Last updated 13:07, Monday, 25 February 2008

NIGGLING back pain forced national champion Craig Docherty to quit his EIBA singles semi-final.

The Cumbria Indoor star was leading Mark Nanson 10--9 when he pulled out.

The Doc arrived for the game complaining of a problem with his back but hoped it might ease.

In the other semi-final Gavin Taylor met Paul Barlow who was probably favourite.

In the event however Barlow did not really produce his best and Taylor took full advantage to win 21-9.

Barlow, partnered by regular skip Stephen Farish, also lost out in the semi-final of the pairs the following day.

Playing against Danny May and Trevor Taylor was never going to be an easy game but having made a good start when they led 7-1 it was perhaps a little surprising that they eventually went down 22-11.

Paul will have a chance to atone for those two disappointments when playing in the final of the triples on Saturday at 10am. On this occasion he will be partnered by Danny May who leads while Gavin Taylor will be skipping. The opposition will be provided by Craig Docherty, Trevor Taylor and Stephen Farish and this should be a cracking contest.

Over 50 Triples league:League leaders Cumbria A made the trip to Penrith a successful one when beating Eden 9-2 thus extending their lead to over twelve points at the top of the table.

After a slow start Bill Adam got on top against Alan Dalzell and led 17-9 with just five to play.

The home trio fought back well however and playing the last end the two teams were all square. On the 18th end it was Bernard Jackson, Alan Carruthers and Adam who picked up the vital shot for an 18-17 win.

On the other ink John Brew got off to a flyer and despite a late rally by the home side won 23-16 to gain an overall 9-2 points win. At Dalston the B side played host to second placed Cumbria B and two tight games ensued. Jim Morris looked to have the upper hand for much of his game against Joe Douglas but a change of mat made the difference for the home side and Jim Coward, Peter Nanson and Douglas fought back well to win 18-15 having been 13-4 adrift at halfway.

On the other rink Tom Alberti took an early lead and then recovered from the loss of five on the eighth end as David Nugent, Jim Blaylock and himself scored a seven to eventually beat David Taylor 19-18 and secure an 8-3 points win.

At Copeland there was also a good finish with Barry O’Hare beating Steve Watson 17-15 but Ian Ramsay redressed the balance by beating Bill Minto 22-12 to give Dalston A an overall 7-4 win.

County Singles: The County Singles is being played at Carlisle on Saturday and Sunday. There are four ties being played at 10am followed by the quarterfinals at 12.30pm.

Currently there are very few markers for these games and if anyone can help out by marking one tie please contact the club as soon as possible. The semi-finals and final will be played on Sunday.

Egham Trophy: In the Egham Trophy quarterfinal Cumbria IBC will play Lincoln and after some discussion in the limited time available it has been agreed that the game will take place at Stanley IBC on Sunday at 12.30pm.

The team selected is shown below though if past games are anything to go by it is possible that there may be some changes.

Cumbria IBC v Lincoln IBC Egham Trophy at Stanley IBC Sunday February 17 at 12.30pm.

S Flitcroft, S Devlin, P Barlow, S Farish; C Edmondson, J Wilson, J Wills, R Graham; L Rose, J Gower, D May, I Gallagher; E Gass, J Bewley, R Gass, G Taylor.