By Isle of Wight Observer
Ryde Indoor Bowls played a 3-lane match against Camphill Bowls Club. Ryde, led by Ladies club captain, Anne Bernard, won 62-30, with Mike Clothier skippering Ryde’s winning rink and Camp Hill’s Chris Moody leading their response.
Next door, the in-club Ladies v Men 3-rink match was played, and the result was very close. The men edged it by 7 shots, with the final score Men 57, Ladies 50, although the Ladies claimed a moral victory, winning 2 rinks led by skipper Paulin Proud, with Mark Morris skippering the Men’s lone rink.
Peter Swinfield of IW Indoor Bowls, said: “It was a full on day, with the Ladies v Mens match going down to the wire and the crowd getting behind the players for a fantastically fun and frantic finish.”
The Morning Plate winners were brothers Jude & Max Bearman, who beat Rob Bennet and Ian Hampshire 23-11. Although Rob and Ian were playing at their home club, it was the two young Bearman brothers, who came into the game looking to build on their growing reputation. Early exchanges saw the youngsters pull away from their more experienced opponents, but Rob and Ian soon recovered, and delivered some excellent bowls. This seemed to spur on the youngsters, and they eventually ran out winners with an impressive display of bowls and tactics.
Ian Hampshire (Bowls Isle of Wight administrator) said: “There was lots of friendly rivalry and support, with players now looking forward to the outdoor season and Bowls England’s Big Bowls Weekend events later in May.”
The grand final of the main event will be held on Wednesday March 27 at 10am, when defending champions Martyn Butchers & Darren Griffith take on the formidable pair of Anne Bernard and Ron LeLeux. A great final is expected as all four players have previously won national competitions.
