Under 25 Hunts v Suffolk

Sun 26th May 2019

‘Here we go again’

So its started, the defence of our trophy has begun. A blustery day at Needingworth brightened up only by, ladies president, Glenys Cousins’s smile. (creep creep)

The ‘A’ team were up against the Suffolk ‘A’ team. We had lost a few players and replaced them with other up and coming stars of the future. Would it work?

Questions were soon answered when the game got under way with Hunts led 13-9 at 5 ends.
 On Rink 1 there was Sam Brugnoli (Huntingdon) and Papworth duo Mark Franklin & Harry Ward . Sam lead well throughout the game and Mark followed it up well at number two. Harry rarely had to pull them out of the fire and they soon grew into the game leading 13-9 at halfway. Stretching out the lead end by end to wrap up the game, and win the new  best winning rink ‘stars’ with a final score of 27-11.
On Rink 2 was another new addition to our EBF team Tom Hall (Brampton) looking resplendent in my trousers (he’d forgot his own!!) I went home and got some other trousers don’t worry!! Tom skipped a rink with Kane Phillips (Papworth) & Captain Sophie Purell (St Ives). Again they took an early lead 11-5 up at halfway. A good strong skips performance from Tom saw them win 27-15.

OnRink 3 we had our most experienced player Keirren Murray (Brampton), making his 25th appearance. He struggled to impose himself on the game and swapped over with Mac May (Buckden) halfway through with the score at 9-8. Becca Moorbey (White Hart) led well and after the change despite an initial drop to 14-15 after 20 ends. The game came to a very dramatic end, the scores locked at 17 all ,when the jack was knocked wide to the rink boundary. Mac drew the shot and the Suffolk skip bowled tight and went off over the rink boundary line. Hunts ended up getting 2 shots to win 19-17.

So a good start Hunts winning 10 – 0.  Hunts ‘A’ 73 Suffolk ‘A’ 43 shots.

The ‘B’ team game 

On Rink 4 we had a triumph. I don’t know who picked this team but the mans a genius!!!!!! Tom Anderson (Eynesbury) Jack Ward (papworth) & Skip Jake Pankhurst (Huntingdon). They didn’t start very well. Were behind for 15 ends but not by many, 10-14. Jack & Tom swapped and it worked. Jake pulled off some great shots and they started to pick up the scores. At 20 ends they had scored ten shots without reply to lead 20-14. They didn’t let up as the confidence ran through their veins and they finished up as best winning rink in the B game winning. 29-17. Well done boys a brilliant effort.

On Rink 5 the all Needingworth rink of Caitlin Jackson, Sam Ormiston & Jorja Jackson were up against a strong Suffolk team. They tried hard to cope with some great Suffolk bowling and that set the tone for the game. They struggled to a final 10-34 scoreline.

On Rink 6 an all Sawtry rink of Sam Bate, Thomas Whittiker & Harry Manning again struggled with the rink and the Suffolk lead who had one bowl on the jack almost every end. They fell behind and even swapping places didn’t work for them. They started to get more into the game in the last few ends and scored 12 shots. It wasn’t enough and they lost 18-38.

The overall score was Hunts ‘B’ 57 Suffolk ‘B’ 89 2points To 8 Points

So we move on to Norfolk away next Sunday. A crucial game if we are to retain the trophy. And due to circumstances beyond my control we lose 7 players!! I still have spaces in the team so if you know of a young bowler or have a child you’d like to get rid of for a few hours next Sunday…….. send them my way. !!

So people of the Hunts bowling Federation. Please get on your knees and pray with me for a positive result next week under such huge constraints and pressure.

Believe. That’s the key. Believe. I believe.

Bet you can’t wait for next weeks report now can you                                                        Alan Blackley, Manager