Four players from Andover Bowling Club were selected to represent Bowls Hampshire in an inter-county men’s match held on Saturday 2 May at the club’s Vigo Park green.
Andy Carnegie, Calvin Allen, Glen Philips and Gordon Bazley, who skipped the rink, were all given the honour in the match against a select side from Berkshire, competing together as one team. A fifth Andover player was also involved from the outset, as former club president Dave Corbett stepped in for Berkshire after they arrived a player short.
Club President Steve Baker formally handed over the green to the President of Bowls Hampshire ahead of the 2pm start. The Andover quartet battled hard in a closely fought contest and led 13-12 after 12 ends. Berkshire edged ahead over the following two ends to lead 17-13 before heavy rain forced the county presidents to abandon the match after 14 of the scheduled 18 ends had been completed.
Across the remaining rinks, Hampshire struggled to find momentum and ultimately lost the match overall by an aggregate score of 95-64.
Following the game, Gordon Bazley said: “I said to the boys before the game to relax and enjoy it. They certainly did that and the game was played in a competitive, but friendly, spirit throughout. We were a little unlucky as Berkshire had just managed to get their noses in front at what turned out to be the critical time. Nevertheless, congratulations to Berkshire for coming out on top.”
After the match, players and officials from Bowls Hampshire and the Royal County of Berkshire Bowls Association were served dinner in the clubhouse by Sue Milton, Cathy Hopwood and a dedicated team of volunteers.
The quality of the Andover green, along with the warm welcome offered to visiting players and officials, is highly regarded within Bowls Hampshire. The club is set to host another inter-county fixture on 1 September, when Hampshire women will face the Gloucestershire Bowls Association in a friendly match.