BUDLEIGH SO CLOSE TO TOP CLUB FINAL

On a cold summer’s evening at the Budleigh home of bowls there was an air of excitement as the home team played their semi final match against Sidmouth buoyed by two fine earlier round wins.
Five disciplines played on five rinks simultaneously with the first few ends painting a positive position for Sidmouth but as the evening progressed there was optimism in the home camp as the Triples and Pairs went in front and the two singles matches became very close.
All interest pointed to the 4 wood and 2 wood singles as it was clear that victory in one of these disciplines would tilt the balance in Budleigh’s favour and with the Pairs and Triples still ahead there was hope.
Paul Griffin was valiantly fighting back in the 2 wood but just lost out 11-13 whilst Peter Evans was making an incredible recovery from 9-18 down to lead 20-19 only to be pipped at the last end 20-21. What a performance against a great Sidmouth bowler Ken Wheeler.
The Pairs of Andy Cardy and David Roberts won the Pairs 17-13 and the Triples of Ted Shanahan, Brian Ward and skip Peter Cooper also won their match by two shots but with the 2 wood fours unable to match the dominance of the Sidmouth team it was the visitors who narrowly took the tie 3-2.
A great night and whilst there was disappointment not to reach the final the club must reflect positively on the progress made in this competition.
A big thank you to all the players who took part and once again to Melissa Camp and Evelyn Crook for acting as markers.
Congratulations to Sidmouth who progress to the final against Ottery St Mary.