THE ARGYLL VERSUS MINIATURE “A” MATCH REPORT
9th November 2015
Having won last time out against the table toppers, Britannia, The Argyll were in buoyant mood to hopefully secure only their second win of the season. Miniature “A” were in no mood, though, for bowing to defeat. The lines were drawn, the plans afoot, let battle commence!
Game One: Brendon v Val – Knowing a good show tonight from Brendon would mean an extra egg from Kirsty for his Saturday breakfast but a sticky start saw Val take a 3-0 lead. Brendon at last comes alive hitting an 8 to win game four. An unfortunate 3 from Val in the next hands Brendon a chance to level with game six going to a tie…it’s Brendon’s for 3-3. With five games on the trot Brendon takes a strong lead and Val is wobbling. Two 9’s on the bounce in the next two games sees Brendon secure the win 7-3. He can almost smell the cooked breakfast as he shakes the hand of his valiant opponent. (Argyll 3 – Mini 7)
Game Two: Wendy v Darren – It’s the Argyll’s Captain to open and both players are full of grit (thank God for spellchecker!) A tie in the first goes to Darren but the second game’s tie is Wendy’s. By game four it’s all evens at 2-2 and the crowd are getting edgy, which is a surprise really as by this time they are usually asleep! A fantastic 15 in game six gives Wendy a 4-2 lead. The next is Wendy’s to stretch her lead and Darren is giving her the evils. It works as Darren pulls one back so he perseveres with the “stare”. Game ten sees Darren win another – his 9 beats Wendy’s London Bridge. The Argyll Captain can no longer keep up with the evil eyes and before they pop out of his head he succumbs to a meagre 7 from Wendy but it’s enough for her to win 7-4.(7-14)
Game Three: - Bryan v Dave – Two men on a mission and both with a purpose in life, unfortunately not in skittles though! Bryan starts the ball rolling and although he throws a pair of 6’s it’s all square by game two. Another 6 from Bryan allows Dave to level it two games later. Bryan then has a spate of 9’s to see him pull ahead as the away team sense another win on the tables. By game seven it’s 5-2 to the Mini. Game eight is a triple tie that goes Dave’s way much to the delight of the home team. Game nine is Bryan’s with a handy 8 but he gives Dave the next to leave it poised at 6-4. Dave pitches in a lovely 12 to leave it even tenser going into the last game in this match. Bryan’s 9 wins it handsomely and he finally gets that all important first league win under his belt.(12-21)
Game Four: Pat v Angie –A steady start from both players until Angie hits an 8 in game three’s tie to take the lead. By game four it’s even. Game five and Pat’s 9 beats Angie’s unlucky 6. Another tie in game six and it’s Angie’s. The next sees Pat throw a lovely 13 to take it handsomely. An unlucky 3 from Angie gives Pat the following game and the Argyll hold their heads in their hands as well as their drinks! Angie reprieves herself by winning game nine’s tie and by game ten it is Angie that leads 6-4 with a handy 12. Pat drags it back to 6-6 with a winning throw from a tie and it’s all poised for a “Wembley” finale. When it looked like Angie may have done enough for the Argyll to win it’s first game Pat strikes a superb 12 to clinch it and is serenaded by gasps of wonder and awe. A great game by both players.(18-28)
Game Five: Julie v Les –Some unfortunate5’s & 6’s from both players sees it at 2-2 by game four. An excellent 14 from Les in game five gives him the edge. Les then wins four on the trot to stretch it further. The next is Les’s again, this time with a 15. A tie in game eight is Les’s to make it 6-2. Julie pulls one back in the ninth and the tenth is Julie’s too – could the comeback be on? Les then throws a spanner in the works, or should I say a cheese, to win the last with a very nice 12. (25-32)
Game Six: Bill v Fred – A tie in the first is Bills’ and he’s off. By game four it’s all tied. Fred’s throwing well despite carrying an injury. Fred pulls ahead with the next game but Bill wins the sixth. Game seven is Bills with a nifty 11. Fred replies in the next with a 13 and both players are keen to dominate. It’s all square by game eight until Fred lobs in another 13, the man’s on fire! Bill soon puts paid to that by pouring proverbial water on Fred’s flames by winning the final three games including a perfect 9 in the last to seal it for the Mini. (30-39)
Game Seven: Julian v Melvin – Argyll needing at least a win in this last game and by a healthy margin to stand any chance of recording their second win of the season. Julian wins the first and the Argyll hearts start to sink. Melvin easily beats Julian’s limp wristed 7 to take the second and their hearts pick up. A brace of high scores sees Julian take a 3-1 lead and Argyll can only afford to lose another one game now to stand any chance of salvaging at least a draw. Melvin wins game five and the Argyll team backsides creep to the edge of their seats. Julian then pushes them back with a firm 13 and it’s all over bar the shouting, a draw now would need Argyll’s last player, Steve, to tin hat Gary. Despite Melvin winning the next game he fluffs it in the following to allow Julian to win with a paltry 6. Three of the last five games go to Melvin to leave it at another “Wembley” but Julian seals it with a nice 9. (36-46)
Game Eight: Gary v Steve –It’s a matter of honour for both players in the final match so the respect is shared evenly. A tie in the first sets the mood for a close fought game and Gary’s high 7 wins the first. By game four it is all square and each player is matching the other for skill and tack. By game seven Gary is just ahead 4-3 despite Steve pitching a neat 16. It’s duplicated by a 16 from Gary in the closing stages as well as a tiny 6 to win another two games. Steve matches his previous 16 with another to bring the game to yet another “Wembley”. It must be the weather or someone opening a door or perhaps just the rhythmic breathing of all the players that made Gary throw a four in the last game but any excuse will do! Steve tidies it up to hand him the win 7-6 but it’s not enough and all players congratulate each other on a competitive and friendly match. (43-52)
Thanks to the Argyll for their warmth and thanks to Fred for the lovely grub. Good luck Argyll in all your future matches.
Report by Gary, photo by Wendy