05 May STUTTERING START FOR HUDDERSFIELD

Match report from David Armitage, the home team manager.

An under par performance from home team at start of the Yorkshire County Vets season.   Fortunate to scrape a 14 – 14 draw with Skipton. Only 3 winners and winning the aggregate by 1 point.

Skipton turned up with a much stronger side than what we’ve seen over recent years and they deserved their points. Two many short bowls from some of our players and we all know that ‘ there’s now’t for short ‘.

Andy Carter and Alan Bamforth were our 2 winners in the first 4 and always in control. Andy won to 8 and Alan to 11.

Andy Wike and John Bloomer made up the first 4.  Andy was leading 14 – 9 at 20 ends then his opponent got an 8 break and Andy stuck on 17. John was 13 nil down and never in contention but he picked up some points in latter stages which helped with the aggregate and he lost to 10.

Hoping for improvements in the back 4 but Ashley Daykin playing his first game for the team was the only winner. Ashley didn’t have it all his own way. 11 across at 18 ends then Ashley took control and won to 13 against Steve Griffiths who was using his distinctive Bradford City coloured bowls.

Tony Cross also playing his first game was in contention and a 6 break put him 16 – 14 in front but his opponent Robert Jeffries replied with a 6 break and Tony stuck on 17. Stephen Haigh 12 -10 up at 18 ends only scored another 2 and lost to 14. Ray Whitwam who won all his games and the league averages last year raced to a 7 nil lead but his opponent David Kirkbright dug in and with some good bowling beat Ray to 17.

The away side did us proud with 5 winners and winning 18 – 10 so overall we got 32 points.

Halifax had a big win against West Riding and the table after the first game shows: Halifax 41 points, Bradford 36, Huddersfield 32, Leeds 32, Aire & Wharfedale 24, Skipton 24, Castleford 20, West Riding 15.

Next game on 17 May and Leeds are our opponents. Venue to be announced.