Match report - Spackman pairs - Castle Camps v Castle Hedingham

The first 10 minutes were occupied by much huffing, lots of puffing, a bit of foot stamping, a few swear words followed by the exclamation “oh come on get in there!”

But as soon as John Collins had managed to get his bowling shoes on, we were set, steady and ready to go.

On the ockie, ready steady go, on your marks, let’s get ready to rumble or just Play was all that was needed as the games began at 6pm sharp.

18 ends of fiercely competitive bowls awaited us as all as the pent up aggression from the closed season was about to be released before our eyes in the first “Spackman” of the season.

The match was of such significance that the club had flown in an extremely well respected Arabian umpire called Sheik Rattle-n- roll to oversee proceedings.

The home team crowd was in good voice in the form of Chrissy Braybrook and Steve Norris.

We witnessed Mexican wave after Mexican wave as the supporters became more excited.

The match was extremely competitive and it was nip and tuck and tuck and nip for the whole 18 ends.

Castle Hedinham had many county players on display and the home team played exceptionally well to keep them at bay as we neared the final few ends.

John and Joe were leading by 3 on the last end but were pegged back.

Joe released his final wood which sped so quickly across the green that flames burned the grass as it raced towards its target.

It collided with 3 more woods and shot up Johns trouser leg and down the other side after finally being deflected by his big toe and knocked the oppositions wood onto the Cott!

Gerry and Yvonne staged a great comeback but it just wasn’t to be their night.

Eric and Sue were level after 16 ends but the skill and experience of a great Hedingham pair saw them lose the last 2 ends and so we were not the ultimate victors on the night.

Congratulations to Castle Hedingham but congratulations also to a great all round performance from Castle Camps and it is looking good for the rest of the year.

Keep watching for more match reports as we all follow the A and B teams, Cambridge and federation teams for the rest of the season.

Thanks for all of your support as we look forward to emulating the successes of last year.