Harris and Dolby progress to last 16 in national finals at Melton

Post date: Apr 3, 2015 5:38:07 PM

STAMFORD IBC's Stephen Harris and Martyn Dolby stormed into the last 16 of the English National indoor pairs today (Friday) with a comprehensive 25-6 defeat of Dave Hanger and Joe Wahnon from Wellworthy IBC in Dorset, writes Bob Warters.

The local pair were quick off the mark with 17 year old Harris setting up heads nicely with accurate drawing bowls and they romped into an 11-1 lead after seven ends before Wahnon ditched the jack and drew three on the edge of the ditch to reduce the deficit.

But Dolby would not be denied strategic covering shots when needed and he and his young protege added five on the 11th end, then seven more in three ends before their opponents, disappointed but gracious in defeat shook hands and wished them good fortunate in the second round match on Saturday morning (9am).

Their opponents will be the current title holders Andrew Manton and Neil McKee from Kingsthorpe IBC (Northampton) who fought back from 9-12 down mid-way through the match against a plucky pair from Clarrie Dunbar to snatch it 20-18 on the final 21st end.

Said Dolby: "The support we had from nearly a dozen Stamford IBC members and friends was greatly appreciated."