County bowls stars one match away from final repeat

SOMERSET – runners-up in the Kombat Liberty Trophy last year – are one match away from going through to the final of the national inter-county championship again following a 127-114 quarter-final triumph against Essex at Newbury.

It was a repeat win by Don Fowkes' Green Army who had beaten Essex at the same West Berks venue at this stage last season.

After being level on 60-60 at halfway Somerset seized control going 21 shots in front following the 15th end and extending the margin to 25 by the 18th before Essex staged a late rally.

Ilminster's Matt Hamilton was at number two in Somerset's top rink skipped by Steve Wiltshire (Bristol) who won 29-9. Clarrie Dunbar twosome Andy Colebrooke (23-18) and Graham Shadwell (21-18) gave solid support as did Clevedon's John Hick (25-18).

Clarrie Dunbar's Russell Francis drew 20-20 while the only defeat was suffered by Bristol skip Chris Keating (31-9) who had Ilminster duo Bill Anderson and Mark Denslow in his rink.

In the semi-final at Taunton Deane on Saturday, March 17, Somerset face Dorset who overcame Berkshire 129-106 at Bournemouth led by Bournemouth skip Chris Daniels and Dorchester's Darren Nutman.

By David Briers