Star & Crescent 53 Gosport 62. It was so disappointing to fall at the final hurdle, having played so well away from home (+4), to then get beaten on our own green. So, it was off to a winning start with Geoff Dyers rink 14-12. But the shot difference could have been so many more, as they took control of the game for the first 12 ends to go 13-5 up. Sadly they only won one more end, but at least we were up +2. Next home was Robbie Lewsley's  four, who only managed to win 5 ends in total. Falling behind from the 2nd, they were always chasing the match. Their result of 8-16 now meant that the boards showed -6 which now put us behind after taking into account the 1st leg. Similarly, Steve Sprake's rink never managed to hit the highs of earlier in the season. Now faced with a Gosport rink that contained 3 of last week’s skips, they had a battle on their hands. In spite  of winning 8 ends, they dropped a 4 & 5 at crucial times to lose 16-22. The running total of -12 (-8 overall) was leaving the last rink just too much to do. So, out on their usual number 6 it was left to Alan New's boys to try and reduce the deficit. Standing at all square with 3 ends to play, they done their best and won 15-12. The outcome showed that although we won at Gosport by 4, the loss at home by 9 meant that we missed promotion by 5 shots. With the various rumours going around about possible teams withdrawing next season, let’s hope that a restructure would see us back in division 2 anyway.

Gosport 62 Star & Crescent 66. Historically our away record at Gosport isn't good, so the game plan was to try and keep it as tight as possible and look to continue our impressive home form back at the Waverley. The speed merchants on Geoff Dyers 'new' look rink got us off to an excellent start. They led from the 2nd end, winning 11 in all and finishing by only losing one of the last six, giving us a +6 lead at 21-15. However that lead was short-lived when Steve Sprake's rink brought us back to all square by losing 11-17. Although they shared the game 9 ends each, they only managed to score more than one on a single occasion. From 12 ends at all square the green got a little heavier and the shots started to slip away. Next home and arriving a little earlier than normal was Alan New's boys. Although they only managed to win 7 ends in total, they were hitting some big scores, which meant that their loss was reduced to only 1 shot at 17-18. Finally it was left to the loudest rink, with the game finely balanced and Robbie Lewsleys four to bring home a 1st leg advantage. Winning 11 ends, which included two 4's , they fought back from being 4-11 down at the halfway point, to win 17-12 and give us +4 to take back to Waverley.   So, we start with a slight advantage at home on Friday. If we can build on this brilliant result and the Captain can tighten things up on his rink, then its Division 2 here we come. Well done everyone and be proud of your performance.

Star & Crescent 80 (15) Cosham Park 56 (1) With just this final match left to define our season, we now faced another big challenge to overcome Cosham Park, who really had nothing to lose. Star on the other hand desperately needed a win at the very least, beyond that our final league position was beyond our control. The current top two were fighting it out on the all-weather green at Waterlooville and we could only worry about our result to keep us in the mix. Ahead of our game there appeared to be a nervous confidence, although with only a handful of ends completed, the scoreboards were showing us down on three with only one winning rink. So, as usual it was Geoff Dyers rink who were 1st to finish. At 9 ends each it was a fair reflection of the game, but with 5 to play they found themselves 10-14 down, so to then win 4 of the last 5 and getting back to 16-16, showed the true character of Mr Grumpy and his Merry Men. Second home was Steve Sprake's rink and the captain’s boys produced the much-needed result to take the pressure off of those still playing. Winning 10 ends which included 2x3, 2x4 and a 5 count, crushed the opposition with a 26-11 win and +15 on the boards. Next up was Robbie Lewsley's four, contesting a pretty even match, but chasing towards the latter stages, they then accelerated to take 4 of the final 6 ends and win 20-15. With the setting sun out on rink 6 Alan New's lads were the usual last to finish, coming home some 20 minutes after our first rink.  It is a long walk back from the outside rink for players of a certain age, but you can always count on them to get a result.  From the halfway point at 5-11 down, they only lost 2 more ends to run out eventual winners 18-14 and another 2 points for the team. What a superb result and once again everyone played their part in getting the much needed 15 points, which meant we jumped Purbrook and got ourselves into the playoffs. As Captain I couldn't of asked for any more during this final run in and our achievements so far have exceeded my expectations. We now have this 2-legged playoff final to go, which I believe in our current form we can win. There is no other outcome to consider, otherwise I could be known as Star & Crescent's answer to Gareth Southgate!! 

