Turn up and play proves popular move

WINTER bowling action returned to Love Lane on Sunday after a two-week Christmas break.

The new format of allowing bowlers to turn up and play rather than having a booking in system went well.

In addition, the draw is now done weekly in the hut as the organisers try new methods to increase numbers.

The alterations clearly worked with twenty bowlers in attendance all chomping at the bit for action.

In the group stages Ian Stokes and Chris Talbot were looking in supreme form winning both matches in good style.

The top group was all one way traffic with Chris Barlow and Jamie Bramley wracking up three victory’s.

The second qualifier was all on the final match with both pairings needing to win.

In a cracking game a Terry Gale wonderbowl aided him and partner Rodger Miller to the semi finals.

The final slot in the last four was taken by Steve Crowther and James Jones who won a diccicult group. It was a slight shock to see green expert Shaun Miller and sister Danielle Miller failing to progress.

The semi finals were drawn out and some intriguing games were on offer.

With tails up Rodger Miller and Terry Gale were holding Ian Stokes and Chris Talbot close.

The deciding factor however proved to be an imperious display of lead bowling from Ian Stokes.

The Victoria man was producing lead after lead as he and Talbot cruised home 21-11.

The other match was nip and tuck until Barlow and Bramley picked up a huge four in the notorious swinging corner near the gate.

With Barlow also leading well he and Bramley staved off Jones and Crowther 21-15.

The final looked close on paper with Stokes and Talbot in very good form and looking difficult to beat.

On the green though Bramley and Stokes were in command throughout and lifted the sweep 21-11.

The big intertown winter county match is on the horizon the home leg is on Sunday February 19th 2017.