As if Wednesday's solar eclipse was not dramatic enough, momentarily plunging the T Cribb & Sons-sponsored West Essex/East London (WEEL) Triples League into darkness, St Chad's bowler Steve Aguis was enjoying a stellar week of his own.
Only in his third year of the sport, the Malta-born newcomer, another example of the club's rich diversity, continued his rapid rise by skipping St Chad's only winning rink in their WEEL clash against Brentwood.
Alongside experienced lead Chris Cavanagh and dependable second Darren Waite, Aguis produced an outstanding display against in-form opposition.
After dropping the opening end, the St Chad's trio responded by winning six consecutive ends to build a commanding 10-1 lead.
Although Brentwood briefly fought back, Aguis and his team regained control after the 11th end and never looked in danger of letting their advantage slip.
Despite their rink success, Brentwood claimed the overall match 48-34 thanks to victories on the other two rinks.
Aguis then underlined his growing reputation by proving he is equally effective in singles competition.
On consecutive days he recorded two impressive victories, beginning with a Club Championship semi-final success over one of St Chad's leading bowlers, Les Crowther.
After almost two hours in sweltering conditions, Aguis held his nerve in a closely contested encounter to book his place in the final.
He followed that with another battling performance in the Handicap Championship semi-final against promising newcomer Chandra Singh.
Starting four shots behind, Aguis wiped out the deficit within six ends and gradually took control of the contest.
Despite Singh's determined resistance, Aguis refused to relinquish the initiative and secured victory to reach a second final.
Waiting for him in the Club Championship final is the ultra-competitive Bernard Dowley, whose reputation for winning makes him a formidable obstacle.
Dowley could also find himself contesting several more finals as he continues to progress through the club's pairs and singles competitions.
There was further good news for St Chad's with the return of leading bowler Jeff Friedman, who missed the early part of the season for personal reasons.
Friedman has already stepped in to replace injured players in several competitions and could yet prove a major influence as the campaign reaches its climax.
With finals weekend approaching, excitement is building around the club.
Aguis has emerged as one of the stories of the season, but with Dowley, Friedman, and several other contenders in the mix, St Chad's looks set for a thrilling conclusion to its summer competitions.
Share