Solid Start for Seniors

Senior bowlers at Stamford have made a positive start to their national Over 60s Double Rink campaign, with Stamford A beating Sleaford B 31-20 to set up a second round against either Peterborough or March.

Stamford's Over 60s B team lost by two shots against neighbours Grantham in this unique competition in which the aggregate score by rinks of four playing home and away simultaneously counts.

For Stamford A it was a game of contrasts, where after ten of the 18 ends, they led at home 14-2 compared to 1-10 away. However, Roger Martin's away rink finally managed to pick up enough shots for the Stamford home team, skipped by Martyn Dolby, to consolidate their advantage and run out comfortable winners.

Against Grantham, Peter Burt's Stamford home rink finished 19-13 up against Terry Berridge but it wasn't quite enough to take they tie after a 20-12 defeat for Kevin Vinter's quartet at Grantham.

Results: Over 60 Double rink (Stamford names only): Stamford A 31 Sleaford B 20. Home - R Allam, M Linnell, B Warters, M Dolby won 24-5, away - T Barwell, A Barnes, T Scarr, R Martin lost 7-15. Stamford B 31 Grantham 33. Home - R Blake, D Heffernan, K Rippin, P Burt won 19-13; Mal Smith, D Miller, T Christie, K Vinter lost 12-20.

Lincolnshire League fixtures continue on Saturday for Stamford Men's A against Spalding (away) with a team re-shuffled because of absentees, creating debuts for Don Bruce and John Suffling.

Transport leaves the club at 12.45pm.

Team: J Suffling, D Bruce, C Ballard, B Warters; Mal Smith, J Travis- Jenner, N Wright, A Warrrington; M Ramsden, TBC, D Miller, A Barnes; R Allam, D Ford, M Linnell, R Martin.