PREMIER LEAGUE

MATCH REPORT FOR TONGE V BUDENBERGS 12TH MAY

Tonge v Budenbergs - 12/05/04

With dark clouds gathering overhead and a slight chill in the air, it looked ominous, but the green was in good order and running well. Both teams were missing key players but the quality on the green was of the highest order with 6 Waterloo champions in the starting line ups . The reigning champs were confident of a good result and the hosts were well up for the challenge.

Budenbergs had the best possible start claiming the first four winners Glynn Cookson edged out Andy Buckley 21-18 in a cracking game which looked as though it was heading for a draw! Geoff Telford continued the form that saw him named "Player of the Month". Matt Gillies played well but couldn't stop the Telford juggernaut, losing out 21-17. Graeme Wilson had a ding dong battle with Eddie Galston. Some cracking ends were played but Willy had just enough to claim the game 21-17. Lee Lawton put in another sterling performance to see off Colin Lane 21-13. That meant Budenbergs were 19 chalks in front.

The middle four saw Tonge regain the initiative. Firstly, Garry Ellis, back in full swing after his injury, scored a decisive 9 break in the middle of his game with Chris Morrison to win 21-14. Stuart Mort never got into his game with Mark Dwayre. Mark played very well and demolished Stuart 21-5. Robert Crawshaw stopped the rot with a 21-12 win over Mick Lockton. Dave Penketh couldn't keep up the momentum and crashed 21-10 to green expert Darren Griffiths. Tonge now lead by 6 chalks.

The last two games were Robert Hitchen v Laurence Hallet, and Andy Cairns v Alan Hodson. After 16 ends played in both games, Bob and Laurence were level at 11 across, and Andy trailed Alan 9-11. Seven ends later, Bob had an 18-12 lead and Alan had made the breakthrough to lead 18-11. Bob, playing well in the corners, closed out the game claiming a 21-14 victory. That meant Budenbergs were now a single chalk in front and Andy Cairns needed to win to claim the aggregate. It looked a tall order at 12-20, but Andy got in and headed for the corners. He scrambled another 4 chalks and lay 2 full corners. Alan, though, dug deep and found the winning bowl, just creeping past Andy's 15 inch bowl. Tonge winning the aggregate 175-171. Close but no cigar for the champions. Overall, though, a good result from Budenbergs, and every credit must go to Tonge who played very well to come back after the initial 4 games.

Man of the match must go to a Mark Dwayre, who led exceptionally well and never gave Stuart Mort a sniff of a chance.

Courtesy Andrew Cairns

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