CROWN GREEN BOWLS: HENLEY A’s South & West Birmingham League match at Northfield club Black Horse was rained off, but the B team were at home to Woodbourne B and they consolidated second position in the league.
The hosts’ winners were brilliant Bernard Worrall (21-4), captain Sandie Butler (21-8) and still unbeaten Enid Elsmore (21-13).
The games were tied three each, but Henley won comfortably on shots by 106 to 88 to take seven points to Woodbourne’s three.
In last Wednesday’s Yardley Wood Super League fixture, Henley A lost at home to Warstock by five games to three (160-152). The A team winners were Dinky Eborall and Aubrey Dipple (both 21-18) and captain James Heesom (21-19).
However, unfortunately for them Henley lost three games 21-20 in what was a nailbiting match.
Henley B travelled to a neutral green at Stoke Prior to play White Hart B in the Division Four Mini Cup knowing White Hart had beaten the B twice in the league.
Without captain John Langford and his wife Linda – the team’s top rated bowler – the As still thought they could win a couple of games.
Henley started with new bowler Vicki Vernon but she was up against White Hart’s senior lady bowler. In an amazing result, Vernon won for the first time, in her fifth match, on the final end 21-20.
This seemed to galvanise her team-mates as Sandie Butler and Derek Ambler both won 21-12 and Mick Shenton triumphed 21-16 to give the Bs a small lead.
Despite two losses, Henley B were looking confident of causing a major surprise. Enter the reliable Jon Butler to efficiently win by 21 shots to two to ensure the Henley victory.
With no pressure, stand-in captain Norman Stephens won 21-1 to seal a stunning six games to two victory by 149 shots to 105 to take 16 Mini Cup points to White Hart’s two.
In Friday’s Heart of England League, Henley A entertained Central Edgbaston in what was to be another close match. The games were drawn 3-3, but the As won 95-93 on shots to take seven league points to the visitors’ three.
Henley’s winners were Harold Payne and Charlie Heesom (both 21-8) and Jon Butler (21-14).
The B team were well beaten at Solihull Marsh Lane, with two winners – Dinky Eborall (21-16) and Sandie Butler (21-18).
