HARWICH 46

ESSEX PRESIDENT’S SELECT 76

Men’s fours friendly

THIS was the first of three high-profile games for Harwich.

However, it must be the first time an indoor match was terminated at 14 ends because of snow.

Many of the visiting team came from south Essex and travelling became a concern.

The best performance was the rink skipped by Dick Bloom.

Playing with George Gilmour, John Welch and Ron Spendlove, they were 12-3 down and recovered to draw 14-14.

George Berry’s rink was also in good form.

Supported by Glyn Jones, Richard Bareham and Keith Forsyth, they were leading with two ends to go but just failed by two shots.

The rink skipped by Mike Ryan, assisted by Chris Barker, captain Michael Reeder and Billy Mowat, were always in contention but lost out by four shots.

Essex’s Derek Stockdale was taken ill just before the start, which meant spectator Colin Theobald was asked to play for the visitors.

This proved a disaster for vice-captain Ian Love’s rink.

Although fielding a strong team with Clive Pettican, Ben Vernaven and Mike Lewis, Essex overwhelmed the Harwich four by 24 shots.

The home team put up a good show against the county’s best.