NORTH Wilts Ladies’ run in the inter-club competition for the Yetton Trophy came to an end as they were narrowly beaten by MidGlos (Brockworth, Gloucester) last Saturday.

Wilts led the third-round match until halfway but eventually only won one of the four rinks that were contested.

They were 16-15 up after five ends and extended the advantage to 34-28 at 10. But this lead was wiped out as MidGlos hit back to move 52-42 up after 15 ends and lead 65-54 at 18.

Chippenham-based Wilts staged a late rally over the last three ends, but it was not quite enough to eradicate the deficit and snatch victory as they went down 73-70.

The foursome of Ann Roberts-Phare, Jane Taylor, Irene Button and skip Alex Jacobs recorded a 23-11 away victory in Brockworth, but their win was not sufficient to compensate for the other rinks losses.

The home rink of Barbara Shepheard, Viv Baskerville, Betty Cowe and skip Jean Collier lost on the last end 19-18, while the other two teams at MidGlos and North Wilts skipped by Sue Cooke and Fizz Mace lost by six and eight shots respectively.

North Wilts ladies will be looking to bounce back and keep their interest alive in women’s national competitions when their two teams compete in the Mason Trophy – O60 ladies’ double rinks.

The A team with Fizz Mace (home) and Jean Collier (away) as skips meet Nailsea B, while the B team play Clevedon with Alex Jacobs skipping at home and Sue Cooke away in Clevedon.

  • NATIONAL championships events are only in the very early stages, with one exception – the champion of champions competition where the final is held early into the new year.

In the Area 16 group stages, which incorporate North Wilts and the former indoor club at Christie Miller, Melksham, the semi-final stages have been reached in both the ladies and men’s competitions.

Alex Jacobs, representing North Wilts, has beaten Ros Constant (Bristol) 21-9 and Jeanette Wheeler (Clarrie Dunbar) 21-11 to reach the area semi-final where she will play Elizabeth Taylor (Nailsea).

In the men’s Area 16 section, Steve Snook (NWilts) has reached the area semi-finals after and faces former John Hick (Clevedon).

  • ANDY Moore finished sixth in the Open Singles Circuit rankings for last season to qualify for the 2018 Grand Final this weekend at Potters Leisure resort at Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk.

The top 32 in the rankings earned the chance of winning the top prize of £1,600 out of a £5,200 prize pot at the Grand Final.

Moore, who now plays out of Chippenham-based North Wilts, will be representing his old club of Christie Miller, Melksham, where he was a member for many years until the sports centre shut down in October.