Naismith 56 (4) Star & Crescent 77 (12). On paper this is a match that we should win comfortably, but we know that away on Naismith's green is never an easy task. As usual first in was Geoff Dyer's rink, but not with the normal positive result. Winning lesser ends than their opponents but still finding themselves 14-12 up with 3 to play, they never won another end, dropping 8 shots in the process and losing 14-20. Fortunately this loss was well covered by the big win of the night on Alan New's rink. Ably assisted by Bob (the silent assassin) Weaver, they swept aside the Naismith four, losing only 3 ends all night. The 26-5 win took the pressure off the last 2 rinks, allowing both to focus on their own games. After a late fitness check and pressure from the Captain, Robbie Dennison deemed himself fit to play in the penultimate game. Still feeling the odd twinge and bending over like an octogenarian (not quite 78 actually), it was left to young Russ and the boys to nurse him through. As for the match, they all played their part, taking 10 ends and picking up another valuable 2 points by winning 20-13. Unusually the last rink to finish was Steve Sprake's, mainly due to Colin's insistence of measuring everything. It was a roller coaster of a match and to be honest, never were we in total control, as the green bowled just like it looked and Naismith mastered it much better. In the end we lost 17-18, which was disappointing at being so close to picking up points.
      Once again, well done everyone for your continued commitment. So, we now await the result of Purbrook's game, to see if the 12 points we picked up are enough  to move us into 2nd place. Whatever that result, it will still all be decided on the last match, to see who goes into the play-offs.   

Leigh Park Red 53 (1) Star & Crescent 59 (11) Yet another great win for the team, our third in consecutive matches and even more importantly our fourth on the road. Although the final result on paper seemed to suggest an easy win for the team in essence it was the opposite. The result could have been entirely the reverse with the possibility of Star losing on all rinks. Indeed the match’s outcome was in inconsiderable doubt down to the wire with all our rinks facing defeat going into their last ends. It was all plain sailing for the team up to the 10^th end when a substantial lead was wiped out after a mid-game crisis. In the next 5-ends the 3-rinks only scored 5 shots between them whilst conceding 25.  First to finish was Steven Greenwood’s rink who were guilty of dropping 12-shots in this period and found themselves 6-shots in arrears with 2-ends to play.  It looked on the cards that they were heading for defeat but to their credit they dug in, winning the final ends to earn a well deserved 18-18 draw.  Bob Weaver’s four were next to finish.  There were no more than 2-shots between the two teams the whole match but again they were on the wrong side of the score line  come the 16^th end. With the tie all level coming to the last, our boys played a faultless end to score a very important 4-shots which not only gained them a 18-14 victory it also turned the match to Star’s advantage.  It was all down to Russell Durham’s rink to defend this overall lead of 4-shots.  It’s fair to say it hadn’t been going great for the rink, finding their 11-shot advantage in a high scoring match reduced to a last end shoot out with the scores level.  However, once again our players held their nerve to score 2-shots to win 23-21 & securing the rink bonus points & the match for Star.  Certainly over the last 2 years this result wouldn’t have happened but this year a change of mentality & application is evident. This win certainly gives the team an outside chance of promotion.  Although the other teams have games in hand it’s always nice to have actual points on the board

