THE Bucks Cup reached its final group stage with a game against Richings Park where 14 vital points were up for grabs with Gerrards Cross 13 behind Iver Heath.

The game however had to be played the same evening as a crucial game against holders Garston in the Griffin Cup, so there was a major challenge for the selectors as four triples and two rinks were required.

In the Bucks Cup,

the Cross

teams both home and away started well in the rain and soon took a commanding position.

However, in order to gain the maximum 14 points, all four rinks had to win with the bonus points being awarded for the overall cumulative score.

With some masterful scoring, especially on the challenging rink away at Richings Park, the

Gerrards Cross

side picked up all 14 points, winning all four rinks with the score 98-34. The top rink was skipped by David Ross.

The Cross therefore top their league and will move into the quarter-final with a home tie.

Against Garston in the Griffin Cup, and with one member just landing from his holiday an hour before, the team rose to the occasion and progressed to the next round by dispatching the holders.

This result is even more impressive considering the opponents fielded four players that had reached national finals.

Matthew Hyde gave an impressive performance as skip with his rink sealing a 20 point advantage over the opposition.

Gerrards Cross now face Potten End with home advantage in the next round.

The defence of the two fours continued on Sunday with Banbury coming to Gerrards Cross.

The Banbury team contained a number of ex-internationals that made it a close affair, but the quality of the Cross bowlers came to the fore with the Banbury side conceding on the last end and Gerrards winning by eight shots.

Alan Price, club captain, was full of praise. He said: “It has been a very good week for the club and it really shows the strength we have in depth at Gerrards Cross.

“I’m very proud to be captain here and there are some really good things happening here at the moment.”

  • GERRARDS Cross Bowls Club are hosting the Middleton Cup this coming Saturday for what will be a nail-biting encounter between Buckinghamshire and Kent.

The game starts at 2.00pm and visitors are very welcome.

This is an incredibly important fixture and Kent traditionally are a very strong county, so the Bucks team will need to be on top form.