Derbyshire v West Yorkshire A
3-11-19
West Yorkshire A made the short trip to Derbyshire on Sunday as the B side entertained North Yorkshire B. West Yorkshire A were looking to maximise points but at Derbyshire, where West Yorkshire have normally struggled, nothing was to be taken for granted.
SINGLES
Robbie Ellis was in the side for his 1st county game of the season, and thrust into the deep end in the singles against Phil Wright and Ivan Lunn with Kevin Siddle the other for WY. Kevin won both his games in comprehensive fashion with Robbie, losing to Phil by 9 in his 1st game, made a real run at Ivan after lunch from being well down to narrowly lose 14-16 eventually, but a great effort.
(6/10)
PAIRS
A tactical rejig from Captain Packer to counter Derbyshire's strong pairing paid dividends today, Matthew & Steve Packer combined to knock in 35 shots in 2 games in their 2 wins as Steve Caley & Steve Briggs responded to their 8-22 loss by Rachel Cooper and David Dowling in incredible fashion by simply pummelling Lynn Morris and Margaret Cousin 24-3 after the break. Brilliant! (8/10)
TRIPLES
Walter & his trio can count themselves unlucky as they lost the 1st game by 3, and the 2nd game by 2 despite some fantastic bowling from all 3. But such is the level where mistakes are capitalised upon and chances are seized, Andy Jones skipped very well in his trips for their 2 wins with Pete Hepworth and Phil 'Phizza' Thornton, Pete played some great shots in the game but Phil, drafted in at the last minute to cover for Hazel Cookson acquitted himself superbly. Well done.
Aggregate was tied. (5/10)
FOURS
My 4 collectively played garbage in the 1st game, yes, they had some luck along the way but we weren't upto our level and deservedly lost. John's 4 won both their games 9-7 and a hammering 20-5 in the other. John's 4 played very well in both games, especially Andy Miles who was leading superbly, on that mat, the 1st to the jack was going to win 8/10 times. My 4 I think were just annoyed after our 1st game, I swapped players around a bit, got Dave to make me look good as my number 3 (!) and just collectively decided we're going to take it out on my good chum Ross Martell's 4... And we did, 10-3 with a better performance. (8/10)
OVERALL
A fabulous result. West Yorkshire invariably have 1 dicey session in away games, and that was going in 8-8 at half way, but after the break we rattled in 7 wins from 8 to simply blow Derbyshire away really. But all attention and focus is now firmly in 3 weeks time when we travel to Stockport in the 1st of the clash of the championship contenders, no disrespect to Derbyshire. Stockport will be gunning for us at their place. Fact.
2 juggernauts going head to head with reputation, egos and bragging rights all on the line....
And that's just Kevin!
This next encounter is going to be VERY tasty!
FINAL SCORE from Derbyshire:
DERBYSHIRE 13
WEST YORKSHIRE 'A' 27
West Yorkshire B v Humberside B
Well what a fine day at the office.
After a good practice session WY were ready for a good game, we set off like a house on fire with all 4 wins in the first session, with Glen been back on form winning 17/8 against John. Peter and Peter winning 22/8. A new tripe of Phiz, Judith and Midge who new what was going to happen but the pulled it out of the bag with a 10/5 win. The 4s had a tricky time though with new skip Tim winning by 2 points in the end.
After the first session the next group were revved up with another win for Tony although by the skin of his teeth 12/11, Jack and Kathryn won 16/8 with a very good lead from Jack making my job as skip easy (thanks Jack) the triples struggled losing 14/6 and again Ron Lavan's 4 won by 2 points.
Half Time score WY 14 Humberside 2
So after a almost pleasant lunch despite the slightly frozen chesse-cake we were off again not so good a session with only 1 winner been Midge's 4 claiming a 4 on last end to give them a 13/9 win.
It was then down to the last session to keep hold of the averages some with more point to play with then others, tony set off better this time beating Rhonda Barnes 20/10 (nice to have you back this game) Jack and myself had a nice average of 21 to play with this game, again winning by 4 point to well and truly keep the points going. Jeff's triple's again struggled but with some encouragement they swapped round giving new player Ian the skip they manages to pull back the score to a lose of 13/8. Well done Ian hope to see you in the team more (no hints though). The 4s won again with some good leading from Janet and handy knocks from Alan winning 10/2.
All in all i think West Yorkshire B have their Mojo back just in time for the christmas break.
I hope everyone has a nice relaxing time but is ready to go next match away at Durham.
LEWIS STICKS HIS 2 PENNETH IN!
