Ford features in two Federation Finals this weekend

Post date: Mar 12, 2013 10:55:03 AM

Stamford bowlers contest six of the Northants Federation finals set to be held on their home carpet at Stamford IBC on Sunday (March 17) with Christine Ford from Uffington in two of them.

Christine who also represents Barnack outdoor bowls club, plays Sheila Craig (Peterborough IBC) in the women's veteran singles (12 noon) and teams up with Jan Want in the women's pairs against Jenny Harvey and Fiona Richardson (4pm).

One of the most eagerly anticipated ties is the 'high noon' clash between Market Deeping bowls shop proprietor Trevor Collins and former policeman Martyn Dolby, competing on his 65th birthday. It promises to be an explosive tussle between two experienced campaigners eager to represent the county in the national finals.

Equally contrasting will be the Under 25 final (2pm) between Stamford's Jon Bailey and the defending champion Joe Randall. Keeping nerves in check will be a key ingredient.

Perhaps more sedate but just as enthralling on the adjoining rink will be the Veterans singles contest between Stamford's Doug Want and city bowler Joe Martin. The pair have been ribbing each other for weeks in advance about this septuagenarian showdown.

Completing the challenges by Stamford bowlers is the women's triples in which Joyce Foster, Connie Cox and Glenys Edwards will be continuing their great record in reaching multiple finals. This time they are up against an equally experienced Peterborough trio including Pat Reynolds and Val Newson.

Stamford came within a whisker of reaching another final but Sharon Bailey and Dolby lost in the semi-final of the mixed pairs on an extra end to the holders Nick Wilkie and Mary Malton 13-14.

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Stamford IBC A team's hopes of remaining in the top division of the Lincs League suffered a setback when they were beaten by 12 shots by relegation rivals Skegness (108-96), claiming only six of the 18 points available towards confirming their status.

After 15 ends Stamford held a slender lead overall but the seasiders overhauled them and despite wins by rinks skipped by Paul Bailey, Bob Warters and Keith Rippin, it wasn't enough to prevent the home side claiming their first win of the season.

Stamford has a slender 22 points advantage over Boston and Scunthorpe and must hope that one or other slips up in their remaining games if they're not to tumble back into the second division.

Results (Stamford names only)

Skegness 108 (12pts), Stamford A 96 (6). M Ramsden, M Cullingworth, W Morris, R Warters won 21-15; S Harris, S Travis, R Allam, A Warrington lost 15-22; J Bailey, T Harris, M Bailey, P Bailey won 24-21; B Plowman, W Jenner, D King, P Edwards lost 10-31; D Hudson, A Romaine, J Earl, K Rippin won 26-19.