Women’s County Finals – Day 1

Well we have had a fantastic first day of our County Finals up at Alnwick BC in the glorious sunshine.

A big thank you to all the members of Alnwick BC for hosting this event and working so hard to make today such a big success and for providing great hospitality for all the competitors and spectators who travelled to cheer their players on. And of course to our umpire Anne-Marie who worked tirelessly all day – THANK YOU.

Play underway at the N’land 2023 Finals

This morning we saw the following finals take place:

Mixed Pairs Final: 

There is a write up under the Men’s report but we would like to extend our congratulations to Wooler’s Brian Davidson and Jacqui Donnelly on their outstanding victory today!

Women’s Pairs Final:

J.Weir (FH) 19 v S.Storey (G) 17

This was an exciting game to watch with some closely contested ends. Gosforth took an early lead of 6-0 after 2 ends. Forest Hall then came back with 2×1, & 2 on the next 3 ends to cut their deficit to 4-6. Gosforth scored a 4 on end 6 so increasing their lead to 10-4. Forest Hall replied with a 3 & 1 to cut Gosforth’s lead to 10-8 after 8 ends. Gosforth then scored a 2 but Forest Hall came back at them scoring a 1&4 to bring the score to 13-13 on end 12, following with a 1 to take the lead for the first time 14-13 on end 13. Gosforth fought on and scored a 2&1 on the next 2 ends to regain the lead of 16-14. But then Forest Hall dug deep and took the next 2 ends with a 1&4 to take the lead once again at 19-16 after 17 ends. Gosforth needed a 3 to draw the game but unfortunately they only scored 1 on the 18th end.

Congratulations to Forest Hall who won the game 19-17.

A fantastic game to watch well done ladies .

Both of these teams are representing Northumberland at the National Finals at Leamington Spa in August.

Pairs Champions, 2023

J.Robson (LL) 11 v K.Proctor (BD) 14

This proved to be another exciting game to watch, with the lead changing quickly in the first few ends. Benfield scored 1 on ends 1, 4, & 5 and Linton Lions scored 2 & 1 on ends 2&3, so the scores were level after 5 ends on 3-3. Benfield score 1 on the next end taking the lead to 4-3, but Linton Lions came back at them with 2×1 on the following 2 ends to lead 5-4. Benfield drew the game again to 5-5 on end 9 and after 11 ends they were level again on 7-7. Benfield then scored a 3&2 on the following 2 ends to take a lead of 12-7. Linton Lions cut it back to 8-12 but Benfield kept the pressure on and were leading 14-8 after 16 ends. Linton Lions tried their best to get back into the game taking a 1&2 on the last 2 ends, but they had left it too late, and Benfield finished as winners on 14-11.

Congratulations to Benfield on their win and they will represent Northumberland at the National Finals at Leamington Spa.

A fantastic game to watch well done ladies.

Triples Champions, 2023

Afternoon Finals: 

M.Ross (G) 5 v J.Weir (FH) 16

Both of these ladies had played in the morning but they came out with determination to give it their best this afternoon. Jess took an early lead of 8-0 after 5 ends. Mattea then started to make a comeback and had cut her deficit to 3-9 after 9 ends. Mattea was finding it difficult to find the form she has shown throughout this season and Jess was playing with strong determination and accuracy, so she managed to increase her lead to 14-4 after end 14. Mattea scored 1 on end 15 and Jess scored a further 2 on end 16 ( her 5th 2 points of the game). Mattea conceded on end 16 which meant Jess had won 16-5 and will be representing Northumberland at the National Finals at Leamington Spa in August. Congratulations to Jess Weir.

2 Bowl Champion, 2023

T.Napier (FH) 5 v K. Proctor (BD) 20

Another very exciting game to watch with some very closely contested heads. Benfield were leading 5-1 after 5 ends. Then Forest Hall took 2×1 on the following 2 ends to cut their deficit to 3-5. Benfield replied with a 2,3&1 to extend their lead to 11-3 on the 10th end. Forest Hall fought back and took a 2 on the next end but unfortunately this was their last point as Benfield then pushed ahead with some great shots on the following 4 ends, scoring 3,1,2&3 to take their lead to 20-5. Forest Hall conceded after 15 ends with Benfield becoming champions for the second time today.

A fantastic game to watch well done ladies.

Both of these teams have qualified to represent Northumberland at the National Finals at Leamington Spa in August!

Fours Champions, 2023

We would also like to congratulate men’s 2 bowl champion, G Sivell (AP), and 4 bowl champion, S Richardson (G) on their victories today – details of which can be found under the men’s report

Tomorrow we have another exciting day to look forward to (although the weather does not look as exciting!! ) We hope to see you there!

S.Storey (G) v P.Browne (BD)

P.Harvey (ST) v W.Ray (M)

1.30pm – Women’s 4 Bowl Singles 

N. Scott (NDK) v V.Symons (WR)

1.30pm – Men’s Fours 

P.Harvey (ST) v N.Aitchison (ST)