Smith proves too strong in champions singles match

Post date: Nov 16, 2018 10:01:36 AM

Harris (left) and Smith before their singles clash

Stephen Harris, representing Stamford IBC as its 2018 club singles title holder, is out of the national Champion of champions event - beaten 21-17 by his pairs partner Graham Smith.

Harris has joined Spalding this season to play his national competitions and will join the county's Liberty Trophy captain as lead against Martin Spencer later this week. But in this clash, Smith, a well-established England player and defending EIBA two-bowl singles champion, used his vast experience to reach the third round.

The youngster led 11-7 after 12 ends but then conceded seven shots in five ends. At 17-19 he missed a chance to trail the jack for game before Smith clinched it on the 26th end.

SHOCK WIN FOR THE BAILEY FAMILY

Paul Bailey and his daughter Katie caused an upset in the national mixed pairs by beating highly rated England internationals Martin Spencer and Chelsea Tomlin from the Spalding club.

But it took an extra end to split them after the Baileys conceded two shots on the final end in regulation play (when leading 18-16).Tomlin, the England women's Under 25 captain, drew two superb bowls after Bailey senior ditched the jack with another spectacular heavy bowl.

In extra time the Spalding couple looked to have held a close toucher, only for it to fall out and leave Tomlin narrowly failing to edge the jack into a nest of their bowls.