Stamford Indoor Bowls Club round-up

Stamford’s senior women bowlers will play Lincoln in the area final of the national Masons Trophy on January 17 (10am) for the chance to take part in the English Indoor finals in April.

They earned their ticket to the inter-area qualifier with a comprehensive defeat of Sleaford - winning both home and away legs simultaneously and in some style.

While Stamford’s home rink took time to take control, their quartet at Sleaford - Ann White, Gill Oakey, Sue Moir and Chris Ford quickly took charge - leading 15-0 after 11 ends before going on to win 25-6.

In the home tie, with Stamford leading overall 39-12, Sleaford conceded after 16 ends. Lincoln beat Louth 56-16 in their match.

Masons Trophy: Stamford 39 Sleaford 12 (Stamford names only): home - R March, L Hulme, S Suffling, D Mackie won 14-6; away - A White, G Oakey, S Moir, C Ford won 25-6.

With the Lincs County Men’s League set to revert to promotion and relegation next season following the introduction of north and south geographical competitions, Stamford B will be aiming to stretch away from the danger zone on Saturday (2.10pm) at home to Grantham.

Team: J Suffling, P Shaw, B Orme, D King; R Blake, G Clarke, M Dye, D Henshaw; D Bruce, I Smith, D Wilkinson, N Crees; D Morgan, S Christie, P Smith, M Hewitt. Res - A Patterson.

The Stamford women’s team to visit Boston on January 16 (9.45am start) in the Lincs Trudy Bates League (South) is R Roberts, P Birch, R March, D Mackie; E Wallace, A Northen, G Oakey, C Ford; J Lonslow, V Du’Kett, M Holroyd, S Moir; J Clarke, L Hulme, S Suffling, L Tuck.

Hopes that Stamford's senior men's team might reach the inter-area final of the Over 60s Double rink for the second time in four years were dashed by Lincolnshire rivals Horncastle.

While Stamford’s home team, playing simultaneously as their away rink, edged out Keith Jackman’s quartet 16-12 over 18 ends, it was not enough to make up the deficit suffered 60 miles north.

The away four were 10 shots adrift after 10 ends which stretched to 16 with just three ends to play - a margin Trevor Collins' home rink were unable to retrieve by the close against a killed end and some accurate conversions.

Commented Stamford away skip Roger Martin: "We tried hard against a very good team (on their blue carpet) but three bad ends cost us dear. We only scored shots on five ends."

EIBA Over 60s Double rink Area final: Stamford 28 Horncastle 39. Stamford names only. Home - T Barwell, J Holroyd, T Scarr, T Collins won 16-12; away - J Pitt, D Heffernan, M Linnell, R Martin lost 12-27.

Better news on the senior front came in the EIBA Over 50 triples in which John Holroyd, Neil Crees and Kevin Vinter travelled to Boston to beat the experienced rink of Paul Flatters, Andy Reeson and Rod West 20-12.

Despite dropping a five-count in the early stages, they pulled level at 12 apiece and never looked back. They entertain Kevin Ekins' Spalding rink for a place in the area final.

With the focus both nationally and locally on social care and activities for young and old, Stamford Indoor Bowls Club provides a facility where people can find companionship as well as healthy sport.

So the club, which has its six-rink stadium off Exeter Gardens, is hosting an open day on Sunday (from 10am to 4pm) when coaches and experienced bowlers are on hand to provide free tuition and encouragement with equipment provided.

It’s an opportunity for all ages including families to try a new sport which will serve them well throughout their lifetime.

The club was built by the local authority in 1990 and what it has achieved has been exceptional during the time of its existence not only competitively but in its inclusivity of all abilities and ages.

Having recovered since the Covid epidemic from severely reduced numbers, it now has a burgeoning membership and caters for a broad range of ages and abilities including those with mobility impairment.

And with its viewing gallery, cafe and bar it also provides a haven for those seeking to meet friends and share a chat as well as enjoy a sport in which anyone - even in a wheelchair - can enjoy.

Youngsters are also discovering new skills through its regular junior academy while friendlies, domestic leagues and matches against other clubs provide plenty of competitive edge.

Parking and tuition is free at the open day on Sunday but the club merely asks potential participants to bring a pair of smooth-sole shoes or trainers.

For further information visit www.stamfordindoorbowls.co.uk