The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Over the weekend, Spalding Lightning were well represented at the champion of champions national finals at Dolphin Indoor Bowls Club in Dorset.
Although Chelsea Spencer lost in the last 16 of the ladies’ event, Dominic McVittie came through a strong field to win the men’s event.
On Saturday, McVittie beat Dex Weyand from Thanet 21-8 in the last 16 before overcoming a 14-6 deficit in the quarter final to win 21-20.
On Sunday, McVittie continued his excellent form to beat Darren Griffith from Isle of Wight 21-8 in the semi-final and book his place in the final where he would play fellow international and former winner, Martin Puckett from Dorchester.
With the score at 7-6 in McVittie’s favour, there was nothing to suggest that the final would be a one sided affair however, McVittie showed his class and dominance to win the second half 14-1, with it the match 21-7 and the title of national champion of champions.
Although winning the national under 25 singles title back in 2016, this is the first time McVittie has won an individual indoor national title.
lOn Sunday, Spalding Indoor Bowls Club travelled to Grantham in the men’s county league.
Although Spalding came away with two winning rinks, the home team proved too strong as Grantham won by 17 shots (70-87) and 10-4 on match points. Top winning rink was skipped by captain Dan Mills, with Max Butters, Mick Dolton and Chris Warboys who won 22-15.
Rink scores: Max Butters, Mick Dolton, Chris Warboys and Dan Mills won 22-15, Tony Westland, George Almey, James Teesdale and Brian Martin won 17-16, Jack Wells, Gavin Staite, Nick Wilkie and Ian Stafford lost 20-32, Nathan Puttrell, Paul Turner, Anthony Cronin and David Nunney lost 11-24.
lOn Thursday, Spalding Indoor Bowls Club suffered their first defeat of the season in the Trudy Bates away at Boston.
The home team were ahead on aggregate for the majority of the game but Spalding fought back to ensure a close finish where they missed out on a match tie on a measure. This meant that Boston won 76-74 (10-4).
Spalding remain top of the county south division by 17 points with two games to play.
Next up is a home fixture against Skegness on Thursday, March 7.
Rink scores: Jan Sinclair, Anita Phillips, Carly Morris and Maisie Belding won 19-13, Sheila Chamberlain, Sue Slayven, Trish Stafford and Maggie Wheatley won 20-18, Carole Nunney, Hazel Tokley, Mandy Parkins and Julie Hicks lost 19-22, Ann Newbury, Michelle Billingsley, Petrine Ault and Betty Deaton lost 16-23.
