Ledbury Bowling Club became the latest and largest scalp to be taken by Eardisland when they fell victim to a tremendous performance by the home side, who now progress to the semi final stage of the prestigious Hereford Times Cup.
The match was played on Sunday morning on a true surface, in warm conditions with a cooling breeze and before a small but passionate crowd. Ledbury, the holders for the last two years, once again fielded a strong side, including a number of county stars and matched Eardisland in the early stages, but it was the home side who finished the stronger to win the match by 10 shots.
Tony Stokes's rink of Alan Rudland, Neil Powell and Stan Hall, always had the edge, but a 4 on the 17th end broke the visitors resistance and the match ended 20 shots to 14. Jonathon Farndon similarly held a narrow lead throughout with his rink of Phil Milchard, John Moses and Robin Williams. Four wins on the last 5 ends was enough for a 20 shot to 16 win.
Phil Sharp's rink of Dave Bray, Phil Lynne and Phil Powell were under early pressure and were still 5 shots down with 6 ends to play, but fought back well to take the last 4 ends to snatch an unlikely 15 shots each draw.
Eardisland now look forward to their second semi final in the last 3 years, hoping to make their first ever final appearance.
Phil Milchard
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