Special mention to Jack Bowes and Ian Churnton, Jack Bowes, a young and up and coming lad who clearly has some skill at our game played well today, he's still finding his feet in the world of county short mat, but with patience and commitment, this chap has more than plenty of promise. Ian was thrust in at the deep end and no doubt will be better for his experience despite his 2 losses, such is the standard now even in the second division.
Final Score from Armley:
West Yorkshire B 28
Humberside B 12
by Kathryn Jones
West Yorkshire A v
Humberside A (5-1-20)
2020 kicked off with our game against Humberside A, we just HAD to all put a good shift in against Humberside today to bounce back from our home loss to Staffs just a few weeks ago. The biggest threat was complacency, Humberside are a much travelled and experienced side, may not have the same bite in terms of firepower as yester year but still can cause plenty of problems.
And duly they did... John Packer's new look trips for this match were undone by Gill Borrill' trio. Gill herself is no slouch. Compounded by the loss of Walter's also new look fours, going down 4-13, Darren saw off Steve Danby, a wily and hugely experienced player in his own right as Steve Packer & Matthew Leaf recorded a 17-11 victory to split the 1st half. The second section was more like it. Kevin dispatching Dave Coultas with a 19-3 win in a rout. Myself and Dave scrambled over the line despite the lead swapping hands three times in the last 5 ends I think 13-12! (We like to keep the crowd enthralled, honest!) As Paul Kings trio blasted past their opposition with a mammoth 25-3 win to send us into lunch at 12-4 to the good.
The less said about the lunch the better.
The 2nd half was vintage West Yorkshire by all accounts, Darren grinding Dave Coultas into submission before seeing out his 18-8 win. Matthew & Steve Packer lost their pairs game to Graham & Dave of Humberside, for me, those 2 are very under rated, they can pull out some wonder shots as I've seen them do numerous times at Barnard Castle. John Packer's team got their W with a 13-7 over Margaret Dykes side in the triples as Walters team also got a good win 15-5.
The final session was key for the pairs and fours especially, Robbie had just +2 aggregate head start in the fours, where as myself & Dave had +1 in our pairs. So 2 four-pointers effectively, Kevin saw off Steve Danby in the singles to record a clean sweep today and all 10 points, Paul King, who played great stuff all day today with Steve's Caley and Briggs too won 16-4. So the four-pointers, Robbie's 4 won their game 12-6. And myself and deadeye Dave won ours 19-8.
John & I decided to ring the changes for this match and I think it paid off. Yes, it was a gamble, but if we are to maintain our challenge for the title, changes had to be made to spread the attacking players, we haven't given up the hunt yet despite Staffs seemingly on a hell of a tear by battering all in front of them.
(*36-4 away win at Derbyshire today's result*)
A very very good comeback result today, as mentioned at the start, complacency was our biggest threat. There was a few stand out performances today, Robbie is a very good skip now and can read the head well which is surprisingly not that common. Jack Bowes stock continues to rise and is showing a lot of promise, Paul King played a good all round game and sent up some crackers. I haven't played pairs for a long time but I enjoyed it, particularly the 2nd game when we knuckled down, Dave played how we all expect of him really. A top chap and it's been a while since I saw him play that good, by his own admission, its great to see this Dave Fletcher back. We head upto North Cave on the 19 th of Jan for a return trip, and whatever you do.....
Reach with you're first wood no matter what discipline! Reach!
FINAL SCORE from ARMLEY:
West Yorkshire A 34
Humberside A 6
Humberside A entertained West Yorkshire A today at North Cave as West Yorkshire looked to gain points on Staffordshire at the top of the tree. But West Yorkshire notoriously struggle at Humberside's slower pace mats.
The key is all about adjustment at Humberside.
Session 1 was split. Kevin edging out Steve Danby by a couple of shots and Walters four winning by 6 shots while Steve and Matthew lost by 8 and our rejigged trips of Joanne Speight Andy Miles and Tom Morris, despite bowling well, lost by 6.
Session 2 was more like it from the Yorkshire men however, Darren, in imperious form currently, getting by David Coultas by 4 shots, Dave Fletcher and Royston Lewis combining well to see off Gavin Smith & Eva. Paul King's trips were unlucky in their 1st game as they were ultimately edged out by just the 1 shot. Robbie Ellis' four securing a 2 point win to give West Yorkshire A 10-6 half time lead,
Things had to improve for the visitors in order to score some big points... And they did!
Session 3 saw just Robbie Ellis' four 7-9 loss the only blip as Darren romped home against Steve Danby 18-10, Paul King's superb drive of the jack into the ditch sealed the deal on a last end decider in the triples. Myself and Dave, Dave played exceptional in this game as we won our 2nd game of the day. 3 wins from the 4 for West Yorkshire.
