Tornados (Fixture 9)

This was the Tornados first visit to Stockport’s new home venue at the Etherow IBC in Broadbottom (on the Manchester/Derbyshire border).

In spite of last minute selection difficulties, Rodders had a full team, including two new players, who were willing to make the the 95 mile trip (125 miles for those based in Scarborough) for this, their penultimate match. It was never going to be easy as our opponents were in with a good chance of winning the Division and needed a big result to build up their lead prior to their match next week against rivals Staffordshire.

However, try as they may, our gallant players found it difficult to make any headway. Stockport always had an answer, even when we managed to get close on some mats.  The exception was our trusty Pair of Steve Duffin/David Brown who once again delivered 4 points (for the 3rd match in succession) and Pat, Jane and Joanne in the Triples who came from behind to snatch another 2 in one of their games. But that was it and the team headed for home knowing that the 6-34 (130-270) defeat was the worst recorded over the past 3 seasons. It now means that an exceptional score will be needed next week in the home derby against the Tigers if we are to have a chance of leapfrogging over West Yorkshire A  (who finish with a home game against Humberside A) to finish in 3rd place.

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Note of interest: As an Indoor Bowling Centre, Stockport’s new venue was destined for closure by the council until the Stockport bowlers under the leadership of father/son Steven and Peter Roberts and the sponsorship of TPS, their heating/ventilation company, breathed new life into it. It is now a permanent Short Mat centre fully equipped as an 8 mat venue.      (see Etherow Indoor Bowling Centre). Well done to all concerned.