1 week Ago
They lifted the Somerset County League title for the third time in four years by beating Ilminster. Then they lost to a very strong Nottingham team in their first-ever Wessex League Grand Final. In their fourth successive county league final – they were runners-up last year – Saints proved too strong for Ilminster at Taunton Deane.
They were ahead from the start and rarely relaxed their grip. Lee Stocker’s rink, 13-13 after 14 of the 21 ends, scored 15 further shots without reply to win by 15. Jack Angove’s quartet, who were just three ahead at 12 ends, finished strongly and the four they scored on the 20th end forced Ilminster to concede victory.
The Wessex final at Swindon started badly for Saints when a car breakdown meant the late arrival of Danny Denison and Reece White overslept. Reserves Alan Biss and Rob Saddler came in and when Denison arrived after four ends, he replaced captain Si Angove, who was in pain with a rib injury. Although three of the four rinks were closely contested, Nottingham’s outstanding Commonwealth Games gold medallist Simon Skelton proved the difference as his four won by 17.
The Saints’ rinks skipped by Sam Stocker and Darrell Johnston were both in front until the closing ends but lost by one and four respectively, while Jack Angove scored eight shots in the final five ends to finish two behind. Watched by a sizeable contingent of their supporters, Saints were presented with the runners-up trophy and a cheque for £300 by league chairman Denis Holborow, a St Andrews member. Vice-captain Lee Stocker commented, “It was a great effort by the lads against a very good side.
It’s been a brilliant season for the club and thanks to all our supporters, who have been amazing.” Somerset County League final: St Andrews 84, Ilminster 65. Tim Wyatt, Reece White, Craig Walker, Sam Stocker 15-19; Malcolm Campbell, Rob Saddler, Phil Villis, Lee Stocker 28-13; Anthony Page, Andy McMillan, Dave Fairhurst, Darrell Johnston 15-22; Jim Keay, Alan Biss, Si Angove, Jack Angove 26-11.
Wessex League Grand Final: Nottingham 76, St Andrews 52. Richard Withers, Alan Biss, Craig Walker, Tim Salter 8-25; Tony Parsons, Mark Reeve, Si Angove/Danny Denison, Jack Angove 15-17; Tim Wyatt, Rob Saddler, Lee Stocker, Sam Stocker 16-17; Anthony Page, Charlie Andrews, Phil Villis, Darrell Johnston 13-17. Club championship finals: Men’s Pairs – Charlie Andrews/Jim Keay 25, Tim Wyatt/Rob Saddler 16.
Women’s Pairs – Sue Edwards/Sue Churchill 18, Clare Andrews/Maureen Frost 17 (after extra end). Mixed triples - Charlie Andrews, Clare Andrews, Jack Angove 20, Tim Wyatt, Andy McMillan, Becky McMillan 19..
