Spring Time for Steve & Dot

EAGLE & CHILD SPRING DOUBLES
Twenty pairs contested the first round group stage with Aaron and Heather top of the tree at this stage with two wins and an aggregate scoring of 24-5. Steve M and Dot were a close second, whilst other group winners and unbeaten pairings included Geoff and Jack, Henry and Gill, Steve E and Bernie and Chris G and Ian P.
Through the last eight knockout stages, Steve Elwell and Bernie Lancaster continued a run of convincing victories to make the final with Steve up against his wife Heather in the last eight before a semi final win against Shell Anderton and Shirley Jones.
The route to the final was much more marginal for Steve Marginson and Dot Kitchen, with two 7-6 wins and the second of which denied Henry Hoyles and Gill Brown at the penultimate hurdle.
It was another very close encounter for Margy and Dot in the final, coming back from two down twice to draw level again with Steve and Bernie at 4-4 with one end to play. Dot landed a good bowl that Bernie couldn't better, before Margy put one even closer and Steve Elwell couldn't find a big one when he needed it.
In the Supplementary competition, Harry Derbyshire and Janet Moore only missed the cut for the Main competition knockout by the fraction of chalks scored, so it was fitting they should run out winners in an even closer final than the main event against Steve Loynd and Karen Bibby.
Tied at 5-5 after the allocated eight ends, a play-off end ensued with one wood sent from each player. Pressure of the moment was evident with a scattering of four rather loose bowls, but Harry and Janet were closest, edging out Loyndy and Karen to take the spoils.
Quite a few new members and newcomers to the game of crown green from both Carolyn and Pat's groups were willing to have a go yesterday and testimony to that was the sight of three ladies (Dot, Karen and Janet) who have come through those ranks, playing in the two finals. Dot Kitchen's name being etched on to the club silverware.

A large thank you to all who took part, Pat Lewis for keeping the kitchen as organised and efficient as usual, Carolyn Lancaster for use and help with our very professional scoreboards, Club President Pat Thomas and 'First Gentleman' Brian for their presence and support. Also Mother Nature who provided us with a continuation of recent high pressure and a perfect Spring day.
Malcolm Jones mentioned that he recorded an attendance of 54 at one point during the afternoon which probably isn't a club record but nevertheless a great turnout.

MAIN COMP.
QUARTER FINALISTS: G Bibby & J Wareing, C Gilbert & I Pemberton, M Hoyles & B Sutton, A Hayhurst & H Elwell

SEMI FINALS:
S Anderton & S Jones 4
S Elwell & B Lancaster 11

H Hoyles & G Brown 6
S Marginson & D Kitchen 7

FINAL:
S Elwell & B Lancaster 4
S Marginson & D Kitchen 6

SUPPLEMENTARY COMP.
SEMI FINALS:
H Derbyshire & J Moore 5
B Wright & S Jolly 4

S Loynd & K Bibby 7
I Partington & R Roberts 5

FINAL:
H Derbyshire & J Moore 6
S Loynd & K Bibby 5