There were two county finals played on Friday evening – these were the Men’s Under 25 Singles and the Men’s Fours.
Firstly the Men’s Under 25 Singles, where Haltwhistle’s George Rogan took on Newbiggin’s Josh Norris. The opening exchanges were tight, and the score was 4 all at 5 ends. Norris then scored a treble, and a double to lead 9 – 6. But Rogan hit back quickly to score on 5 of the next 6 ends to lead 17 – 10. The pattern continued and despite Norris scoring on 3 out of the next 4 ends, Josh only collected 3 singles only. The score was 18 – 13, and Rogan secured a treble to take the game 21 – 13 and the title of Northumberland Under 25 Singles Champion. The game was played in the right way, great advert for junior bowls, along with great sportsmanship and respect from each player, and they are not only a credit to themselves but to the clubs they represent as well. Well done to both George and Josh.
L-R: George Rogan (HW) and Josh Norris (NB)
On the Fours – this was the rink of Michael Cymber, Josh Minto, Craig Cooper and Chris Yeomans from Gosforth taking on St. Georges quartet in Dan Bennett, Paul Lawson, Michael Barrass and Gary Myerscough. In the opening exchanges Yeomans led 4 – 0 after 2 ends, but Myerscough hit back to score a 4 on end 3, and then a 6 on end 5 to take the lead 10 -7. Myerscough continued to lead and only dropped 4 singles, but scored 2 doubles himself – to lead 14 – 10 at 11 ends. But on the very next end Myerscough scored a decisive 3 to extend his lead to 17 – 10. Myerscough lost the next 2 ends, but again they were only 2 singles – so Yeomans needed a 5 to draw or 6 to win on the very last end. The end was played and Michael Barrass played a great bowl with his first bowl to sit right on top of the jack. Therefore with no shot on except to kill the end and start again, Yeomans tried to do this but unfortunately for him and his rink, this did not happen and Myerscough took the county title and booked his place for the national finals.
Both George (U25) and Gary (4’s) will represent Northumberland at the National Finals at Royal Leamington Spa next month. In addition they will also represent Northumberland at the Northern Counties Championships at York RI – both of these Northern Counties events are played on Saturday 14th August.
We look forward to the next games in the finals programme – which on Saturday start at 2pm (at Portland BC) – please come along and support the finals and the players. I’m sure the players will appreciate any support that is given.
Finally a big thank you to Portland BC for not only hosting tonight but their help beforehand and tonight – many thanks.