Derby win in county competition lifts Gosport

Trevor Kelly (coach), Simon Everest (Teacher), Bryan Franklin (coach), Robert Paxton (England International) and Pam Lambshead (coach) with the school pupils

Also at the first round stage, Rowner had an excellent five-shot away win over Fareham.

Waverley, Milton Park, Cowplain, Waterlooville and Vospers all progressed into the second round.

In the county pairs there will be different finalists this year.

Both of the Waverley pairings who reached the finals last year have been defeated by Priory’s Adrian Snook and Arthur Newland.

There was good news for Portsmouth youngsters who have been selected to play in Hampshire’s under-25 team in the national two-rink white rose team.

England international Louis McCubbin (Waverley) is leading in a rink being skipped by Danny Smith (Alex).

Cowplain’s Dan Palmer is in the other rink.

Alexandra’s Harry Hutchings is one of the reserves for their first round match against Surrey, being played at Cove in Farnborough on Saturday.

In the Portsmouth & District League, Steve Feidler’s rink picked up five shots on the final to end to earn Alexandra a draw with Fareham in Portsmouth & District League division one.

Both teams had 100-per-cent records going into the match.

Hosts Fareham looked in command with a five-shot lead going into the final end but they were pegged back as Alexandra earned a tie.

Waverley took top spot as they inflicted a 67-shot, all-rink home thrashing of bottom club Gosport.

The size of the win was based on huge wins on the rinks of Paul Cooke and Gary Starks.

Rowner enjoyed a 25-shot home win over Priory, with only Nigel Mundy’s rink getting a win for Priory.

Milton Park recorded a 17-shot home win over College Park.

Lee-on-the-Solent beat Waterlooville by 16 shots, winning on three rinks.

Meanwhile, Cowplain Bowling Club and Padnell Junior School are working well together in their quest to bring through the next generation of bowlers.

On Wednesday afternoons during the summer, a group of 16 girls and boys from the school, together with their teachers, go to Cowplain to receive coaching.

They use junior bowls and it’s great experience for them.

– DAVE WILDMAN