Several current and past members of the Dorset Youth Bowls Academy competed in the quarter and semi finals of the Men's County U25’s Singles, held at Dorchester on Sunday 20th June. The prize of the day for winning the semi finals, a chance to represent Dorset at the National Championships held at Royal Leamington Spa on Monday 30th August and Tuesday 31st August. The winners of the day will meet each other in the County Finals.
Unfortunately, due to a last minute withdrawal, there were only 3 quarter finals to be played. Following a few days of bad weather, it made for very difficult playing conditions. On the top side of the draw, Ryan Scammell (Shaftesbury) played Alex Dytham (Poole Park) whilst Nathan Wood (Blandford) played Tom Poore (Poole Park), with Alex and Nathan being victorious in their own games, meant that they played each other in the semi finals. On the bottom half of the draw, Connor Joyce (Blandford) received a bye and Jamie Wood (Blandford) and Will Scammell (Shaftesbury) played one another. Will Scammell won his quarter final, meaning that he played Connor Joyce in the semi finals.
The semi finals showed great skill by all four bowlers, and provided quality entertainment to all spectators. In the first game, Alex and Nathan delivered top calibre bowling and determination from both sides, but ultimately Alex appeared to have the game under his control and was the first to cross the 21 shot finish line. On the other side of the draw, Will took an early lead, and looked strong throughout the game. However, after Connor had warmed up and got used to the tricky Dorchester green, he clawed his way back to 20 all, and was the eventual winner of the second semi final.
All bowlers showed grit and determination, and demonstrated great skill and tactical abilities. The matches showed the growing strength and depth of what Dorset has to offer in the next generation of bowlers.
Good luck to both Alex and Connor in the next stages of the competition. Both Alex and Connor will represent Dorset in the national championships of the Junior Singles at Royal Leamington Spa in August this year. We will all be supporting you and following your achievements.
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