HAT TRICK FOR RIC

Congratulations to Ric Newson who, last evening, at Malshanger qualified for the third successive year for the Northern Area Final of the Men's County Singles. His form coming up to the game was not good and against the experienced Middleton Cup skip and former National Champion of Champions winner Leo May it was always going to be a tough game and so it proved. After 5 ends Ric led 5-3 but by 12 ends Leo had opened up a 10-7 lead. Scores were tied at 10-10, 12-12 and 13-13 before a three on the 20th end followed by a two on the next end saw Ric open up the biggest gap of the day 18-14 only for Leo to haul the game back to 18-17. Finally, however a three on the 24th end saw Ric emerge the winner 21-17. It had been an absorbing game to watch with both players coping well with the strong gusting wind blowing up and down the rink. In the Area Final Ric will play Mike Allen of Cove.