The final section and it was almost perfect for West Yorkshire, Kevin Siddle capping off a singles clean sweep winning against David Coultas 12-9. Matthew and Steve played more how they can do in this game against Gavin and Eva, both played very well as they won 16-9.
Tom Morris were 2 down on last end before scoring a 2 of their own In a thoroughly deserved point to be fair for their day's efforts and Walt Stockhill' four winning well 10-4 to end the day.
A great day at the office for West Yorkshire A.
Some fabulous efforts and performances by our troops today, not an easy place to turn up to and to score what we did is a fantastic shift. Joanne played very well leading in the reformed trips, not blowing my own trumpet, I think my county form is on the up, Dave played great, Darren and Kevin played as well as they had to too. The fours seem to all be gelling well to, Robbie has come on well as a skip in the fours. We equalled Staffordshire's score from the other week today and next week we go to Staffs in another big game, it'll all be on the line but we've the pairs qualifiers before that too. But for now, West Yorkshire can celebrate a great day and an even better result.
Final Score from North Cave:
Humberside A - 11
West Yorkshire A - 29
Battle of the Yorkshires!!
West VS North took place today at Easingwold. After a positive practice we were off the first 4 set the tone for the day, with a win from the up and coming trip skipped by Tim giving WY 2 points. the second session was the same this time with Judith's trip winning giving WY another 2 points. All been said score wise we didn't play badly NY just had the luck.
Halftime score WY 4- NY 12, oh dear.
After a home brought lunch and a walk for some the fun started again, with Mr Jackson getting the best of Glen (don't worry you will beat him next time Glen!) Peter and Peter had a hard game where every time Peter touched the jack it went to NY. Judith's trip was pipped to the post this game only losing by 3 though. Our new 4 of Elaine, Hazel, Andrea and Ian had a really good game getting a draw on the last end.
A special mention to our new player Andrea who knocked NY out a few times and us in. Well done!
What can i say about the last session (we were there?) again Tim's trip pulled it out the bag winning both games today well done has to go to Shirley B, Rene and skip Tim. the pairs tried thier best with some good bowls from Maveen and Glennys, I came unstuck against Dennis in the singles who had a great last bowl knocking me off most ends. Better luck next game go to Ron, Alan, Geoff and Janet (might time time for a move, what say you capitan?)
All in a all, a better day at the office for some more then others. We will need to pull our socks up a lot more next game Stockport away (they are no mugs)
Final score from Easingwold:
North Yorkshire 31
West Yorkshire 9
Hope to have you back feeling better soon Tony (we need you) ;)
Stockport v West Yorkshire A
So it was today when the gauntlet would be thrown down by 2 of the 3 favourite title contenders and it didn't disappoint in terms of drama and nerves. Staffordshire would be hoping we'd knock lumps out of each other bowling wise and today was most definetely a game of attrition on mats that I had forgot were plain and simply, brutal.
The 1st session was a chastening one. Only Kevin Siddle out playing England's Peter Roberts scoring West Yorkshire's only points, Steve Packer and Matthew Leaf going down to a heavy loss despite actually bowling well but June and Chris Crowther were just on song in this game. Paul Kings trips lost 3-15 and Royston's fours losing narrowly 9-12.
The 2nd section would see WY fair a little better, Darren Cookson, returning to the singles scene for a good few years showed what he can do against Bent Nielsen, although exchanging 3s and 4s throughout, Darren finally found a string of ends to forge a lead against his opponent and held his nerve to secure the invaluable 2 points. Next door, Steve Caley and Steve Briggs pounced on anything loose from Win and Kevin Lawler and even though the lead changed hands several times, our WY pair pulled off a great, if not unsuspected win. Walters trio lost to an inform Mike Clancy's triples as John Packer's 4 also lost but for a lack of luck in their match in which everything that went against him, did.
6-10 down at half time, not great, not awful.
The third session commenced and despite a pep talk from John to his troops, Stockport weren't budging an inch. Quite the opposite in fact.
Peter Roberts, avenged his loss to Kevin by seeing off Darren Cookson 18-9, as June and Chris Crowther saw off Steve Caley and Steve Briggs in similar fashion 17-6. Ben Holbrook, 1 of today's best players in a blue shirt, made it 2 from 2 by dispatching Walters triples, as Bill Burns four made it 2 wins aswell against John Packers four. A clean sweep for the home side, and an ominous looking score was on the cards, but then... IT HAPPENED again...
