Heavy defeat at Spalding could cost the title

Post date: Apr 7, 2016 6:51:52 AM

Stamford Men's A team's hopes of winning the Lincs Co-Op-sponsored county First Division for the first time in their 25-year history, hang on a knife-edge after they failed to pick up a single point at Spalding in a 133-65 shots defeat

Their title chances were dented in this re-arranged match by a strong Spalding side determined to have a say in the destination of the championship despite the fact that their own hopes of retaining the title had already evaporated.

Boston needed 16 points from a possible 36 to overtake Stamford, away to already relegated Lincoln (they won 14-4) and at home to Spalding to snatch the title - a task within their capabilities but still providing a nervous challenge.

Without their captain Adam Warrington and specialist leads Dave Hudson and Alan Romaine, Stamford's task against Spalding was always going to be tough and behind on all rinks and by 30 shots on an unfamiliar surface at the half way stage, they rarely looked like taking anything from the game.

Three killed ends in the early stages on Roger Martin's rink told its own story as they struggled to match the accuracy of the Spalding leads and it was a similar picture elsewhere, as Stamford skips battled for scraps, unable to exert any pressure on their confident, highly-skilled opposition.

If Stamford are to improve their chances in the championship in future, they need to learn to 'build heads' by developing a handful of players prepared to concentrate on the art of leading and, equally important, encourage players who can support them in the vital role of a No.2 in a rink.

It will also be an opportunity to develop a new, dynamic group of No.3s capable of 'converting heads' when the chips are down and learning better tactics from skips with experience.

Result

Lincs Men's First Division: Spalding A 133 (18 pts), Stamford 65 (0). S Harris, W Morris, M Dolby, J Earl lost to G Smith 14-19; R Allam, A Barnes, K Rippin, D King lost to S Dunham 14-21; C Ballard, S Travis, D Want, P Edwards lost to M Spencer 13-41; M Ramsden, M Cullingworth, B Warters, R Martin lost to A Caress 17-21; J Travis-Jenner, C Watson, J Holroyd, P Bailey lost to P Simpson 5-31. BW

Martyn Dolby proceeds direct to the final of the Lincs Indoor Over 65 singles on April 16 at Boston in defence of his title after Maurice Elding (Spalding) had to withdraw from their scheduled semi-final at Stamford tomorrow (Friday) because of family illness.

However, the Stamford junior Under 18 match against Boston for the Lincs League title goes ahead (6.30pm) leaving five rinks available for members' practice ahead of the club finals on Saturday and Sunday. BW.