The Bowls England National Finals continue….and after a SUPER SATURDAY where we lifted the gold medal in the Mixed Fours. The quartet consisted of Benfield’s Kayleigh Proctor, Rachel Cartwright, and the Gosforth duo of Simon Richardson and Chris Yeomans.
After coming through quarter final and semi-final on Friday, our quartet faced Huntingdon’s Rebecca Moorbey, Chloe Brett, Lewis Baker, and commonwealth gold medallist in Nick Brett. The game did not start too well, as we trailed 2- 4 at 3 ends, 2 – 8 at 5 ends and 2 – 10 at 6 ends. But we fought back strongly and took the lead after 10 ends, leading 12 – 10. Nick Brett got a result and scored 1 to narrow the gap to 12 – 11, we scored a double to lead 14 – 11. But Hunts hit back and scored a 2, then a 4 to lead 17 – 14 at 14 ends. We hit back again with a great bowl from Chris to collect a 3, and to make it 17 all after 15 ends. We then scored a 2, to lead by 2 with 2 to play. Then we secured a single on end 17th, to go in to the final end 3 up. We scored a single and won the match 21 – 17 and duly become Bowls England National Champions.
BE National Mixed 4’s Champions: L to R: Chris Yeomans, Rachel Cartwright, Kayleigh Proctor, Simon Richardson
It is the first National title since 2015 for the county, where Chris Yeomans lifted 2 that year, and also Simon lifted 1 – where firstly Chris and his Dad Les, won the Family Pairs and this was then followed up with Gosforth lifting the Top Club crown the following month.
A massive congratulations goes to all 4 of players – huge achievement – well done and enjoy every moment of it.
Yesterday also saw the start of the Men’s Fours Championships. And our Dragons, as in St. Georges were out in force and looking to defeat their prey! The 4’s champions of Michael Cymber, Connor Harvey, Stephen Harvey and Phil Harvey took on Sussex B in Barry Kenward, Jack Wilson, David Payne, Adrian Wainwright and got over the line 19 – 17. Our other of Karl Jameson, Michael Barrass, Chris McGready and Neil Aitchison took on a rink from Bedfordshire and we got of to a bad start, and trailed 17 – 9. We came back but unfortunately went down 24 – 16 and the game was concluded at end 17.
Today will see the continuation of the Men’s 4’s where our quartet take on a rink from Taunton Vivary, Somerset B – and the skip is a former national pairs winners in James Amery. Play starts at 10am.
Also today is the start of the Women’s 4 bowl singles, where our champion and Wooler BC’s Victoria Symons was due to play at 10am as well against Elaine Peck of Wenhaston BC, Suffolk B, but Victoria has received a walkover and Victoria’s next round is actually tomorrow at 10am.
Unfortunately for our last remaining four – we went down 18 – 9 to Somerset B.
As always we wish all of our players the very best of luck and I will keep you posted on scores throughout today.