Epic result over Spalding in Egham Trophy

Post date: Nov 11, 2018 7:10:04 PM

For the first time in recent history, Stamford have reached the third round of the prestigious Egham Trophy - a mixed competition played on a home and away format with four rinks of men and women split between different venues.

And it was particularly significant that the team beat Spalding, one of the country's leading exponents of mixed bowls - where men and women are equal participants. Spalding are the current national champions of the Top Club discipline demanding a singles, mixed pairs, mixed triples and mixed fours format.

And this epic tie went down to the wire. With still two ends to be played by Martyn Dolby's home rink, the scores were level at 82 apiece with an extra end in prospect to be played at Spalding if scores were still level.

However, despite the efforts of his opposite number Kevin Ekins, to pick up shots or re-set ends, Dolby's rink picked up five in the last two ends to put the result beyond doubt and set up a clash with Lincoln (who beat Scunthorpe 99-68) in the next round.

Fielding five internationals in their team, Spalding dominated their home leg with victories for outstanding skips Graham Smith and Martin Spencer by 27-12 and 31-14 over Simon Law and James Harford respectively.

But the Stamford players refused to be overawed and dug in, especially during the later stages to keep the score manageable and give Dolby and Paul Bailey the opportunity to take the tie beyond their opponents' reach.

Said Bailey: "It was a terrific performance overall against our old rivals. We couldn't have asked for more from all our players."

Results (Stamford names first):

Spalding 82 Stamford 87. Home - E Wallace, H Holroyd, P Edwards, M Dolby beat L Finbow, G Haney, M Simpson, K Ekins 36-5; M Holroyd, K Bailey, J Holroyd, P Bailey beat Ruby Hill, S Wade, M Whyers, J Philpott 25-19. Away - P Dalliday, C Warters, S Suffling, S Law lost to S Harris, J Hicks, C Tomlin, G Smith 14-31; B Warters, P Jones, C Ford, J Harford lost to N Wilkie, D Wild, Annalise Dunham, M Spencer 12-27.