Fareham on the march as Cowplain are beaten

It was the battle between division one and division two title chasers.

In the end it was top-flight side Fareham’s greater experience that told as they finally won by seven shots.

Elsewhere, Alexandra A saw off Waterlooville B to set up a rematch against old rivals Waverley – although this time they have home advantage.

Milton Park got their revenge against Gas Social after their shock defeat last year.

Rowner beat Bridgemary, while Lee-on-the-Solent saw off Gosport.

In Portsmouth & District League division one, both Fareham and Waverley got maximum points from their away fixtures.

Fareham beat Priory by 34 shots, thanks to big wins on the rinks of Charlie Bailey and Mark Hanson.

Waverley defeated College Park by 26 shots, with John Biggs’ rink leading the way.

Alexandra and Rowner lost ground slightly as, despite winning their games, they both dropped a rink.

Alex defeated Lee-on-the-Solent by 28 shots, with Barry Harman’s defeat at the hands of Martin Ellis spoiling the party.

Rowner had an excellent 28-shot win at bottom club Gosport, led by Phil Pinder’s rink.

For Gosport, Ken Stanbury’s rink gained only their second rink win this season.

Waterlooville managed a narrow five-shot home win over Milton Park with both clubs winning on two rinks.

In division two, Cowplain lost at home to Leigh Park by nine shots.

The game was settled on the last end of each rink as Leigh Park picked up 10 shots across the board and picked up three winning rink points.

Vospers took over top spot as they beat Bedhampton by nine shots on their Bidbury Mead carpet.

Although Vospers won on three rinks, their victory was thanks to Terry Smith’s rink, whose 19-shot win covered the 11-shot defeat by the rink of Bedhampton’s Alan Francis.

Star & Crescent won their first match of the season by 42 shots over Cosham Park.

Hayling leap-frogged over Purbrook Heath after their 13-shot away win.

At Swordsands, Denmead edged Naismith by five shots.

In division three, Phoenix lost to Gas by 22 shots, while Crofton had a 13-shot, all-rink win over Bridgemary.

– DAVE WILDMAN