Firstly Kevin Siddle hammered Bent Nielsen 22-5.
Steve Packer and Matthew, more than peeved off still from their first game gained revenge in their second game, Paul King's trips all clicked into gear and got home 15-8 as my four, and I was personally irate after losing the first game, made amends and saw off Bernie Fennell's four in the last game 12-3. A clean sweep our way this time.
Probably the most important session WY have played this season was this final one, the 2 aggregate points secured in our singles proving pivotal and crucial ultimately. West Yorkshire A will be far happier with their 16 points than Stockport with their 24, that is without doubt.
West Yorkshire as a whole squad will need consistency and to be able to do the fundamentals right to win this league or even have a say in it. Make no mistake, this was a tough game, a very very tough 1 and John Packer would of snapped their hand off if offered 16 points when walking through the door at 10:15am. This was a match of grinding down and capitalising where possible and ends were often alternated who won them. Darren's 1st game being the case and point against Bent Nielsen, not pretty just gritty!
We at WY want this league title back SO bad. This was our first real step towards redemption!
Final score from Stockport:
Stockport A 24
West Yorkshire A 16
So the 1st home game against Staffordshire was upon us, watched on by the visiting party from Stockport too for this hum-dinger of a match between 2 of the 3 heavyweights. However, Things started poorly for the home side, Darren losing his way to the drawing machine that is England's Gareth Stanway. The pairs of Steve Caley and Steve Briggs provided some consolation in their drawn game. The trips and my fours lost both their games by 2 shots each to seal a very poor first quarter. 1 point from 8.
The next quarter was shared, Kevin giving Mick Weaver a lesson in ditching the Jack romping to a 19-7 victory. Matthew and Steve Packer could have done no more and would of won any other game but for some luck and last ditch bowls from Nick Tideswell for the away side which proved to be the steal of all steals for Staffordshire today.
Walter Stockhill's trips were undone eventually, trailing by 8 with 5 ends to play, a change of Walter leading and Paul Williamson skipping, had that deficit reduced to just 2 with 2 to play and laying 3 before Martin Simcock"s drive saw them get 3 out of it to complete a SIX shot turn around and they would see out the last end for their win.
John Packers four 16-7 victory at the end gave us a half time score of a rather stunned 5-11.
The second section began and Darren v Mick Weaver was always going to be a coin toss for me, both so equal in all departments really, and it duly went all the way until cool as a Cooky cucumber got a now priceless victory 11-10 considering the situation we were in.
Steve Caley and Steve Briggs were scuppered by Nick Tideswell in their match, as our trips went down heavy too despite a change over in the second game. My four all clicked into gear at the same time and ran away with it 17-2.
Quarter split.
Now the aggregates were so vital. Kevin, had +5 points leeway with which to fend off Gareth Stanway's ominous attack and he was doing admirably moving the jack around with trailing shots but ultimately, a combination of fatigue from a full day of Barnard Castle qualifiers yesterday like the rest of us and just down right draw after draw did for Kevin as, despite fighting too the last, Kevin trying everything to claw aggregate shots back. Gareth wasn't to be denied today and secured a rare loss for Kevin 10-23. Matthew and Steve Packer were -15 on aggregate and had a real sniff at nicking the aggregate back but just came up short but were back on form nevertheless against Adam Lamb and Sally with their 17-7 victory.
Now, the trips, still skippered by Paul Williamson were -21 on shots, not a prayer?
Not a bit of it...,
From 3s and 4s and a host of 2s to boot, the WY trips were pulverising Staffs with simply no response from the men in green. Miraculously, fast forward 10 ends and Paul's trips had pulled to within just 4 shots, at 22-4 up, of snatching the aggregate from Staffs and were laying 4 on the last end, but yet again.. Who else, Martin Simcock! As he pulled out another wood from nowhere despite missing with his 1st effort by a yard into a foot wide target to reduce it to 2. Paul killed the end, we replayed the 11th end again, Paul was adamant about this match, the next end though, not as clean cut though this time. Laying 2 only, no chance for a 4, Paul elected to kill again... But missed, a truly gigantic effort from Walt, Dennis and Paul Williamson to snatch a 4 pointer from absolutely nowhere!! And the watching Staffs players were elated / relieved afterwards, they knew how close they were to losing the aggregate. But WY claimed a 22-7 win in this trips. As for the fours, I'm kind of glad I didn't see a lot of it, we won the aggregate by just the 1 shot, and lost this game heavily despite having had a +22 banquet to play with, although Josh Towey and Glyn did play very well throughout the day.
