Bowls semi final: Unlucky Broughton Bow Out

The Moonrakers Tourist Trophy double rink semi-final on 7th August between the holders Broughton Gifford and Salisbury ended in heartbreak for Broughton’s men, who battled bravely for three hours, only to lose by a single shot under the most cruel of circumstances. 

The concurrent home and away games got underway at 6.15pm under a murky sky and bad light, which deteriorated rapidly throughout the evening. The home quartet finished first, exiting the green in the gloom at 9.00pm, with a seven shot advantage. After a lengthy and anxious wait, news came through that Salisbury had won on their green by the same margin. As the score finished level, an extra end was required at Salisbury, (they were first drawn as the “Challengers”) which was played when it had become almost too dark to see. Bizarrely, during the last minutes of the game, the playing area became illuminated by a solitary night time security light, which switched itself on and off repeatedly with player activity on the mat. BG were holding two shots which flanked the jack when the Salisbury number three, with weight, trailed the jack to gain the home side a one shot advantage. Despite BG’s best efforts they could not dislodge the Salisbury bowl. BG suffered misfortune with their last delivery which was played accurately and with correct weight, but the bowl shaved the jack, nudging it sideways to a Salisbury bowl, cruelly ending BG’s hopes of retaining the trophy.

Broughton ladies hopes of securing the second Nor-West League promotion place received a blow when rivals Corsham, who were third in the table, won their last game 6-0, to finish the season equal second and on level points with BG.  Shot difference will determine which of the teams will be promoted. At the time of writing the final league table was not available. 

For further information on the club and the game please call Vince or Sylvia on 01225 783332 or email vincedavis3@btinternet.com