Harris a step nearer full England cap

Post date: Dec 3, 2019 3:20:26 PM

Stamford bowler Stephen Harris took a step nearer eventual selection for the full England team when he was named 'travelling reserve' for the home international series at Lanelli from March 12-14.

The 22-year old represents Spalding IBC in national competitions but plays his domestic bowls at Stamford IBC having played there since he was an eight-year-old.

He will gain valuable experience alongside some of the legends of the game following his first senior trial at Rugby Thornfield at the weekend, where he impressed England manager, Tony Horobin.

Harris will also represent England Under 25s at Stanley IBC from February 15-16, selected to lead in a rink with skip Jamie Barker (St Neots) and new caps Jamie Tindall (Wey Valley) and Sam Moss (Falcon).

Stephen sister Louise also took part in her first England Under 25 trial on Saturday but was not among the successful candidates.

WOMEN SALVAGE ONLY TWO POINTS AGAINST BOSTON

Stamford's women bowlers held on to their second place in the Lincs Trudy Bates League A, despite a 14-2 home points defeat by Boston, who moved into third spot.

With 31 points from four matches, Stamford trail Spalding by 14, with Boston on 29 in third place with a game in hand.

Only three shots on the final end by the Denise Mackie rink of Jan Want, Terri Handley and Carol Warters earned Stamford any scraps from a match in which Boston always held the upper hand despite a home defeat by Stamford in the opening match of the season.

They must now wait until January 9 and the visit of Spalding before they have a chance to regain some form.

Result (Stamford names only):

Trudy Bates Lincs League A: Stamford 74 (2 pts) Boston 104 (14). m King, V Du'Kett, S Suffling, C Ford lost 16-21; C Gray, J Lonslow, P Birch, R March lost 13-25; J Want, T Handley, C Warters, D Mackie won 19-16; A Lea, J Dye, M Broadbelt, I Reading lost 14-18; J Desborough, V Shackleton, J Brennan, G Edwards lost 12-24.

MASONS TROPHY DOUBLE-HEADER

On Friday (Dec 6), two teams from Stamford compete in the national Over 60 (Masons Trophy) double rink competition. Stamford A take on Charnwood (Loughborough) B, while Stamford B face Melton, each playing a rink at home and away simultaneously (10am).

Teams: Stamford A (v Charnwood B) home - J Brennan, M King, S Suffling, C Ford; away - E Wallace, J Lonslow, S Moir, G Edwards. Stamford B ( v Peterborough or Melton) home - C Barnes, C Gray, P Birch, R March; away - J Want, C Warters, M Broadbelt, D Mackie.