We knew Staffs would bring the fight today and did they ever! Attacking across the board, more so than I remember them doing before but its their way of playing and it just.. works, for them at least. The constant harping on from me and skipper John about back woods being essential and being there more than not was paramount, most notably in my second fours game ironically, which too could of turned south for us but Ben led very well for me when was needed. The same in the pairs, Adam Lamb, who likes a drive to make 2s into 3s was largely scuppered by Matthew's drawing back woods game, limiting what Adam could do considerably by taking the fire option away from him.
Whether Staffs had a game plan before they turned up or not I don't know, the fact they came to our place and scored what they did is a 1 off or... A little worrying, especially as their home form will likely see them average around 28 points like ourselves too and teams generally struggle at Staffs. Captain John Skelding definetely deployed his strong players in the relevant disciplines and his tactics largely worked. As for ourselves, we have to learn and learn fast from this result as we can't afford another like this when Stockport roll up. That much is certain.
There were a few positives today for the blue and Amber too despite the loss, the final triples game was literally a nail biter and the perseverance of those 3 to scrap and scrap and were within ONE bowl of the great escape against Martin's men was great to see, and I almost bowled reasonably well... Almost! Thanks to Melissa for coming down as a reserve in case we needed one aswell.
We go again in 3 weeks time straight after Christmas against Humberside.
Final score from Armley Sports Centre:
West Yorkshire "A" 15
Stafforshire 25
Staffordshire v West Yorkshire A
So.... The biggest game of the season / league at arguably the toughest venue in the league was upon us. Would West Yorkshire succumb to the onslaught or rise above it?
The 1st half started well for West Yorkshire, Steve Packer & Matthew Leaf dispatching John Skelding and Nick Tidewell and Kevin getting the better of Mick Weaver in the singles. The triples and Robbie's fours both lost, the latter by 5-18
Section 2 and Staffs were hitting their Grove, Myself and Dave Fletcher had a sniff against Adam Lamb & Sally but that's all it was as we lost by?? Darren lost to Gareth Stanway but put a up a great fight before losing 10-13. Paul King's trips lost by just a solitary shot on the last end for a kick in the gut. Walter Stockhill's four however played some great stuff and secured a crucial 2 points. 6-10 at half time.
The 3rd session and Darren took to the mat against Mick Weaver and exchanged scores for much of the game before Mick edged to the winning line 15-11. Dave and me had a better game against John Skelding and it came down to the last end and the Staffs pair won it by 1 shot. John Packers trips took a second loss of the day meanwhile but Walter's four secured their 2nd brilliant win of the day.
The final session and all the aggregates were close across the board, Kevin, with just a few points to play with against Gareth Stanway stuck to his game plan of trying to ditch the Jack, it worked against Mick Weaver earlier on today so he felt there was no reason to change it. When you fire against Gareth Stanway you simply have to hit the target and, unusually for Kevin his firing radar was off from his 1st game and Gareth didn't need waste opportunities to capitalise. Kevin's game lost its way somewhat, down to the pressure put under by the Staffs single's man. Indeed, Gareth started ditching the jack as the game went away from Kevin, fairly quickly it has to be said. Still Gareth was unrelenting. The score ended up 19-8. Steve & Matthew could do more as Adam Lamb and Sally played some good stuff to thwart them and record a 19-10 victory.
Meanwhile John Packer's triples lost their 2nd game 5-15. And a last end draw 10-10 in Robbie's 4 secured what could be a key point. The 4s aggregate was the only one to go in our favour today, despite singles, pairs and triples all being in the balance after session 3.
PICKING THE BONES
It could of easily been a much different result today In honest. 5 games were won for Staffs by 4 points or less. A 10 shot swing, another day we could of WON 23-17! The effort is certainly there, the girls played very well today through out. But hats off to, not a spring chicken,
Walter Stockhill, this chap is just brilliant more often than not. His drawing, ditching, blocking and nudging game was second to none today, an outstanding masterclass from a man who has had a lot going on through his life in recent years, but you just can not keep him at bay. Excellent stuff.
WHAT NEXT?
Yet another game of the season on Feb 23rd as we host Stockport in what could be a 2nd spot deciding match. We simply have to score big points to have any chance of 2nd spot. Staffordshire are already fired up for their trip to Stockport next week. Stockport ran out 35-5 winners last year against Staffs, but the greenies are a far stronger and more experienced side now as we found it to our cost.
Stockports 'banker' match will be home to Humberside on 29th Feb which could well decide it. But we will try our best.
Final score from Baddley Green WMC
Staffordshire 27
West Yorkshire A 13