LBIOM

On their second trip to the Potters Resort for some bowls and recreation the foursome of Pat and Gary Lenton accompanied by Bernice and Clive McGreal were determined to improve on their quarter final success of last season. With some 86 teams from all corners of the UK entered into the popular Rinks tournament there were some 350 bowlers converging at the Hopton on Sea venue to contest the competition. With the top 16 teams set to qualify for the knock out stage the Manx 4 claimed their place with 4 straight wins from their pool matches. The round of 16 saw the Manxies drawn against previous winners from Colchester but with some fine bowls from Bernice and Pat in particular the result was never in doubt. Their quarter final clash against another former winner from Nottingham produced their best performance as they comfortably progressed to the semi final.

With the semi final scheduled for an 8pm start, that also being their 4th match of the day, the physical demands and concentration levels were beginning to take their strain against another Colchester team striving to make their first final appearance. With the match tied all square on the last end and the Manx holding shot the Colchester skip delivered his master bowl of the game and drew a front toucher well hidden from view and protected all around. Clive made a gallant effort to follow the same path which just drifted past the shot bowl. Still a solid performance and commendable effort from the Manx Four going one round better than their previous tournament.

However, their top 4 position has earned the Manx Four an invitation to the Potters Champions Tournament early in 2023. The team is pictured with Greg Harlow, the Resort professional and bowlers co-ordinator at Potters.