Exciting finish to the packed Christmas tournament

Post date: Dec 30, 2014 11:58:44 AM

With successive wins in the four-round, eight-end tournament, Stamford bowlers Richard and Anna Martin and their guests from City of Ely IBC, Geoff and Carolyn Day, won the Stamford IBC Christmas Tournament.

Sponsored by brewers Molson Coors, the event on Monday attracted 24 rinks and even had reserves on the sidelines anxious to step in, such was the clamour for places.

However, after four competitive sessions of bowls, it was English Indoor Bowls Association competition secretary Day who steered his rink to the Mick Owens Trophy with wins in the round-robin format, thanks to a narrow defeat of previously unbeaten Chris Ballard's four, 8-6 in their deciding game.

Their 29-point total edged the Stamford rink of David Howarth, Barrie Plowman, Richard Allam and Derek King into second place on 27 points thanks to a 10-3 defeat of rivals Christine and Alan Barnes and Ann and Malcolm Cullingworth who still claimed third on a countback with 24 points.

A bottle of champagne was donated by Richard & Anna Martin, which helped raise £90 toward the new hospice at Thorpe Hall.

Results: 29 pts - Richard Martin's team (£80); 27 - Derek King (£60); 24 - Christine Barnes (£20, third on shots difference), Cliff Watson, Margaret Bloxham, David Wynne; 22 - Chris Ballard, Glenys Edwards; 21 - Brian Edwards; 20 - Christine Ford, Bob Warters, Mark Hebden, Bruce Acock; 19- Charlie Underwood; 18 - Ann Sampy, Mick Linnell, Janet Moore; 17 -Terry Weaver, Stephen Harris, Neil Handley; 14 - David Thorpe; 12 - Ray Beresford, Geoff Kettle, Bob Burton.

Remember, Stamford IBC will be staging its annual New Year free Open morning on Saturday, January 10 in a bid to attract new bowlers to its Exeter Gardens stadium.

The club will be open from 9.30am until noon for potential new members to try the sport under the watchful eye of its coaches and experienced bowlers. All ages are welcome and equipment will be provided free of charge, please bring friends and family.