The West Essex Evening League (WEEL) is widely regarded as one of the strongest triples bowls competitions in the area, with attractive prize money ensuring many of the region’s larger clubs field some of their most experienced players.
Sponsored by T Cribb & Sons Ltd, who also partner St Chad’s, the league offers excellent competition, although the sponsorship brought no added reward when St Chad’s travelled to Woodford on a very wet Wednesday evening.
With rain falling for much of the match, St Chad’s faced a formidable home side and, despite plenty of determined play, were beaten on all three rinks.
On the first rink, Aaron Board was appearing in only his second match as lead for skip Ted Harrison. Supported by the steady and accurate play of Steve Aguis at number two, the visitors made an encouraging start and built an early lead.
However, Woodford gradually worked their way back into the contest and, with several county players in their line-up, eventually pulled clear to record a 17-7 win.
The second rink provided another stern test.
Ray Mansell suspected a difficult evening lay ahead when he discovered his opposite number was one of Essex’s most decorated players, Keith Riley.
Club captain Keith Hutton led by example, frequently getting close to the jack, while Sue Beazer often improved promising heads.
Yet top-class players have an uncanny ability to find opportunities invisible to most, and Woodford produced a series of decisive shots to secure a 27-5 victory.
The closest contest came on the third rink, where St Chad’s most successful skip, Les Crowther, matched Woodford shot for shot.
Alan Price produced one of his best performances of the season at lead, while Joe Falzon kept the heads tight and prevented the home side from picking up big counts.
Up against current Essex Unbadged Singles champion Kevin Reid, Crowther held a narrow lead at halfway.
A crucial count of three on the 16th end edged Woodford in front, and the hosts went on to win 17-14 in an excellent match.
St Chad’s now face similarly strong opposition over the next fortnight. If nothing else, they are receiving a weekly masterclass — and doing it the hard way.
Share