Bowden Firs 5, Southport 2
Captain Eileen Gallagher took Southport Handicap Team to Bowdon at the weekend and was met by a very strong opposition. In the morning doubles Anne Mitchell and Keith Roberts lost to Barry Keene and his partner, two of Bowdon’s prime players. Barry Keene went on to annihilate Carole Lewis, pegging out powerfully in the singles. Eileen looked set to win her singles game having a four ball break set up at one back, but failed in her attempt to join the balls at the peg allowing her opponent to take the game. By lunch Southport had it all to do and needed to win all four afternoon games to take the match. Things looked set to improve when Keith won his singles game and Eileen pegged out to win by nine. Sadly it was not to be. Anne Mitchell played a cliff hanger finish, taking the final challenge to a golden hoop, but her opponent kept his nerve, hit in well and won the game. Southport returned home the losers, Bowdon 5, Southport 2.

