County triples - a lesson in never conceeding a shot!

Just a week after Peter and Sally's excellent performance in the county Over 55 Pairs competition, two triples from Tarrant Keyneston contested the National/Members Triples.

Peter and Sally returned, with Nigel Stanley making up the team. Our other entry was skipped by John Beckford, playing with Anita and Robin Evans.

Perhaps inevitably, our two entries were drawn to play in the same group! Peter's team started better, winning one and losing one against two of several Hazelbury Bryan triples. John's trio lost their two openers, so needed a good result against Peter in the final group game.

Things went well for John's team, and they went into the final end with a healthy 8 - 3 lead. On the final end, Peter held the shot, but the second bowl was too close to call. The umpire was called, and the second shot went to Peter for a final score of 8 - 5 in favour of John's team.

At the time that last point seemed unimportant, but with the two Keyneston teams equal on points with Barry Whitburn's triple, qualifying for the main competition came down to shot difference. With Peter and Barry's teams level, the next decider was shots scored - Peter had 14 to Barry's 13, so Peter's triple would come back after lunch for a quarter-final game in the main competition. John's team would play in the same stage of the plate competition.

Sadly, neither of our teams lasted beyond that round. Peter's trio were knocked out by Rob Martin's team, while John's triple were heavily beaten by June Balbinski's team. June went on to win the plate.