Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, 2-2 in rinks does not class as a draw and we came second yesterday.  At 5 ends, we were level pegging.  At 10 ends , we were 2 down.  At 15 ends, we were only 1 behind. Then, I’m not sure quite what happened.  Did we lose concentration?  Did Folkestone move up a gear?  Whatever it was, we didn’t manage to maintain that momentum and shots were dropped.  Everyone was still trying their best, but it just wasn’t to be.  Congratulations to Ann H, Ange, Joan O’N & Audrey, and Tina, Frances, Marie & Dawn for winning their rinks.   Well done to Stella S who played her first National Team match too.  Those black and white speckly bowls were going well!

The thing is, you never know who you’ll be playing.  All the rinks are drawn and you could end up playing the opposition’s strongest or weakest team and it’s the same for the opponents. However the draw fell, the game was played with great determination and friendliness between the teams.  The encouragement from Terry & Ann, Jacquie, Janice, Gym, Ian, Mike, Bob & Barry from behind the green was very much appreciated.  Thanks to all of them who got up very early to come along to support and to Jean (who we missed) & Norman in Spain, Steve G (poorly) and Peter T who were keen to get very regular updates from on-the-bowl CP Reporter, Mike C!

Mote Park were fine hosts and being able to buy lunch afterwards was very welcome.  Thanks also to John, our coach driver, getting us there and back in not the best of weather!

We will definitely have another go next year.  We know we are capable of moving through the early rounds now and we need the confidence to believe in ourselves that we can do it!

Good luck to Folkestone who now play Arun (Sheila Stocker’s club) in the quarter-finals.  Actually we wish both teams good luck and to play well.  Sheila is a former member of Cambridge Park indoors and keeps up with all the news of the club and other members from both us and Hampton.

Not a million miles away from Mote Park, Hounslow were playing Oyster (Whitstable) at Royal Tunbridge Wells in the last 16 of the Denny Plate.  Dave Pitt reported that they “scraped through by 3 shots”.  One shot is all that it needs for a win, so that was brilliant news for Hounslow and we wish them the best of luck in the quarter finals .  Their next opponents are either Atherley or Worthing Pavilion – scores aren’t up yet.  Good luck chaps!