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Stephen Harris partners Graham Smith to National Pairs Title
Stephen Harris partners Graham Smith to National Pairs Title
Stamford's Stephen Harris aged 24, now plays his national competitions out of Spalding, a move that has certainly done him good if his recent successes are anything to go by. Already an Under 25 international he partnered team mate Graham Smith, a full international, to the National Pairs Title at Nottingham this week in the re-arranged 2019/2020 Association finals.
Earlier in the Champioships he had played his part in Spalding Top Club success by winning both his singles games in the semi final and final, before switching to the Federation code at Newark to win the National Under 25 Singles for Northamptonshire.
In the championship pairs finals the pair first had to overcome Whiteknights Carl Brooks &, Paul Maynard which they did 18-13. Next up were Blackpool's Tim Norris & Tim Houghton in the quarter finals who were brushed aside by 25 shot to 13. The semi final saw them take on Mike Griffin & Simon Skelton from Nottingham which they successfully negotiated 22-18.
The final proved to be their toughest game to date. Not only did they have to play again soon after their semi final success, they also faced the strong pairing of Lewis Baker & Nick Brett from Huntingdon. The final did not disappoint with the lead see-sawing between the two sides with the score being 21 shots apiece after the regulation 18 ends. This necessitated an extra end being played which saw the Spalding duo score the required shot need to clinch the title 22-21.
Following the game Stephen stated "Words cannot describe how happy i am right now. Men's national pairs champions. Wow. Tops off a fantastic 2 weeks. Massive thanks to everyone who has supported me last few weeks, means so much. Look forward to British Isles next year." Graham simply said "Made up to win the the national pairs, so pleased for my partner. Not a bad pair"
The pair now go on to compete in the British Isles Championships which is a tournament held between the champions of their respective nations, England Scotland, Wales, combined Ireland and more recently Guernsey and Jersey.
SENIORS MAKE A COMEBACK
SENIORS MAKE A COMEBACK
After their opening season defeat at Boston, Stamford's senior bowlers repaired some of the damage with a convincing home defeat of Grantham by 21 shots, claiming all 14 points. Biggest win by 12 shots was by Peter Burt's rink assisted by Ron Blake, Charlie Jones and debutant Steve Miner.
Result: Lincs Over 60s League (South): Stamford 90 (14 pts) Grantham 69 (0), Stamford names only - J. Bourne, S. Travis, D. Heffernan, K. Vinter won 19-14; B. Crouch, D. Henshaw, Mal Smith, T. Christie won 20-17; R. Blake, S. Miner, C. Jones, P. Burt won 28-16; T. Barwell, R.Clarke, D. Miller, R. Martin won 23-22
NOTE: Saturday's 'A' team away game against Grantham has been postponed due to lack of player availability.
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