Short-mat Bowls: Dorset bowlers experience mixed fortunes

Exeter was the venue to which Dorset’s Premier and A sides travelled, knowing that Devon would be after revenge after the last time the two teams met.

Dorset’s Premier team started off well, winning one singles game and both pairs.

The pair of Emily Thomas and Lynn Dean won 19-9 while Steve Stanton and Ben Riley triumphed 20-4.

Session two was similar as Dorset won one triple and both fours. The four of Mark White, Paul Pomeroy, Christina Chant and Sam Everett took a 26-5 victory, picking up a seven on the last end.

The quartet of Hazel Thomas, Tony Carr, Brian Baker and Robert Martin won 18-3 to secure a 12-4 half-time lead.

Session three saw Devon come out gunning for the visitors, winning both singles and the bonus point.

The pairs went Dorset’s way with 19-11 and 16-7 successes and the bonus points.

In the final session, Dorset won one triples and lost both fours. The triple of David Price, Eugene and June Balbinski triumphed 13-6 to claim the bonus points.

Mark White’s four lost 14-10 and Robert Martin’s quartet were defeated 12-9 but still snared the bonus points for a 22-18 overall win.

Meanwhile, Dorset A started off with wins in the singles and pairs, Andrew Hall taking a 20-6 victory and the pair of Karen Hall and Simon Andrews winning 22-4.

In session two, Dorset A won the three mats. The triple of James Kley, Keith Honeybun and Tony Wanklin won 18-4, Emilia Thompson, Bill Powis and Brian Smith triumphed 12-7.

The four of Sandra Hopkins, Christopher Hall, Fred Hopkins and David Glennerster claimed a 13-8 victory for a 10-6 half-time score. Session three saw Devon A win all four mats but Dorset pairs hung on to claim their bonus points.

The fourth session saw both triples win, Brian Smith’s triple taking a 14-6 victory and Tony

Wanklin succeeding 14-10 to snatch the bonus points.

Unfortunately for Dorset’s fours they lost both mats as Devon A ran out 22-18 winners.

Up next for both Dorset teams is Cornwall away.