News Update
Marine off the mark in West Sussex League (away to Maltravers Monday 13/0519)
(May 18, 2019)After the stern defeat at home against Worthing last week, the men of Marine Gardens were hoping for a brighter outcome on the road to Maltravers. Thankfully their tenacity paid off with a win eked out by a margin of just 5 shots; 83 to Marine and 78 to Maltravers. The hosts won on 2 rinks; the visitors did likewise but with overall shot advantage they went home with 6 precious league points. Maltravers took 4 points. Top rink bragging rights went to mellow skip Dennis Martin, with consistently splendid support coming from Jim Back, Leon White and Jim Gray.
The rink led by Ivan Godsmark recorded the other Marine win; running out winners by 26 shots to 18. Ivan enjoyed the back-up of his usual team-mates; Len Tebby, John Nettleingham and Francis Fahey.
But in a close fought game it can be critical to keep it tight; even if your rink loses you can still contribute to the overall result. Harry Smith’s rink found themselves down by 22 shots to 12 after 16 ends, but they rallied and eventually lost by just 2 shots; 21 to 23. In the context of a 5 shot aggregate win that was critical. Mike Hitchin’s rink had an afternoon to forget; losing by 26 shots to 8.
Rink scores summarised thus –
Len Tebby, John Nettleingham, Francis Fahey & skip Ivan Godsmark 26 shots v A Howe 18 shots
Harry Tattersall, Bob Cole, Terry Urben & skip Mike Hitchin 8 shots v G Gatford 26 shots
Terry Ashley, Norman Deegan, Mike Collins & skip Harry Smith 21 shots v B Read 23 shots
Jim Back, Leon White, Jim Gray & skip Dennis Martin 28 shots v P Kent 11 shots
Saturday 18/05/19 – An unusually quiet week for Marine Gardens saw only one other match played; a home friendly against Homefield Park comprising 4 rinks. Marine and Homefield have very similar blue & gold tops and as old friends / adversaries mingled on the green it almost looked like just one team was out there. But it was the visitors who had by far the best of things, winning on 3 of the 4 rinks and being good value for an imposing win by 84 shots to 57. The sole bright spot for the hosts was provided by ever-green skip Harry Smith, with dogged support afforded by Reg Perkins, Mary Etherington and club coach Terry Ashley. They won by 18 shots to 16; a win made all the more impressive by the fact they were 10 shots to 3 down after 10 ends. Yes – it really can all change after tea!
Rink scores summarised thus –
Reg Perkins, Mary Etherington, Terry Ashley & skip Harry Smith 18 shots v J Edwards 16 shots
Bryan Hartley, Dennis Crossweller, Mike Collins & skip Francis Fahey 13 shots v Trish Elton 25 shots
Jan Hartley, Wendy Wilson, Shaun Coppard & skip Dave Mugridge 11 shots v A Turley 20 shots
Lucy Marshman, Steve Davis, John Nettleingham & skip Albert Leatham 15 shots v D Serceant 23 shots
NB – From their first Open Day on 6 May Marine Gardens have been delighted to welcome 3 new recruits. The 2nd Open Day is on Sunday 26 May; 10am to 3pm. All equipment provided; all are welcome. Club coaches and members will be there to lend a hand and share their enjoyment of the great game of bowls.