On Sunday 15 March 2009 Suffolk hosted Hertfordshire at Bildeston in their final league match of the season.

Whilst winning the ECCBA league was beyond their reach Suffolk were looking to maintain their second position in the league and secure their fourth consecutive win. Opponents Hertfordshire came into the match confident having beaten champions elect Cambridgeshire last time out.

For the first time this season the Suffolk rinks started quickly and took advantage of being the home team. Two of the games were not decided until the final ends but the Suffolk rinks finished strongly to secure a win 9-5 and a draw 7-7. In the other game a commanding early lead of 14-0 was enough to ensure a comfortable win 15-5.

In the second session two of the Suffolk rinks also started very well and were able to hold on to early leads, winning 9-5 and 14-5. In the final game the Suffolk rink struggled to find any form and were unable to recover a early deficit, losing 9-6.

The third session was Suffolk's best of the day, securing maximum points with three wins. All three of the home rinks were leading after five ends and didn't look back. The winning scores were 15-9, 10-5 and 8-5.

At half way Suffolk had a comfortable 15-3 lead in the match and it had been an improved performance on their previous home match. However Hertfordshire were playing well enough to suggest that they were capable of winning more games in the second half if the Suffolk rinks did not maintain their form.

In the fourth session of the day the Suffolk rinks picked up another two wins, again establishing and protecting early leads. The winning scores were 9-5 and 8-4, whilst the other Suffolk rink lost 11-7 in a game where an early lead could not be kept.

The fifth session was Suffolk's worst of the day, as it finished with the points shared. All three games were close, Suffolk winning 9-4 and Hertfordshire held off a late Suffolk rink fight back to win 7-6. The other game was tight, low scoring and finished in a fair 6-6 draw.

In the last session it was Suffolk that finished the stronger, again winning two games. The first game was stolen by the home rink with a three on the last end to win 7-6. The other win was far more convincing, an 11-0 lead finishing with a 14-4 win. In the final game a lead after seven ends was lost, finishing with a 10-9 loss.

Suffolk had won the match 26-10.

Whilst Hertfordshire had bowled well the Suffolk rinks had improved on their last home match against Norfolk and given their opponents less chances to set up end and game winning opportunities.

The Suffolk team are now looking forward to defending their Six Counties tournament title at Littleport on Sunday 19 April 2009.

Neil Jolly (County Captain)


The latest Eastern Counties League table is available on the ECBA website.

Suffolk County Team: Supported by Portmak Joinery