GLOUCESTERSHIRE women’s hopes of returning to the top of the Middle England Bowls League were dented when they lost 129-121 to Warwickshire at Welford-on-Avon BC.

Middle England Bowls League

Warwickshire 129

Gloucestershire Women 121

The win keeps Warwickshire in top spot after Gloucestershire could only manage two winning rinks.

Rita Gerry (Moreton) and Maggie Edney (Cirencester) were on one of the winning rinks along with team-mates Julia Stannard (Nailsworth) and Lindsay Collin (Page Ladies).

They took a four-shot advantage at halfway before opening up an eight-shot lead (19-11) after 18 ends. Keeping up the pressure they grabbed another six in three ends for a comprehensive 25-14 win.

Two Fairford bowlers were not so fortunate. Maddie Hale, playing with Joe Slatter (Caer Glow), Myra Savage (Falcon) and Pauline Gunn(Caer Glow), lost 23-14.

And Anne Watton of Fairford, playing with Jenny Westlake (Arrow), Jeanette Scott (Cheltenham) and Ann White (Arrow), was defeated 31-16.

John’s Trophy

Cornwall 124

Gloucestershire 109

GLOUCESTERSHIRE women put in a valiant performance against Cornwall going down by 15 shots (124-109) in their final John’s Trophy group match at Tiverton West End Bowls Club.

Again Rita Gerry (Moreton) was on a winning rink when playing with Di Wilson (Olveston), Julia Stannard (Nailsworth) and Rachel Hughes (Royal Forest of Dean).

Seizing the initiative the rink opened up a 7-1 lead after the first five ends. Still in command leading 12-4 at the halfway stage they kept in front despite a loss of four shots between the 15th and 18th ends. Back on song over the last three ends they chalked up four shots without reply for a 19-13 win.

Walker Cup

GLOUCESTERSHIRE women will have their eyes on a Walker Cup final appearance having being drawn against Worcestershire in the semi finals to be played at Cotswold Bowls Club Stroud on Sunday, July 13.

Having seen off Herefordshire in the last round in a nail-biting contest that saw them edge home by just two shots (41-39) they will be looking to go one better than last year when reaching the final they lost out by just four shots to Somerset 38-34.

In-form Rita Gerry of Moreton BC is in the squad.

Middleton Cup

Gloucestershire 95

Worcestershire 127

GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S hopes of topping the Middleton Cup group are in tatters as Worcestershire chalked up a 32-shot win (127-95) at Barnwood BC.

It is Wiltshire who progress to the semi finals after taking a one-shot win (113-112) over Warwickshire.

The rink of Roger Bird (Tetbury) and Nigel Cansdale (Cirencester) did come up trumps. Playing with Paul Bryant (Olveston) and John Smallwood (Olveston) they won by the convincing margin of 26-9.