The County’ first match of the season saw them playing away against West Midlands at their home venue of Solihull Indoor Bowls Centre. The West Midlands Premier team were also playing which created an interesting and vibrant setting.
The match was evenly fought with both the County and West Midlands having notable successes. It could have gone either way with the County looking forward to a narrow win only to be denied in the final match of the day. Although the County’s shot score was greater than that of West Midlands – 193 to 187, – West Midlands narrowly won the match with 21 points against the County’s 19, having won 8 of the individual matches to the County’s 7 with one drawn.
Session 1 – Singles and Pairs.
Richard Payne’s delivery on his way towards two match wins..
Richard Payne was in fine form leading throughout his Singles match – helped occasionally by his opponent’s mistimed firing shots.
Richard comfortably won his match 21-11. Pete Hopkins – returning to the Worcestershire squad after a lengthy absence – stared his singles match well, leading for the first half. Unfortunately his opposite number eventually overtook this lead with Peter ending up losing 8-14. The pairs could not find their form with both teams losing.
Session 2 – Triples and Fours.
The County performed well in this session with two wins, one draw and only one loss 8-9. Mark Bourne’s triples team won in convincing style by 17 shots to 5, with Malcolm Saunders’ team also winning comfortably by 13 shots to 9. In the Fours Terry Clifford’s team narrowly lost 8-9 , with Jim Tingle’s Fours team drawing 9-9
Session 3 Singles and Pairs.
Richard Payne continued his winning ways, again leading throughout his match, to win by 16 shots to 10. Peter Hopkins, in a very hard fought match, narrowly lost 11-12.
In the Pairs Jim Tingle swapped places with Keith Mills and together with Phil Thompson had a very commanding 19-9 win. Richard Rose and Trish Clifford recovered from a slow start but could not quite get a win losing 10-15.
Phil Thompson and Richard Rose get underway in their respective Pairs matches.
Session 4 – Triples and Fours
Malcolm Saunders Triples team had their second win of the day, with a notable 18-7 victory over their opponents. Mark Bourne’s team only lost by two shots in a close 12-14 finish. In the Fours Terry Clifford’s team had a very convincing 15-5 win with Tony Crowley’ team losing 6-16.
A summary of the County’s results is set out below.
