ASHLEY'S FIGHT BACK ALL IN VAIN

Playing this evening, at Alton Social, in the Northern Area Finals of the County Two Wood Singles Ashley Nethercliffe made a tentative start in his match against David Sims of Alton and losing early two scores of two he soon trailled 0-5. A sinlgle for Ashley raised his supporters hopes but with David bowling well and Ashley not finding the pace of the green it was not long before Ashley found himself trailling 1-11. Ashley then began to come into the match and by the 15th end he had pulled the score back to 9-12. Two singles from David appeared to put the match out of Ashley's reach but a couple of two's for Ashley saw the players go into the final end with Ashley needing to pick up a two to take the match to an extra end shootout. Bowling first Ashley held the two shots he needed as David delivered the last bowl of the end and as it came to rest it was unclear what had happened. Ashley held one but was it two? Sadly for Ashley the measure showed David to have just crept in for second bowl giving him a 15-14 win. For Ashley it was a disappointment, particularly as he also recently lost the County Four Wood Singles by 21-20. He has, however, other chances as he has qualified with Nick Hardy for the Area Final of the Pairs and is still in the Triples and Fours.