Priory can’t stop Eastleigh Rail clinching Palmerston Bowls Cup final hat-trick

The Portsmouth side lost 61-40 in a final which was a repeat of the 2019 showpiece event held at the Fareham-based club.

The Priory rink of Andy Hibbard, Steve Smith and Den Patrick held their own early on against Mike Barrett, Ben Barrett and B Love.

It was 8-8 at the halfway stage, before Eastleigh pulled ahead to win 22-14 - helped by five shots on the final end.

Prior’s Mike Elliott, Andy Chadwick and Fred Hammal led 5-0 after three ends against Derrick Walker, K Pearce and David Bines.

But Eastleigh scored a six and a two on the next two ends to propel them into the lead.

Priory stayed in the fight until the 12th end when Eastleigh started to pull away and, despite four shots from Priory on the last end, the holders won it 21-12.

Priory’s Roly Bloy, Allbie Somerset and Colin Dixonwere 9-9 at the halfway mark against Stuart Rowney, Robby Bines and Richard Buggins.

But, in what was becoming a theme, Eastleigh surged clear to win 18-14.

Eastleigh won £250 as well as a cup, while Priory banked a £200 prize.

Lee-on-the-Solent romped to an 81-33 victory over Meon Valley 2 in the third/fourth place play-off.

Meon’s David Andrews, Anne Simmons and B Spake were cruising 13-2 against Caroline Cuerden, Jeff Passmore and Carole Reed after 11 ends. Lee hit back but Meon held on to win 16-12.

That was as good as it got for Meon, as Lee’s Brian Hopkins, Elaine Bennett and Joan Dawkins thrashed Bill Bailey, Steve Fisher and L Andrews 43-7.

Lee’s Martin Ellis, John Pullinger and Kim Francis-Ellis stormed into a 13-1 lead after eight ends against Marian Bailey, C Batty and P Duckmanton.

Meon pulled it back to 13-10 after 14 ends but Lee finished the job with seven and six shots on the last two ends to win 26-10.

Lee earnt £150 for third place - they had finished fourth in 2019 - while Meon banked £100.