Men’s ‘A’ Begin Title Defence

Stamford Men’s ‘A’ team begin their defence of the Lincs League (South) title at Boston ‘B’ on Saturday (2pm) with the heavy defeat by Lincoln ‘A’ in last season’s play-off final at Louth hopefully only a distant memory.

The team includes some new players promoted from last year’s ‘B’ team but several still rusty on the indoor surface and looking to still hit the ground with delicate pace and precision.

Pete Linnell’s Stamford ‘B’ team entertain Grantham (2.10pm) simultaneously with new faces and different combinations keen to make a winning start against local rivals who have been strengthened with the closing of Newark IBC last year.

Stamford A: T Barwell (capt), K Rippin, M Linnell, R Martin; W Aspinall, A McNaughton, O Aspinall, J Earl; M Humphreys, D Heffernan, N Wright, A Warrington; C Ballard, M Ramsden, K Vinter, B Warters.

Stamford B: P Linnell (capt), K Rawlins, D Wilkinson, D Edwards; M Smith, S Christie, R Blake, N Crees; H Gordon, G Clarke, J Suffling, J Hare; G King, B Orme, G Patrickson, D Henshaw.

MIXED GOOD FORTUNES AT LAST

It took a while but after finishing rock bottom of the Lincs Mixed League southern division last season, Stamford at last gained a win in their opening fixture - by just two shots at home to Grantham.

The nine points from a possible 14 almost slipped from their grasp, however, as the visitors rallied but it was thanks to Henry Gordon’s rink that victory was finally achieved.

Partnered by Linda Cave, Pat Jones and Tony Barwell they out- bowled Grantham captain Graham Smith’s quartet 28-15 - a 13-shot cushion which Stamford just managed to hold onto despite a draw and two other losing rinks.

Result

Lincs Mixed League (South): Stamford 77 (9 pts) Grantham 75 (5). Stamford names only: V Du’Kett, L Tuck, K Tuck, D King lost 13-15; J Lonslow, J Suffling, S Suffling, B Warters drew 22-22; L Cave, P Jones, T Barwell, H Gordon won 28-15; J Barwell, S Henshaw, D Cave, D Henshaw lost 14-22.