Moonfleet clinch title on final day

Dorchester 62

MOONFLEET were crowned Dorset Mixed League champions following a comprehensive victory over nearest rivals Dorchester in their final game of the season.

With Dorchester’s rink unfit for use due to a recent fire at their headquarters at Sandringham, they played their home rinks at Wellworthy with Dave Caundle, A Kay, S Lofthouse and skip M Lofthouse facing off against the Fleet’s Steve Martin, John Warner, Anne White and skip Ruth Neary.

The Neary quartet raced into an 11-5 lead at 10 ends and maintained control of the game until a three and one reply from the Lofthouse four put them only one shot behind with one end to play.

The comeback could have completely rattled the Fleet but a three at the death ensured they triumphed 18-14.

The other Dorchester rink of A Boucher, B Chard, G Chard and skip G Caundle faced Moonfleet’s Mary Collins, Rose Giles, Mike Govier and skip Ashley Welsh.

The county town side edged 11-9 in front after the first 10 ends before the Welsh rink hit back to lead 17-16 at 16 ends.

However, the Caundle quartet then mustered a late rally to win four out of the last five ends on their way to securing a narrow 21-19 success.

At Moonfleet, Dorchester’s J Meyers, L Meyers, E Hart and skip E Peavoy locked horns with the home four of June Barlow, Mary Corben, John Newell and skip Pete White.

The clash was nip and tuck up to 12 ends with the score tied at 11-11 until the White quartet then piled on the pressure to win 26-15.

The other away rink of G Ferguson, A Lacey, V Ferguson and skip A Hollis also experienced little joy against the Fleet’s Mel Barlow, Jill Bonnett, Sheila Goddard and skip Mike Goddard.

Once again it was all level at 11-11 at the end of the 12th but the Goddard four proved too strong after that as they raced to a 30-12 triumph.

A club spokesperson said: “Many congratulations go to Anne White, who took over the running of the team this year and whose efforts and organisation put together a very capable squad that has put in sound performances throughout the season.”