LATE COLLAPSE FOILS BATTLING MIDDLESEX

Despite the final result there were a great many positives to take from Middlesex CBA’s opening group game in 2011’s Middleton Cup.

With the highly fancied Kent CBA as opposition things could scarcely have been much tougher at Finchley Bowls Club for the much changed side.

Captain John Sweeney gave his pre match rallying call and welcomed those recalled to the side together with John Sinclair who was making his debut.

Things did not start greatly for Middlesex and at 5 ends they were 10 shots behind (19-29) but as the players settled and adjusted to each others styles of play things improved.

At 10 ends the Kent side had been quietened as Middlesex led 54-51. Middlesex held that lead for the next 5 ends and there was a definite sense of unease amongst some of the visitor’s supporters as Middlesex led 84-80 at 15 ends.

Was, what would be viewed as a shock result, on the cards? Well unfortunately not, one thing that success breeds is a belief that you will not lose and with the pressure on Kent rallied.

At 18 ends they had gone back in front 103-97 and by the end, that lead had stretched to 23 (126-103).

The margin of defeat was harsh and perhaps not helped by the final rinks to finish playing shots that attempted to get Middlesex back into the game rather than more defensive options to simply keep margins down. Sadly these shots did not always come off!

Top rink for Middlesex was Ray Fortune, Tom Brooks and skip Perry Cook (all of Poplar) joined by Tony Waller (Ladygate) who won 19-9. Also having a wining rink were Roger Watkinson (Bush Hill Park), Andy Knott (Masonians), Alistair Frankland (West Finchley) and Phil Sutcliffe (Brentham) who won 26-17.

Sadly 2 winning rinks meant only 4 points to Kent’s 18 and puts Middlesex bottom of the embryonic table, if you ignore Sussex who did not play, as Oxford CBA only lost by 10 (116-126) as they also garnered 4 points from their trip to Atherley to face Hampshire CBA.

So lots to consider before next weekends trip to Banbury Central to face Oxford CBA in what could turn out to be a do or die fixture for both sides in this years Cup.