On Sunday – as you may have seen on previous post – the Jubilee Cup Final was played at Portland BC.
The 4 qualifiers from stages 1 and 2, which saw a total of 34 clubs competing over the previous two Sundays.
The qualifiers were Collingwood, New Delaval Knights, Cramlington and Gosforth.
The format of the event is a rink (of 4) competing in a round robin stage, with each game consisting of 9 ends. In the first round robin games saw the Knights against Collingwood, and this game was certainly a game of two halves – Collingwood took an early advantage and looked in control, although the rink wasn’t easy and led 7 – 1 at 4 ends; however this was the last time Collingwood would score until the final end, and the Knights, with star man Davey Lovat playing at 2, scored 1, 3, 6 and 2 to lead 13 – 7, Collingwood picked up a single on end 9 to lose the game 13 – 8. Across the green Gosforth, skipped by Paul Timney recorded a decisive win 13 – 3 over Cramlington’s Dave Clough.
On to game 2 and it saw the 2 winners from game 1 face each other – as in Gosforth and New Delaval. And the Knights stormed of to a great start, with an odd orange bowl or two getting close – and saw the Knights score in the first 6 ends, which ultimately won Delaval the game – as at this stage they led 13 – 0. Gosforth fought back over the last 3 ends, as shots may come into the equation if results went the West Avenue (that is Gosforth by the way) – and the final score was 13 – 5 in New Delaval’s favour. The other game saw a victory for Cramlington, winning 10 – 6; which meant Collingwood were out of the equation, having lost both games.
So heading in to the final game it was in New Delaval’s hands – as they led with 4 points +13, Gosforth 2 +2, Cramlington 2 -6, Collingwood 0 – 9.
The last games saw Delaval play Cramlington and Collingwood taking on Gosforth. At the half stage of these games Cramlington led 7 – 1, and at the same time Gosforth were leading Collingwood 8 – 1; which actually meant “at it stood” – points were 4 points each, but Gosforth had one shot better, on +9, compared to Delaval’s +7 and Cramlington were on same points but had negative shots at -3. But the next two ends on both games was pivotal in the destination of the cup – as Collingwood picked up a 5, and a 3 against Gosforth, and Delaval scored on these ends at the same time, reducing the gap. The last two ends were played out and Collingwood overturned that 8 – 1 deficit and beat Gosforth, scoring a single on the last end to win 10 – 9 ; and Cramlington beat Delaval 8 – 7.
Final standings:
New Delaval Knights 4 + 12
Cramlington 4 -5
Gosforth 2 +1
Collingwood 2 -8
The victors were New Delaval Knights, and as a result of Collingwood beating Gosforth, it meant Cramlington took the runners up spot.
The New Delaval Knights team were : Jamie Harrison, Davey Lovat (Captain!), Scott Derbyshire, Ant Barke.
Cramlington – Darren Mitchell, John Harrison, Jacky Taylor, Dave Clough.
Congratulations to all concerned, not just New Delaval and Cramlington, but to all 4 teams – well done to you all.
A BIG thanks to Portland BC for being fantastic hosts as always, and the county appreciate the use of your facilities, especially as we know this year you have many commitments throughout the season – to mark their 150th anniversary. Also I would like to thank both Forest Hall BC, and Cramlington BC for being superb hosts in stages 1 and 2 – many many thanks to all concerned. Final thanks to the umpire Anne-Marie and to all the supporters that came along.

Jubilee Cup Winners: New Delaval Knights L to R: Scott Derbyshire, Dave Lovat, Ant Barke, Jamie Harrison

Jubilee Cup R/Up: Cramlington BC: L to R: Darren Mitchell, Jacky Taylor, Dave Clough, John Harrison