The fours were almost scripted identically to the triples whereby both undefeated rinks from Ireland and Wales clashed in a titanic third game battle. It was a very close game with Noel Marsden, Eddie Marsden, Alan Irwin and Paul Reid scoring a three on the second end to open up a two shot advantage. Singles were scored on the next six ends resulting in a 5-5 scoreline. The match took an unexpected turn when the Welsh foursome claimed a count of five as Paul’s bowl final deliver just crossed the ditch line. There was no way back with Wales claiming a single as the home four chased the game in the final end. As in the triples Wales only had to win their final game to claim the title. Much easier said than executed as the Welsh four of Jonathan Gladstone, Nigel Thomas, Luke Haddon and Ben Haddon trailed to their English counterparts for the majority of the game. They proved to have ideal temperaments as they battled from behind and although down by three shots after six ends they held their composure in very testing circumstances to eventually level the scores at 7-7 going into the concluding end. Wales produced an excellent head of bowls and were able to claim the title in impressive style. |
