IN what could be a never-to-be-repeated season, Alton Social followed up their ladies’ national senior fours triumph by dominating the Hampshire County finals at Banister Park on Saturday, winning the singles, pairs and fours.
Margaret Holden was up against Sue Brightman of Bedhampton BC in the singles. The early ends were a bit scratchy, but Holden settled to the task and eventually ran out a comfortable 21-8 winner.
The highly successful combination of Hazel Marke and Margaret Holden defended their 2017 pairs title against Margaret Stray and Ann Cooper.
The Bridgemary BC pairing were not afraid to attack the jack, whatever the situation, but the Alton Social duo stuck to their task and won 24-15.
In the fours, Marke and Holden were joined by seasoned campaigner Brenda Plumpton and Alice Atwell, who was playing in her first county final. Social were up against old adversaries Jan Allen, Karen Cranham, Donna Taylor and Sarah Bowen of Cove BC in an all-North Hants final. Social lost the first end, but thereafter were rarely challenged and after 18 ends, trailing 9-18 in fading light, the Cove ladies conceded.
On Sunday, it was back to Banister Park for the semi-finals and final of the Bowls Hampshire Mixed Top Club. Alton Social were drawn against Pelhams BC from Bournemouth and the early ends were competitive.
Adam White secured Social’s first point in the men’s singles, while Hazel Marke battled back from an eight-shot deficit to record the second point. By this time, Social’s four of Barry Smith, Caroline Goodeve, Brenda Plumpton and John Kellow were closing in on the decisive third point.
Alton Social met a strong-looking Atherley BC side in the final, but Adam White made short work of Leigh Allen in the men’s singles and Hazel Marke recorded an excellent win over Margaret Darkin.
The father-and-daughter combination of Kate Fyfield and Dave Atwell defeated Jackie Farmer and Gary Carter by eight shots.
The Social four held a big lead when Atherley conceded. Lesley Johnson, Margaret Holden and Mark Fyfield trailed for 16 ends in the triples, but drew level on the 17th and clinched victory on the last to complete a superb season for the club.
• Club competition results: men’s singles – Dick Holden 21, John Kellow 16; ladies’ singles – Margaret Holden 21, Brenda Plumpton 4; men’s pairs – Dick Holden & Eric Phillips 26, Malcolm Henderson & Derek Ham 19.
l Haslemere Bowls Club host the Three Counties Finals this Saturday, starting at 10am and continuing all day
Haslemere have continued their excellent form with a series of wins.
Results: Sept 4 – Headley Ladies 41, Haslemere Ladies 57. Sept 5 – Haslemere 50, Burpham 38. Sept 8 – Haslemere 54, Stedham 42. Sept 9 – Haslemere 63, Rowledge 38.