Dorchester Crash Out Of Denny Cup

Dorchester Crash Out Of Denny Cup

Dorchester 55 Norfolk 82

After a season of outstanding results including a famous victory over the reigning champions Exonia, Dorchester’s dream of reaching the National Final of the Denny Cup for the first time in their history was finally shattered at the semi final played at Desborough.

Club history had previously been made with the win in the quarter final over Westlecot , but the sparkle that the team had shown during the season was less evident against the well drilled and talented Norwich based Norfolk Bowls Club.

Dorchester had the misfortune to need late team reorganisation, when Martin Pavey was tested Covid positive at the last minute, and had to withdraw.

The Dorchester players set out with their usual determination and after the first five ends had been completed all rinks were on the board, and Norfolk only held a 3 shot overall lead at 17-14, and the game was poised and the outcome in the balance .

Although two Dorchester’s four rinks were trading shots, two were having a hard time against younger and more aggressive opposition, and unfortunately it was Norfolk who began to get the upper hand

As the game moved into the final quarter the writing appeared to be on the wall, with the net deficit of 25 shots being a mountain that proved unassailable. The spoils and a place in the Denny Cup final was the reward that the Norfolk team had rightly deserved on the day.

Some comfort was gained by Dorchester’s Brian Paulson, Steve Turner, Ged Costello, and skip Darren Nutman who achieved a notable 18-12 win, and subdued the usually irrepressible Wayne Wilgress.

Dorchester almost gained more brownie points when Steve Willsher, Phil Hallett, Colin Gifford and skip Nick Voss held a 15-14 lead against James Segolo with two ends remaining, only to drop six shots to dip out 15-20.

The Dorchester quartet of Mick Durant, Dave Tremlin, Roger Nicholas and George Spracklen fell from a reasonable 6 – 10 position against Norfolk skip Richard Summers to finally go under water at 8 -23

Team Manger Martin Puckett supported by Richard Toone, Gareth Thomas, and Dave Joslin fell away from parity at 9 all to suffer a 14 -27 outcome to the Norfolk rink skipped by Tom Segolo.

Puckett expressed disappointment at outcome of the match. “Lots to mull over but can’t fault the team’s effort. Norfolk were the better team today. Hopefully we can push on next season, and take heart from this season’s excellent cup run.”

Frank Gwatkin