SUSSEX – needing good points results to lift their team clear of the Division One relegation zone – played a tough match against Carr Lane A in the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Triples League.

Rink scores were equal, but Carr Lane amassed useful total shots to take a 6-4 win, writes Barry Cammell

Sussex were at home to Blossom Way and the home team were only able to rescue one rink win thanks to the efforts of M Steer, N Dodsworth and N Jackson.

Blossom Way A, at home to Clee Bowls A had a tough match and Clee piled in more shots for a 7-3 result.

Four teams could be in contention for the champions spot in this division.

Scartho Clee are making their way up away from the relegation zone. Playing away at Manor Avenue to Grimsby B, Scartho turned in a good performance for a maximum points result.

Carr Lane, at home to Humberston A, won three rinks, but could not achieve the aggregate, which went in favour of Humberston, giving Carr Lane a 6-4 result.

Division One is still a four-horse race for top spot.

The four lower teams require serious points to take two of them clear of the relegation zone.

Grimsby A current leaders in Division Two, played Grant Thorold at home.

It was a closer game than the score indicates. Grimsby played a good game for a 8-2 points result. The rink of Pat Lewis, Jack Simons and Brian Gooderham secured one rink win for the visitors.

Caistor, chasing the league leaders, were at home to Clee Cons Rov and secured a 6-4 result.

From a closely-fought game, Clee Cons B suffered a 6-4 defeat, at home to Caistor.

Waltham Park A, a dark horse, in fourth position, played the league leaders at home in a shared points game, 5-5. The total shots were 61-61.

With fixtures running out, Barretts A need to put in a final spurt to clear the relegation zone.

In Division Three, Sussex Rec are making progress.

However, they fell to a strong Eastfield team, who secured a 8-2 points result.

Humberston B, away to Carr Lane B, played well for a 6-4 result. Humberston, currently third, are a team to watch.

Vikings are making their mark in this division and put on the pressure to obtain a 6-6 result in a very tight game against Sussex Rec.

Haverstoe, at home to Eastfield, could only secure one rink win by the efforts of L Skinner, J Hall and J Beaumont.

Haverstoe maintain a mid-table position.

In Division Four, Laceby A are in the driving seat.

They played away to Barretts B and achieved a 8-2 points result.

Waltham Park B have yet to make an impression in this division.

They played Blossom way B at home but could do little to prevent the visitors achieving a 8-2 result.

Laceby B versus Clee Bowls C was a very close game. Rink scores were equal, but Laceby took the aggregate for a 6-4 result.

In Division Five, Carr Lane C in their chase for top spot, dealt a devastating blow to Sussex Clee when they played at Carr Lane.

The home team put in a positive effort to obtain a 9-1 result against Sussex Clee, a contender for the title.

Clee Cons Thur played Humberston C at home.

Humberston, who have struggled this season, found Cons too strong on the day, leaving the home team with a 8-2 result.

Keelby versus Granby was a close game.

Total shots were close, but Granby did enough to secure a 6-6 result.

Granby played at home to Eastfield. The latter took the aggregate by three shots for a 6-4 result.

Sussex Clee, looking for second place, managed a 8-2 result (including a Hot shot score) in a closer game than the score reflects.

Meanwhile, on a sad note, I have to report the passing of a Barretts Bowling Club stalwart.

Douggie Bray, captain of the B Triples team, has died.

My thanks to Brian Patterson for keeping me informed.

On behalf of the Grimsby/Cleethorpes Triples League, I offer condolences to Douglas Norman Bray's family and Doug's many bowling friends at Barretts Bowling Club.