Desborough shine on the national stage despite semi-final heartbreak

Desborough Bowling Club produced a series of strong performances as they head into the business end of the season, which includes several national finals.

With the national finals soon to get underway, it’s an exciting time for the club and the teams involved.

Desborough’s mixed fours team of Tonie Philpott, Nicola Jones, Keith Roper and Mark Essex were the first to represent their club on the national stage and did so creditably well.

Drawn against a formidable team from Huntingdon, skipped by Nick Brett, the team delivered a composed and determined display to move through to the quarterfinals with a 15-13 win.

Building on that momentum, they progressed through their quarter final clash with victory over Clarrie Dunbar to book their place in the semi-finals.

Against Ilminster, the team were minutes away from reaching the final when a late, and fortunate bowl from the opposition saw them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

It was a heartbreaking moment which denied Desborough a place in the final, but the team still displayed tremendous quality, resilience and ability as they competed against the best teams in the country.

Desborough will also be represented in the national finals across multiple disciplines.

Stephanie Crane will represent them in the Over 60s competition and will join forces with Gemma Hanks and Nicola Jones in the Ladies Triples competition following the team’s terrific comeback win in their area final.

James Lynch, Mark Peachey and Alan Price will test themselves in the men’s triples, with Lynch, Tom McGuinness, Stephen McAlister and John McGuinness to bowl in the men’s fours.

Stephen McAlister, Kirk Smith and John McGuinnes will contest the men’s over 50s triples competition.

Commiserations are also due to Stephen McAlister who narrowly missed out on progression in the men’s singles and men’s over 60 singles, and to Lee Chamberlain in the novice singles.

Reaching the latter stages in these events is a great achievement and reflects well on the strength of bowling at the club.

On a more local level there was a promising first season for Desborough in the Wessex League.

They concluded their campaign with a narrow one-shot defeat against Westlecot.

Despite the result, the club is reflecting positively on its strong maiden season in this competitive league.

The club has also enjoyed friendly success in recent weeks. defeating Ladygate 118-110.

With Ladygate winning on three of the six rinks, the match was recognised as an honourable draw, despite the shots difference.

The standout performance came from the ever entertaining ‘Welsh Wizard’ Brian Jones, who alongside Alex Hamill and Annie Mindry delivered an exceptional 49-4 victory.

With several National Finals ahead, there is much for members and supporters to look forward to in the coming weeks with players continuing to represent Desborough with pride and distinction on the national stage.