Over the weekend of 7 and 8 August, the Durham county team hosted the visit of the Suffolk county team. Over 30 bowlers travelled from Suffolk up to Durham.

On the Saturday afternoon there was a pairs competition at Pelton, with every Durham bowler being paired with a bowler from Suffolk. As always there were some friendly, yet competitive and high quality group and knockout games.

In two close semi-finals Steven Cain (Suff) and John Kinghorn edged out Heather Cain and Andrew Cooper (both Suff) 7-5, whilst Peter Runnacles (Suff) and Mary Guy beat Neil Jolly (Suff) and Jan Miller 6-5.

The final was just as close, with the outcome in doubt until the last bowl. However after a high standard of bowls from both pairs, it was Peter and Mary who won 6-5.

On the Saturday evening many of the Durham team joined the Suffolk bowlers and supporters at their hotel for an enjoyable meal.

On the Sunday the two counties met at the Riverside, Chester-le-Street for the county match. Both were represented by six rinks, each rink playing four nine end games. The Durham team contained many experienced bowlers, Suffolk knew they were in for a difficult match.

In the first session the Suffolk bowlers adapted to the away carpets fairly quickly and all of the games were close at halfway. However the Suffolk rinks then took greater control of the games and by the finish had secured three wins 7-5, 10-3 and 8-7, with the other game being drawn 10-10. A fantastic start for the away team.

Suffolk’s momentum continued at the start of the second session and two of their rinks pressed on to win comfortably 10-4 and 14-9. Unfortunately the other two games were lost 10-4 and on the last end 7-6.

The outcome of all of the games in third session were in doubt until the latter ends. At the finish four close games were shared, Suffolk winning 9-6 and 8-6, with the other two games lost 10-8 and 10-6.

At the halfway stage Suffolk had an overall 15-9 lead, due to that excellent first session. However both teams were playing well and there was little between them. The Suffolk rinks would have to sustain their performance level during the afternoon to win the match.

In the fourth session the Suffolk team extended their overall match lead by a couple of points. One game was a comfortable 15-5 win, another was a far closer 8-7 win and there was also a drawn game 7-7. Suffolk losing the final game 10-7.

In the penultimate session Durham fought back and reversed the outcome of the previous session. Suffolk could only win one game 9-7, together with a draw 6-6. The other two games were lost 10-8 and 10-4.

Suffolk needed just one win in the last session to win the match. They finished as they had started winning three games, 13-3, 6-5 and 8-4, with the other game lost by the odd shot 7-6.

After a competitive and friendly days bowling Suffolk had won the match 29-19 (shots: 197-168), winning the Raymond White Challenge Shield for the seventh consecutive time. However the final score did not reflect how close many of the games had been. Suffolk had performed consistently all day, but their win was mainly due to a great start in the first session and a strong finish in the last.

Neil Jolly (County Captain)