Narrow defeat at Florence Colliery for visiting Leek Park

LEEK Park’s Thursday Bowling Team have suffered back to back defeats, last week’s by the narrowest of margins.

Leek visited Florence Colliery A on a damp and cold afternoon. The free-scoring home team are sitting comfortably in second place in the league and an anticipated good competitive game ensued.

Alan Barr began proceedings and enjoyed good bowling against a skilful opponent, scoring 10-21. Neil Scragg, in at number two, took total control of his game, racing away to a 21-12 win. Ian Cantril endured a tough afternoon but was competitive throughout for a valuable 9-21. Basil Bowcock, in at number four, had a slow start, soon finding himself 1-7 down. Basil rallied and was soon leading 12-7. His opponent, however, fought back and reclaimed the lead at 13-16 before Basil finally showed his class to secure the win 21-16.

Tony Birks gradually pulled ahead throughout his game for a 21-13 win.

Harvey Lomas had a good start, leading 12-6 before his opponent drew level at 1313. Harvey then lived up to his reputation to come back for a good 21-13 win.

Nigel Heath was drawn against the Florence star player who has won every game this season. Nigel was soon 1-7 down before rallying for a good return of 13-21.

Arthur Hadfield found himself 5-11 down after 12 ends but, with great spirit fought back to 17-18 before losing his season‘s unbeaten record to record 18-21.

Final score: Florence Colliery A 138, Leek Park 134.

The previous week,

Leek Park anticipated a tough assignment when they visited fourth-placed Halmerend.

The home team has won all its home matches, usually by a significant margin. At the start of the match, the teams were locked together in the league with Leek being just 12 chalks ahead.

The teams met on a warm sunny day.

Neil Scragg got away to a brilliant start, leading 8-1 after seven ends. Despite stalling for a few ends to 1013, Neil then took complete command and romped to victory with a good 21-14 win.

Ian Cantril found the small green not entirely to his liking but scored a useful 12-21.

Phil Turner, a newcomer making his team debut in place of the injured Bob Green, started well before slipping to a gritty 9-21. Harvey Lomas chased a hard fought game throughout before scoring a creditable 14-21.

Tony Birks enjoyed a gruelling encounter, a close run game which wasn’t decided until the final end. With the scores linked at 2020 Tony took the final end for a 21-20 victory.

Nigel Heath battled gamely throughout before succumbing in the later stages for a creditable 14-21 scoreline.

Arthur Hadfield continued his magnificent form and totally dominated his game for a superb 21-7 win.

Finally, Alan Barr took the final game and started strongly, leading 10-7 before being overhauled in the final stages for a 14-21 score line.

Final score: Halmerend 146, Leek Park 126.