Game over in Priory’s bid to reel in Waverley

PRIORY surrendered the pursuit of table-topping Southsea Waverley following a 17-shot defeat at Leigh Park in Portsmouth & District League division one, writes Dave Wildman.

The 11-shot win on Jamie Ward’s rink proved crucial for the hosts.

Champions-elect Waverley stretched their lead with a 24-shot victory over Alexandra at Lowcay Road.

The Southsea outfit only won two rinks – but they were big wins for skips Paul Cooke and Matthew Marchant.

Portsmouth Water were relegated after a 56-shot defeat at Waterlooville’s carpet.

Cowplain gave themselves every chance of avoiding the drop with a 27-shot home win over Vospers. Bryan Franklin’s quartet led the way with a 16-shot win.

Ray Porter’s rink notched a five on their last end to keep Vospers’ survival bid alive.

However, despite beating Waverley by five in a rearranged fixture on Sunday, a solitary rink win was not enough to prevent their drop to division two.

Elsewhere, Lee-on-theSolent beat Fareham by nine.

Peter Gentry’s quartet led the three-rink win with a 13-shot success.

John Travers’ men enjoyed a 14-shot victory for Fareham.

In division two, Denmead boosted their hopes of survival with a second successive win – this time by 46 shots over Star & Crescent.

Big rink victories for skips Tony Sewell and Glyn Jones were key as they moved out of the drop zone.

Naismith, who won by nine at Milton Park courtesy of Mick Penny’s 16-shot success, are level on points with Denmead and have one game left to edge to safety.

College Park joined Bridgemary in immediately returning to division three after a 71-shot defeat at Rowner.

Gosport claimed runnersup spot with a three-shot home win over Bridgemary.

Bedhampton avoided the drop as they emerged from a rainstorm to beat Milton Park by 15 shots at Bidbury Mead.

Gas slumped to a third successive defeat in division three – this time by 29 shots at home to bottom club Phoenix.

John Timmins’ quartet bagged a 21-shot success in the three-rink win which ended Gas’ promotion hopes.

Pembroke Gardens beat Emsworth by 31, with Dave Brookes skipping an 18-shot victory.