Final hurdle just one step too far

The unlucky Albutt featured in four finals over the two days in the grounds of the National Sports Centre near Newport and lost in all of them – in stark contrast to club competition secretary Quentin Smith.

Wet and blustery conditions greeted the bowlers on day one as defending Pairs Shield champions Smith & Mike Caird got the bowl rolling against Sheila & Rod Payne.

A tight game was 11-11 after 12 ends before the Paynes took the lead, only for Smith & Caird to fight back to level at 16-16 after 16 ends and then run out to retain their title.

Albutt took on Leon Flint in his first final, the QRS Cup, and both bowlers drew well, but Leon just had the edge and won 22-14.

Into the afternoon session and Sheila Payne took on Mike Hubbard for the Caird Cup, quickly building an unassailable lead in set one, eventual winning the showdown 2-1.

Rod Payne and Albutt contested the Cyril Davies Cup, with Payne taking the match 21-15.

Dry and often sunny conditions greeted competitors on day two, but the rain came later during a ladies final.

First up was the Nuway Cup with Albutt playing Smith and, from level at 11-11 after 13 ends, Smith found his form to run out winner 21-12.

In the afternoon session Albutt was in action yet again, facing Rod Payne in the Tarmac Cup handicap final, with the latter pulling away to win 21-12.

In the Warburton Cup men’s singles final, Chris Squires was facing current champion Smith, who was able to retain his title.

The last game of the weekend was the Frank Richards Cup, the ladies singles final, with Liz Caird winning a lengthy match against Ruth Lowe.