Blow for "B" Team

When Stamford Indoor Bowls Club’s Trevor Christie turned up to watch his son-in-law Mark Hebden and grandson James play for Sleaford against his own club he got more than a front row seat.

Stamford ‘B’ found themselves a player short so Trevor agreed to step against the other members of the family - both former Stamford members - and won in some style.

In a close tussle overall, only four shots separated Stamford ‘B’ and the Sleaford after 21 ends of this Lincs League second division match but finally, the home had to settle for just four of the 14 points at stake after conceding shots in the closing ends.

Lincs League Division Two: Stamford B 73 (4pts) Sleaford 77 (10). Stamford names only: T Christie, J Suffling, B Orme, J V Pearson won 23-11; P Shaw, A Patterson, R Blake, M Hewitt lost 11-24; G Clarke, C Richardson, A Hynes, S Downs lost 17-24; K Rawlins, J Wallace, M Dye, D Henshaw won 22-18

FOOTNOTE: Stamford will entertain Lincoln B on Saturday (2.10pm) in a Lincs Mixed League Division Two fixture.

County qualifiers

Former winner Jeff Pitt is the first to qualify for the next stage of the Lincs IBA Over 60s singles to be played at Louth on February 15, having beaten clubmate Mick Porter.

Adam Warrington and Neil Wright will travel to Horncastle on February 8 to compete for a place in the semi-final of the county sets singles at Lincoln on March 8. 

Nick Wilkie, Chris Ballard and Owen Aspinall will represent Stamford in the county singles at Lincoln on February 22.

Rita Downs & Pitt and Ford & Wright have reached the next stage of mixed pairs.

Elizabeth Wallace and Chris Ford lost 12-13 in the Lincs WIBA  pairs.

Christmas tournament almost full

Just a handful of places are still available for the Stamford IBC Christmas Open Fours Tournament on Sunday, December 28 (9.30 & 10.30 starts).

Teams of four will play four sessions of seven ends, scoring points for wins and ends won. There is £300 in prizemoney with entry £20 per team. Entry forms can be found opposite reception. Hot food is available if ordered in advance.

First friendly against Kettering

For the first time in the club’s 35-year history, Stamford IBC played Kettering Indoor Bowls Club in a friendly match with the visitors impressed by their host’s facilities and catering.

Stamford had beaten Kettering in a Top Club event in 2018 but the chance to face them socially was welcomed by both club’s in a match that ended in a 70-58 win.

A return fixture is set for January 25.

Stamford names only : L Dunn, J Dunn, J Barwell lost 14-15; R Roberts, J Hynes, A Hynes won 26-8; B Jackson, G Hulme, L Hulme lost 16-18; D Heffernan, I Zucchetti, A Sharpe lost 14-17.

Long time Stamford IBC member and former Lincs League player Mike Northen aged 85, has died after a long illness. He had recently adapted to, Playing bowls from a rollator and had also played bowls outdoors at Bourne Town. In the 1960s he was a stalwart player with Stamford Rugby Club.

We send our condolences to Ann and the family and will give further details when known.