New Earswick Indoor Bowls Club bounce back into first division (From York Press)

New Earswick Indoor Bowls Club bounce back into first division

10:29am Thursday 14th March 2013 in Sport

Despite losing half their Yorkshire League games this season, New Earswick Indoor Bowls Club pulled off a major shock when they picked up eight points from their 83-76 defeat to Redcar to bounce straight back into the first division.

They had the same number of wins as third from bottom Thornaby but had a far superior winning rinks tally than the chasing field to take the runners-up spot.

To seal their success, they posted three winning rinks against Redcar.

At home, the rink led by Barry Johnson continued their winning run.

The key was getting off to a solid start. They led 8-1 after five ends, which proved the crucial difference in cementing a 21-14 triumph.

Bill Waldie’s side were 16-14 down with three ends to play but won them all to seize the game 18-16.

Away, Barry Harrison’s side had to fend off a spirited reply by the home ranks. After building up a healthy 22-8 lead with six ends to play, they scraped in at 24-21.

Paul Dawson’s rink had a tough time. Trailing 17-1 after five ends, they eventually went down 32-13.

New Earswick and Hornsea replace Harrogate and Huddersfield, who were relegated from the top tier.

However, New Earswick IBC were well beaten in their last Hebden League game.

They were toppled 98-52 by newly-crowned champions Featherstone, though remain in third for a place in the end of season Hebden Challenge Cup to be played at Ryedale IBC on Sunday, March 24, alongside Featherstone, North Cave and fourth-placed Selby.

The four rinks were played at Featherstone and saw a commendable win for Brian Birch’s side, who roared 13-0 up before eventually prevailing 18-16.

Gary Jones’ side also had a good game and nearly came away with a victory after they went from 22-10 down with six ends to play to be pipped 24-22.

Graham Bell’s team perished 30-7 to John Whiteley’s, while there was a 28-5 defeat for Gordon Storey’s team.