Today was the semi-finals of both the 2 and 4 bowl singles at Carlisle Park, Morpeth.
The weather started off fair, providing ideal bowling conditions for the first 2 bowls singles of R Cartwright (BD) and V Symons (WR).
As the title suggests, the outlook wasn’t good for Cartwright, after 7 ends, she was already 8 -1 down. The next 2 ends, Cartwright scored consecutively (1,1) but then dropped a further 3 shots (over 2 ends), now 11 – 3 down @ 11 ends.
Unfortunately for Cartwright, the ends began to slip away and Symons continued a strong performance, ultimately leading to Cartwright to concede at 17 ends played 16 – 6.
Also in the morning, we saw S. Carter (HX) and S Storey (G) play their 4 bowl singles. This was a fantastic game to watch, Storey got off to a great started, leading 8 – 4. However, Carter was not about to give up and went on to score 5 shots over the next 4 ends, whilst only conceding 1 (9 – 9). After this point, the weather turned and the downpour started. As play continued the game remained incredibly tight with the leading player swapping almost every 2 ends until we reached 20 – 20 after 26 ends played. On the last end, Storey was holding shot before Carter bowled and took it off her. With her last bowl, Storey managed to hit the jack – just as she planned, however the jack was halved the wrong way – straight to Carter’s bowl. In the end, Carter won 20 -21 and will go on to play in the final.
In the afternoon, we saw the 2nd half of the singles take place. Where current holder P Browne (BD) played R Robinson (WR). By this point, the weather had completely changed the green for all competitors involved. These conditions seemed to suit Robinson however, as she led from the off – scoring 3 shots on the first 3 ends and only conceded 1. Robinson then went on to score max points 4 ends before conceding another (1 -11). On the final end of the game, Robinson scored a further 2 – at which point Browne chose to concede the game.
Robinson will no go on to play team mate Symons in the 2 bowl final where one of them will qualify for Leamington.
Lastly, R Cartwright (BD) was back on the bowling green in search of some redemption after losing the 2 wood semi-final earlier. In order to do so, she had to face 2018 champion R Brown (AK). It was very much a similar story to the 2 wood, where the weather conditions and pace of the green suited one party over the other. Unfortunately for Brown, these conditions were in favour of Cartwright and Brown was unable to get her foot in the door. Cartwright won the last 4 wood single semi-final 21 – 0.
R Cartwright (BD) will play S Carter (HX) in the Ladies 4 Wood final at the end of July.