Extra-End Dramas and Powerhouse Form Illuminate the Greens
By Your Green-Side Insider
Round 2 of the County Fours championship delivered a spectacular evening of top-tier bowls, highlighting the fine margins and incredible depth of talent across the county. The draw was defined by massive, high-wire drama—featuring agonizingly close finishes that went beyond the scheduled ends—alongside some absolutely dominant team performances that saw rinks run out to huge shot deficits.
The Grandstand Finishes: Extra Ends and Single-Shot Heartbreakers
When it came to pure tactical tension, a selection of matches kept spectators on the bank thoroughly absorbed until the final wood, with several needing an extra end to settle the score:
Duffy Pips Stringer in an Extra-End Epic: The match of the night for pure drama belonged to P. Duffy (G) and D. Stringer (HE). In a beautifully balanced game of tactical shot-building, neither quartet could break away, leaving the scoreboard deadlocked at 18–18. Moving into the high-stakes extra end, the Gosforth rink found the decisive drawing wood to secure a breathtaking 19*-18 victory.
Ross Secures Extra-End Triumph Over Cooper: In an early-played clash that carried maximum drama into the round, D. Ross (BD) and M. Cooper (G) could not be separated after their 18 ends. Tied at 14–14, it all came down to a pressure-packed extra end. The Benfield quartet held their nerve magnificently, picking up a decisive 3 count to get over the line 17*–14.
Donkin and Bennett Go to the Wire: M. Bennett (G) and R. Donkin (RY) engaged in an equally competitive, close-quarters battle. With both front-ends laying excellent foundations, it came down to a test of nerves late on, with Bennett’s unit doing just enough to secure a tight 16–15 win.
Wilson Edges Past Champion Yeomans: In a fantastic heavyweight clash, M. Wilson (AM) caused a major stir by holding off a previous champion, C. Yeomans (G). Wilson’s rink showed immense composure under pressure, protecting their lines beautifully to edge out a thrilling 13–12 victory.
The Powerhouse Displays: Massive Deficits on the Draw
While some rinks had to find an extra gear at the death, a handful of teams found their weight immediately, establishing huge cushions and putting together wonderfully fluent team performances.
Armstrong and Harvey Set a Blistering Standard: N. Armstrong (G) put together a masterpiece of front-green dominance against D. Leslie (P). The Gosforth quartet barely gave their opponents a look-in from the opening exchanges, cruising to a massive 23–3 victory. Clubmate P. Harvey (G) was in similarly uncompromising form, putting on an exceptional display of drawing bowls to build an early advantage and defeat G. Sivell (ND) 19–4.
Adams and Hayden Strike It Big: G. Adams (P) traveled home highly satisfied after putting on a magnificent display of wood-management to secure a commanding 28–13 win over S. L. Brown (R). Meanwhile, M. Hayden (ST) looked in fantastic rhythm from the first end, establishing total control to defeat G. Payne (AP) 24–13.
More Highlights From Around the Greens
Curtis and Ray Secure Hard-Earned Wins: J. Curtis (G) navigated a very tricky away tie against P. Brewis (WK), keeping things wonderfully tidy to advance 18–15. On the adjacent rinks, W. Ray (G) showed great resolve to hold off a spirited challenge from A. Fantozzi (C) 20–17.
Johnson Halts Myerscough: A. Johnson (BD) put together a beautifully disciplined performance to overcome the current holder (with some new faces to the quartet) G. Myerscough (ST). Their impressive early lead (13-0), proved vital as Myerscough found form and came fighting back. Johnson held on tight with a 19–14 victory.
With these magnificent ties now settled, the tournament bracket is looking incredibly formidable as the remaining heavyweights prepare for the next stage of the chase.