NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Fifth title for Brett

Brett teamed up with Huntingdon Bowls Club colleague Lewis Baker to beat Dawes brothers John and Mark from Blackpool 20-9 in the final.

Earlier in the day the pair had beaten Doug Rumble and Martin Puckett from Moonfleet (Weymouth) 17-9 in the semi-final.

The final was closer than the final scoreline would suggest. After 10 ends, the scores were level at 9-9, but eight ends later, Baker and Brett were uncatchable at 20-9, so the Dawes brothers were forced to concede, leaving Brett, the world number two, celebrating his fifth win in the event.

Brett had previously won the title with Matt Marsden in 2004, and with Greg Harlow in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Those successes came when he was a member of the City of Ely club, but he recently moved to Huntingdon and teamed up with Baker.

Baker himself is no stranger to the EIBA winners’ podium, having helped three St Neots clubmates to the four title in 2015, and he gave Brett good support throughout the event.

The Huntingdon’s run-in from 9-9 was steady rather than dramatic, and it has to be said that the Blackpool brothers, in trying to chase shots, had some unfortunate results. Baker and Brett scored on seven ends in succession, compiling a 2-1-2-1-1-2-2 sequence that left their opponents for dead.

The Huntingdon team’s semi-final was also well contested for the majority of the contest. The records show that Baker and Brett defeated Doug Rumble and Martin Puckett 17-9. However, the Moonfleet duo actually led 9-8 after 13 ends, when Huntingdon broke free with a five, two singles and a double. RESULTS...

RESULTS

Semi finals

John & Mark Dawes (Blackpool Newton Hall) bt Carl Higgins & Paul Hartley (Hartlepool) 21-13;

Lewis Baker & Nick Brett (Huntingdon) bt Doug Rumble & Martin Puckett (Moonfleet 2000) 17-9.

Final

Baker & Brett bt Dawes & Dawes 21-9.