Federation Parking: You have been warned!

Post date: Mar 15, 2019 10:00:00 AM

Bowlers competing in the Northants Federation finals at Stamford IBC on Sunday (March 17) and those planning to spectate, are advised to arrive early for the sessions which start at 10 am, & 12pm, 2pm and 4pm (see Federation finals timetable story).

Simultaneously, Stamford Rugby Club is hosting its annual Under 9s rugby festival on the adjacent Empingham Road Playing Field - with families arriving from a wide area - and it is inevitable they will endeavour to use the Stamford IBC/Bridge Club car parks.

The bowls club is aiming to put up parking restrictions but past experience of 'school runs' tells us this may not prove a sufficient barrier to visitors parking where they see ANY SPACE close to the action!

The bowls club can only suggest that bowls competitors and spectators arrive early to avoid disappointment, inconvenience and further congestion.

MAL SMITH AND MARTYN DOLBY MAKE IT FOUR STAMFORD QUALIFIERS

Malcolm Smith and Martyn Dolby became the fourth Stamford team to reach the English Indoor Bowls Association finals at Nottingham in April when they beat Billy Hobart and his partner from Barwell in the Area 5 final of the Over 60 pairs at Melton IBC.

They won 20-11 and will play a pair from either Westlecot (Swindon) or York at 2pm on April 10.

The match was tight until the 9th end when Smith drew his four orange Blaze bowls close and Dolby added two more for a crucial six count count and a 12-5 lead.

Former England international Hobart called on all his experience to dominate the next few ends to pull back to within four shots (10-14) before the Blackstones pair added a two and again drew four bowls close on the 16th end which Hobart was unable to move and forced a concession.

Also through to the Nottingham showpiece are Jan Want, Sue Moir and Christine Ford in the over 50 triples and Bob Warters, Cliff Watson and Keith Rippin in the men's equivalent.

Chasing the Over 60 Fours will be Mal Cullingworth, Tony Scarr, Trevor Collins and Jeff Newson.