This was the biggest match of the season for us. Would it be our last match in the First Division for some time? On paper, it seemed quite straightforward. Secure 2 points and we would stay in the top division. In reality, there were complications. Cowes Medina although lacking a number of regulars were still able to field a very strong team and one that had finished runners up in the top division and on arrival it was obvious that weather conditions would make life difficult. A strong wind with occasional gusts approaching gale force swept across the green, making judgement of pace and length difficult.
Stewart Small with David Brown, Martin Ward and Chris Brown adjusted to the conditions well in the opening ends and soon enjoyed an encouraging lead but that was not to last and by tea it was Cowes who were forging ahead and threatening to run away with it. To Bembridge’s credit, they were able to regain some momentum in the closing stages before losing 19-32.
Bill Silvester with Colin Greer, Gerald Rees and Tim Blow started on the back foot and remained there in the opening ends. It was thanks to the skipping of Bill Silvester that Bembridge were able to close the gap and this seemed to encourage his teammates. Although Cowes remained in the lead, that lead had been closed to just one shot going into the last end but the Cowes skip who had bowled brilliantly to maintain his team’s lead would have the final shot. In the event, Bembridge were holding two and held their breath as the final shot slipped by the head. A memorable game ended with Bembridge Winning 18-17 and leaving the green for the first time in the lead.
Chris Emms with John Hawkes, Peter Svensden and Norman Cooper started well and maintained that lead as the match developed. It was clear that the lead would only be a narrow one as tea came and went and success for Bembridge would depend on being able to keep clear heads as pressure mounted. Thankfully, we were able to rely on the considerable combined experience of Chris Emms and his team who saw us home 19-17.
We had retained our place in the Top Division by obtaining 4 points and the sense of relief was palpable not only for those who had bowled but also for those brave souls who had come along to support them.
Match Result: Cowes Medina A 6 points Bembridge A 4 points
Shot Score: Cowes Medina A 66 Bembridge A 56