Benfield today won the Jubilee Cup at Portland BC with Morpeth finishing a very close second.
Sunday brought the first Men’s county final with the Jubilee Cup being played. The 4 clubs that had made it through were Morpeth, Benfield, New Delaval Knights and Forth.
The opening game saw Benfield take on Morpeth, and in a very close contest Morpeth won 6 – 3 (1 shot per end). The other game was slightly different and a tale of two halves, Forth opened up a 7 nil lead, but then dropped 3 consecutive counts of 4, which proved decisive as New Delaval Knights ran out 15 – 8 winners.
The second game brought the 2 winning teams together, and Morpeth held a slight advantage until end 8, where Delaval’s skip Scott Derbyshire ditched the jack for a count of 6. This was pivotal, as Delaval took the victory 10 – 8. In the other game Benfield won decisively and took a count of 5 on the last end, to win 17 – 3 against Forth.
After game 2 the standings were NDK 4 +9, BD 2 +11, M 2 +1, F 0 -21.
With the final game to start New Delaval Knights were possibly the favourites but Benfield knew a slender victory against the Knights would possibly put them in pole position, as Benfield’s shots were better. But also if Morpeth had a big victory over Forth it would bring them in to contention as well.
As the games played out Morpeth were well ahead, and also were 2 ends ahead of the other game, despite starting at same time – and Morpeth won 19 – 2. This meaning their final total was 4 points +18. At this same time Benfield were beating New Delaval Knights by 8 shots, meaning Benfield were ahead by 1 shot only (on shots difference, compared to Morpeth). With the final end in play New Delaval Knights lay 3 shots, which meant the trophy would be heading north to Morpeth, with one bowl to pay Benfield skip Jonty King produced a great bowl to move the jack and lye the shot. Knights skip Scott Derbyshire played his bowl connected with the shot bowl and moved the jack to the side, but to Benfield’s joy they only dropped the one shot and took the cup.
Benfield’s winning rink were Kevin Craigie, Matthew Bishop, Brian Rootham, Jonty King.
Final standings:
Benfield 4 points +19 shots
Morpeth 4 points +18 shots
New Delaval Knights 4 points +1 shots
Forth 0 points – 38 shots
Overall it was a great final and well done to all players and clubs. Well done to Benfield in lifting the trophy.
L:R – Benfield’s Winning 4 – K Craigie, M Bishop, J King, B Rootham
A big thank you goes to our hosts for the final – Portland BC. The green played very well, and many thanks for all help, assistance throughout – as well as the refreshments laid on – many, many thanks – it is very much appreciated.
Runners Up Morpeth BC
