Slower carpet proves Stamford's undoing

Post date: Jul 31, 2017 2:37:23 PM

Slower carpet surfaces compared to what they are used to at Stamford has proved the undoing of the club's players competing for the first season in the indoor summer Fantastic Fives competition, run by the English Indoor Bowling Association.

While Stamford's is one of the country's paciest in terms of speed of green and delicacy of touch, those at Melton, Charnwood and Kingsthorpe (Northampton) are among the slowest, so adapting has been a real challenge in away matches, while they have held their own at home.

At Kingsthorpe in the latest match in the series - playing singles, pairs, triples and fours - Stamford captain Tony Barwell picked up two shots on the first end of the singles but was eventually overtaken by M Oran who went on to win 14-7.

In the fours David Howarth, Jeanette Bourne and Anna and Richard Martin forced a draw 8-8 but there was no joy for the pairs and triples combinations beaten 11-17 and 4-14 respectively.

Stamford lost 9-1 in overall points and in their last match in the competition on Wednesday (Aug 9 at 6.30pm) they are hoping to restore some pride with a home match against league leaders Melton.