Tonight saw the thrilling Forest League Finals, bringing together the league winners and runners-up — Longhope (Badgers) and Forest of Dean (Squirrels) — alongside play-off qualifiers Yorkley (Kestrels) and Woolastone (Woodsiders).
The format followed the usual routine of three games per team, with a coin toss deciding mat selection for each match.
We were delighted to welcome the support of our League Cup sponsors and generous supporters of Woolaston Club, Ferrino & Partners Estate Agents (“Making Estate Agency Make Sense”). I’m not sure they quite realised what they were letting themselves in for…!
After three fiercely contested games, the standings couldn’t have been tighter. Three teams finished with two wins apiece. One match went right down to the final end, with Yorkley dramatically snatching the jack to seal victory.
That left Yorkley (Kestrels), Woolastone (Woodsiders), and Longhope (Badgers) all in contention. League Captain Mike stepped in to count back ends won — Yorkley finished on 9, while both Woolastone and Longhope were tied on 13.
A sudden-death shootout was needed.
One bowl each. One end. Everything on the line.
Julian and Margaret stepped up for a head-to-head decider, with Margaret delivering a superb bowl under pressure. So there it was, Longhope (Badgers) victorious as well as League winners.
Congratulations to Longhope (Badgers) on the double!
A big thank you to both Mikes for running the league, and to Yorkley for hosting a fantastic final.
And the excitement isn’t over yet — don’t forget the 6 Club Finale coming up on 5th May!
