Busy week of action at Forres Bowling Club
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There was a decent turnout of 39 players, including many newcomers, for the penultimate unofficial Monday hat-night at Forres Bowling Club.
The evening's runaway winners were Lesley Mackintosh, Charlie Watt and Dean Dobbs. Within two ends they had already taken a 10-0 lead over Harry Sutherland, who was the recipient of the After Eight chocolates after losing a full house at the tenth end. Only skilful play on Sutherland's part prevented him losing another eight during the game.
Paul Coutts won twelve of his sixteen ends against Derek Sobey, who actually led 4-3 after the third end, before losing all but one of the following 11 ends.
Losing a four to John Ross at the seventh end stirred Malcolm Swinswood into action. He dropped just one single shot over the remaining nine ends.
It was all square at 9-9 with a handful of ends left of the tie between John Matthews and Sandy Burgess. Matthews won four of those five ends to finish comfortably ahead.
Ian Stewart produced the comeback of the evening to see off Paul Rogan, who won seven of the initial nine ends to hold what seemed to be a comfortable 12-6 advantage. However winning half a dozen of the remaining seven ends, including two fours, saw Stewart through.
Brian Caldwell was the other skip who came close to winning a special 'prize'. Leading Gary Mackie 7-3, he lost a SEVEN as Gary stormed past him. Brian did well to finish the night strongly to end up just one shot down.
Scores: D Dobbs 43, H Sutherland 4; P Coutts 20, D Sobey 8; M Swinswood 20, J Ross 9; J Matthews 16, A Burgess 10; I Stewart 18, P Rogan 16; G Mackie 17, B Caldwell 16.
A good number of inexperienced bowlers were included in the 20 strong attendees at the first Wednesday afternoon hat. When the dust had settled, the current ladies' champion, Alana Coutts had led Chrissie Grigor and Ed Harris to victory. The trio won three of their four sets.
Lesley Coutts came good after a 5-0 initial set defeat. The scoreline in all of her other sets were in her favour.
Robert McRitchie had a dreadful start, 8-0 down after just three ends, before almost getting back on level terms by the end of the session.
Brian Caldwell couldn't capitalise on his first set victory. He was beaten in all the others.
Skibo McKenzie had a mixed afternoon, and has promised to work on filling out his scorecards.
Charlie Watt brought up the rear despite losing just two of his four sets.
A Coutts 7 up; L Coutts 6 up; R McRitchie 1 down; B Caldwell 3 down; A McKenzie 4 down; C Watt 5 down.
Skibo McKenzie, in only his second year of playing, continued his impressive start to the season. He now has three overall wins in five starts, and helped John Matthews to success at Thursday's moving hat-night. They lost just four ends and won all of their sets.
David Foss started and ended the evening well, but losing four first half ends on the spin cost him.
Malcolm Swinswood left himself a lot to do by losing heavily in the first set. He was still 9-4 behind with seven ends left, but a six at the last completed a great comeback.
Although Ian Stewart kept on the move, he was unable to secure a victory in his fourth set.
A pair of fives got Paul Coutts off to a tremendous start, however he got no joy after his initial set win.
Derek Sobey didn't begin the evening well, but eventually got back on terms and edged ahead at the death.
John Ross was involved in four very close games. It was fitting that he finished all-square.
Down 9-3 after five ends, Brian Riddell fought to get back on level terms. That was until he lost a brace at the last.
Harry Sutherland was 10-0 up. He still led by three shots before his last set disaster.
Stuck on rink 5 throughout, Henry Davidson was grateful to draw his final set.
Charlie Watt was holding his own – until losing a dozen shots at the close.
Dean Dobbs began the evening badly, and, although there was a second half improvement, remained on rink 6.
Scores: J Matthews 18 up; D Foss 11 up; M Swinswood 10 up; I Stewart 4 up; P Coutts 3 up; D Sobey 1 up; J Ross peels; B Riddell 2 down; H Sutherland 6 down; H Davidson 6 down; C Watt 12 down; D Dobbs 21 down.
The first internal competition of the season, the two bowl pairs, will be held on Sunday. This round-robin event was won last year by Ann MacPherson and John Ross.
