Dudley fight out a thrilling draw in Star Shield Final - Staffordshire County Crown Green Bowls Association - Staffordshire County Crown Green Bowls Association

Dudley fight out a thrilling draw in Star Shield Final

Friday, 25 January 2008

Match of the season, match of the decade, match of the century – just three of the descriptions given to the nerve-tingling 1985 Express & Star Shield Final. Defending champions Dudley and their opponents Willenhall fought out an historic drawn match at Penn Bowling Club.

From the outset it was apparent there was not going to be a runaway result for either side, but it was the Willenhall team that got their nose in front on four ends by nine shots. By eight ends, the halfway stage, it was Dudley who edged ahead by eight shots at 154-146. After twelve ends, the Willenhall team has amassed 211 points enough to win any normal match but still found themselves fifteen shots adrift, however this was no normal match and a superb 21-4 victory by Clive Pittaway gave Willenhall an outside chance.

It was left to George McGill’s unblemished skill to battle back from 14-8 down to win 21-14 and give Willenhall a tie. McGill took the Man-of-the-Match award for his devastating finish but fine performances by Steve Rodgers 15-3 down to win 21-20, Bill Bowater 8-2 down to win 21-9 and Tony Fletcher 12-8 down to win 21-13 along with Pittaway’s solid show put them all on the short list for the gold medal.

In the photograph Dudley Captain George Foxall gets his hands on the shield.

Match Results

Dudley Willenhall

Bill Beresford 18 Geoff Hadley 21

Chris Carol 21 Alan Penwright 20

Steve Rodgers 21 Brian Preece 20

Brian Pagett 13 Des Bamford 21

Jim Reep 18 John Wall 21

Tony Fletcher 21 Joe Slater 13

Dave Royston 21 Frank Wolverson 10

Brian Turner 21 George Dixon 20

Terry Cadman 20 Martin Orme 21