In recent years Hertfordshire appear to have had problems in encouraging their very best players to play in inter-county competitions, which has severely impacted their performance in the Home Counties League. As a result Middlesex entered this game as strong favourites, particularly at home at Century IBC.  However a strong win for Berkshire in their corresponding fixture could not be discounted, which in concert with the narrow points win from the first game meant there was little room for error as to be certain of progression Middlesex really needed to secure an 18-4 victory as a minimum.

A solid start followed by a strong mid game surge meant that the overall game result was rarely in doubt, with a 20 shot lead at 10 ends growing to 60 shots at 15 ends. However at that point there were still 3 rinks which were relatively tight, leaving open the question as to whether Middlesex could secure that minimum 18 point target?

Special mention must go to the rink led by Paul Cater which surged ahead from 7-7 at 10 ends to achieve a top rink 36-9 win. Also worth noting Geoff Lawrence’s rink whose 37-14 win included a rare hot shot. But equal credit must be given to all of the other rinks that there were no mistakes in an 80 shot six rink victory.

So a dominant win for Middlesex 22-0 which guarantees our progression to the Home Counties League Final in April. Congratulations to all those who played.

The team is listed here, and the scoresheet is enclosed here.