Men's A miss title chance -by one point!

Post date: Apr 15, 2016 7:33:16 AM

Stamford Men's A team missed out on an historic Lincs Division One title by just one point, after Boston stumbled over the line by claiming the two points they needed from the visit of Spalding in a re-arranged fixture.

Spalding, who will be joined by another England international Matt Orrey from Grantham next season, dominated the match to grab 16 points but Boston's strongest rink robbed them of the maximum points they took from Stamford last week.

Boston finished the season with 96 points, with Stamford on 95 and Spalding on 90. Definitely relegated are Scunthorpe with Louth A promoted from the second division. It is unclear yet whether Lincoln A will also be relegated or Sleaford promoted.

Commented Stamford captain Adam Warrington: "It's obviously disappointing to come so close to a maiden division one success and then to lose out by a single point. The 2015/16 campaign has still been a great one with our highest ever finish of second. We beat every team in the league at least once. Next season will be just as tough as Spalding are sure to bounce back.

"I would like to thank the whole team for their positive attitude and commitment for the past two years. Almost the whole team has made themselves available for every game, home or away, which has made the captain's job that much easier. A big part of our recent success has been our strength in depth across 20 players - and the spirit in the team has been great.

"I also believe' " he adds, "that the success the A team has achieved in the last two seasons had been positive for the competitiveness and atmosphere of the club. We shouldn't be afraid or ashamed of being ambitious."

Spalding captain Graham Smith, a regular England indoor international, was apologetic about the final league outcome.

He told me: "Sorry Bob, did you damage last week but almost did you a favour tonight. Just a shame for us we had a bad start to the season."

However, Stamford bowlers will admit they probably only had themselves to blame.

While taking an almost maximum 34 points from Scunthorpe and 28 from Lincoln, Stamford were caught out early in the season at Boston and missed vital points in the return match, especially on my own rink which dropped four shots on the last end to concede two valuable points.

But it was the 18-0 drubbing at Spalding which finally epitomised our season and proved that there needs to be some improvement in certain positions if Stamford is to grasp the opportunity next time. BW