NORTH WILTS ladies saw their hopes of adding to their haul of four national indoor titles cut drastically last week at the hands of another Devon club, writes DAVE EATON.

Five days earlier they had lost by a single shot in the Yetton Trophy quarter-finals 75-74 to Torquay United.

Then last Thursday they lost narrowly in the last 16 of the Vivienne Trophy to Devon side Isca IBC (Exeter) 78-72, despite leading for more than three-quarters of the 18-end four rink triples cup-tie.

Consequently North Wilts ladies are now only left running in one national competition, the Over 60s double rinks for the Mason Trophy, and face Taunton Deane in round four, last 32, on Friday, February 16.

Against Isca, the Chippenham-based side roared into an early advantage leading 25-13 at five ends and 51-32 at 10. However, their lead was pulled back drastically to only 64-59 at 15 ends but were unable to hold on to the narrow five shots lead.

On the remaining three ends overall they only scored eight shots but conceded a decisive 19 shots to lose the tie 78-72.

The home triple skipped by Jan Tombs registered an 11-shot success while Rosemary Fitzpatrick’s away triple edged home 21-20. But Sue Pitman’s away triple despite leading 16-15 at 15 ends lost 19-17.

However, the big change in fortunes came at home at Westcroft where Lyn Brown’s triple were tied 8-8 at 10 ends but trailed 15-11 at 15 and in the last three ends run-in failed to score and conceded 12 shots.

RESULTS North Wilts v Isca (Vivienne Trophy Rd 3), Home - Rink 1: Lorna Chadwick, Ann Shaw & Jan Tombs beat L Chamberlain 23-12. Rink 2: Julie Underhill, Iris Read & Lyn Brown lost to J Smith 11-27. Away - Rink 1: Beryl Waters, Pam Blackman & Rosemary Fitzpatrick beat P Jury 21-20. Rink 2: Pam West, Barbara Porter & Sue Pitman lost to T Lyon 17-19.

Score: North Wilts lost to Isca 72-78.

n THE MEN at North Wilts return to action in the Wessex League on Sunday when they face Thornbury.

They opened the 2017/18 campaign in style with an 86-76 win over Purnell, collecting 11 points out of a possible 16.

But since then their fortunes have switched around totally. They have lost the next four games and lie in eighth spot in the central region of the Wessex League just three points above basement club Thornbury.

The two sides, who have one win a piece from five games, clash this weekend with the victorious team likely to escape from the threat of the central region wooden spoon.

WILTSHIRE Short Mat Bowling Association has a vacancy open for a new county team manager.

Previous bowls experience is preferred, but not essential as the successful candidate will be supported by a small team of vastly experienced selectors.

The ability to lead and motivate a group of individuals is essential, with previous sports management experience an advantage. Apply via email to wiltshire@esmba.co.uk no later than Friday, February 23. For more information about short mat bowls in the county see wsmba9.wixsite.com/wsmba or email wiltshire@esmba.co.uk.