Bas’ begin with derby win against champs

BASSINGBOURN made a successful start to their bowls season when they defeated reigning Cambridge & District League champions Melbourn 65-55.

In a match between arguably the two strongest teams in the 55-strong league - Bassingbourn won the competition in 2003 and 2004 - the night looked as though it was going to require wet weather gear. Fortunately the rain held off and a very competitive and friendly match was played.

On rink three Ken Clark maintained control all night with his usual accurate bowling ably supported by Don Slater and Sid Manning as they ran out 18-3 winners.

On rink four Graham Parrish had a tough match against J Guillers with the game advantage swapping throughout the night.

Ken Cleaver was his usual aggressive self while Andy Brown acquitted himself well in only his second match.

After 16 ends the score was 14-14, but the final two ends were extremely tight as Melbourn edged to a 17-14 win.

On rink five 14-year-old Jamie Stewart set a high standard at lead with excellent support from Joe Cipullo. Ian Stewart at skip had only to do a few conversion shots to dominate this rink 24-7 after 15 ends.

Disaster then struck with the pair deciding to fire at a head when 2 down. This resulted in Bassingbourn only wood in the head being removed (via a wick) and a lost of six shots.

The last two ends were shared as Bassingbourn won 25-14

Bill Manley was drawn on rink six, which has been his nemesis in previous years, against his old rival R Sell.

The first four ends resulted in only one shot being scored, but after seven ends Bassingbourn looked in control 6-1.

However Bassingbourn did not score for nine ends, but Don Laing and Toni Infanti stayed with it all night and on end 17 picked up a three with Bill which kept the deficit reasonable, Melbourn winning 16-9.

Bassingbourn took five points from the match with Melbourn collecting two.