixture against Nottinghamshire CBA at Winchmore Hill BC. The game was delayed to allow the remnants of a mornings heavy rain to leave the water logged green but despite the slow pace the green played well once the match got underway.

Once again the rink results were shared with 3 wins each but one of Nottinghamshire’s wins was the deciding factor as they won 100-88.

Top rink for Middlesex was once again the Presidents, comprising Brian Elbourn (Harrow / President), Don Dorling (Hon Secretary / Broomfield), Ray Ebrahim (Woodcock Park) and Tony Paulley (Harrow) who won 20-11.

After the match, inside Winchmore Hills lovely clubhouse, Allen Maher of Strawberry Hill received his Colts badge and David Franklin of Grovelands received his full County Badge.

24 hours later and the selected players gathered for the coach ride south to Victoria Park Bowls Club in Eastbourne for the match against Susses CBA.

Middlesex have won 3 of the last 4 friendlies against the coastal County including the last 2 visits to them so hopes were high.

Things did not go to plan however as single shot victories on only 2 rinks led to a 94-126 shot defeat. Can’t even say who was top rink on count back as it’s not indicated!!! The two winning rinks were however Dennis Ayton (Ashford), Wally Rose (Harrow), Steve Bland (Wealdstone) and that man Brian Elbourn (President / Harrow) again who won 19-18 and Tony Covey (Ladygate), Roy Dodson (Brondesbury), Peter Lavender (Ladygate) and Ron Petch (Acton Park / Patron) who won 22-21.

After the match many of the players were somewhat shocked to find they had to visit the next door pub if they wanted a pint to refresh themselves! I’m predicting this may not be a popular venue if Middlesex have to visit there again in the future.

So 2 defeats in a week and only 1 opportunity this week to put the losing run behind them. So on Wednesday 29^th June the side travel south again, this time into Hampshire CBA and the Hedge End Bowling Club. This is only the 4^th occasion this friendly has been played since its re instatement as an annual fixture and on each occasion the away side has been victorious. A good omen? We shall see.