Rastrick take double honours

Winter League

Review of the final day of the League season in Division 10

A tense final day of Division 10 League bowling resulted in Rastrick winning both the team and individual honours at Netherton on Monday. The day began with Rastrick hold a 3-point lead over their season-long rivals, Thongsbridge, and the teams going head-to-head in a winner takes all scenario. Inside that team tussle was the competition to take the Top Bowler title with Thongsbridge bowler, John Gant, in prime position to take the individual award. John was level on 11 games won with Rastrick bowler, Bob Laycock, and a massive better 'Aggregate Difference' total which is the second criterion in determining positions. A reminder that all scores are the combined total of Singles and Pairs matches.

On this final day John Gant started proceedings off with his game against third-placed Rastrick opponent Derek Hanner. Derek couldn't take the title even if he beat John but he could put his teammate in a position to claim it and that is what happened. John and Derek had an absorbing battle which swung both ways during the hour-long game. Eventually Derek came out on top 21-18 to set up his team and teammate for further honours.

The Pairs were next on with Bob playing his 5th pairs game of the season but the first with John Wood as his partner. Bob had now played in all 14 of the teams matches this season, only losing twice before, knowing that a win in this final one would see him crowned the top Division 10 bowler in his 14th game overall. That is how it worked out with the Rastrick pair eventually opening up a gap between themselves and their two opponents to win by 21-14 and the Top Bowler title going to Bob Laycock.

The remaining Singles match was immaterial with the gap between the teams already sufficient to give the Rastrick team a 6-2 win and the Champions title and the Top Bowler award which were both presented on the green upon conclusion of the matches (pictures below).

DIVISION 10 TOP BOWLER

The Rastrick team line-up for the team photo along with the two trophies they won on Monday

Rastrick captain, John Wood, receives the Division 10 trophy from the Winter League Chairman, Richard Long

The Division 10 Top Bowler award goes to Rastrick bowler Bob Laycock