Star & Crescent 68 Milton Park 69. The big guns from the top of division 2 turned up with that cocky air of confidence, in what was going to be a pure formality. Well, I am very proud to say that they got more than they bargained for against the form team in division 3, and came within a whisper of being dumped out of the Rowland Cup.  Once again we got off to a positive start with Geoff Dyer's rink coming back at the death, and the 2 on the last gave them victory by 1 shot and the game 15-14. Then came Steve Sprake's boys, winning 10 of the ends, dropping a 6 on the 13th to go 12-16 down, but bounced back to win 4 of the last 5 ends to win 19-17. The overall match was still very tight, but a least we were +3 on the boards, giving us a slight lead to hang on to. From a game which we thought was going to be out of reach there was now the possibility of a major upset. Having bowled their last wood was Robbie Lewsley's four. They were holding their own, but then dropped a 6 on the 14th to be followed by a 3, which left them 6 down with 3 to play. Fortunately the fighting spirit came to the fore, winning the remaining ends and clawing it back to a 20-20 draw. So, now it really was all to play for and poor old Alan New's lads had the full focus of everyone's attention, standing on the side and offering various forms of encouragement.  Things had been a little erratic, dropping 6 shots on the 10th,  but after 15 ends they were 14-13 up as the other results started to unfold. However as we got into the latter stages the pressure began to tell and they never won another end. At 3 down with just one end to play, the match was evenly poised and it was all down to the last end to decide the winner. Milton Park unfortunately picked up the required single to go through to the next round of the Rowland Cup. It was a tremendous effort once again by everyone and looking back I am very proud of you all. if only we hadn't  of dropped those three 6's (and I was one of those skips) then the outcome may have been different. Now, lets not linger on that, as we have a huge match on Friday against Naismith (A) to try and wrestle that second place away from Purbrook. 

Star & Crescent 91 (16) Purbrook Heath 36 (0) We thought this was going to be a tough game, with big points at stake if we were going to make a late run for promotion. As captain I always think of the match rather like a relay race, as the 4 skips always seem to finish their matches in the same order. So, out on the first leg and important to get off to a good start was Geoff Dyer's rink. Leading for most of game, winning 10 ends and coming out winners 20-15, set us up at +5. Then it was the first of the big hitters with Robbie Lewsley's boys coming out all guns blazing, winning 13 ends (9 by 2 shots or more) and smashing the 3 man Purbrook rink 30-6. Now we were looking a little more comfortable with 4 points in the bag and the shot difference at +29. Spirits were obviously high and Steve Sprake's rink chipped in with yet another big win. Rink 3 was playing lovely and Star were drawing scoring woods all night, resulting in probably our best performance of the season. They only lost 3 ends (3 shots in total) and cruised to 27-3. So, 3 winning rinks and +53 on the boards, meant that the match was well won. But as every point was vital, it was left to Robbie Dennison's four to complete the clean sweep. For some reason they always seem to be the last ones to finish and they do get more than their fair share of games out on rink 6. Once again Purbrook were a man down' but unlike the other games this one was far more tactical. If we didn't win then we could only lose by a small margin, if the 25% deduction was going to work in our favour. After 14 ends it looked like it might all be over for the extra 2 points, but when you have the experience of a 'canny old bowler' like Dennison at the helm, you always have a chance. They then won 3 of the last 4 ends to swing the result in our favour and achieve maximum points. What a outcome, 16-0, and having expected a much tighter game it exceeded all expectations, so well done boys and all 16 of you played your part. Finally a big thank you to Kevin Hudson, who turned up at very short notice as a last-minute reserve. These sorts of things are very much appreciated by your Captain.   

As you are all aware, we have won 3 of the last 4 matches, and beaten the top 2 sides in Waterlooville & Purbrook. Before last night’s game we were sitting in 3rd place a few points adrift, but after last nights brilliant 16-0 win, we now find ourselves still 3rd, but now just one point behind Purbrook. With just 2 games left and both of those against sides in the bottom 3, it’s all to play for. We have probably left ourselves a bit too much to do to win the league, however, runners up and going into the play offs is there for the taking. Can I finally say thank you to everyone in the squad, as you are all playing your part (for both sides) and team spirit is now at its peak,  which has produced some very creditable performances in recent weeks. It's nearing the end so let's just keep it going to the finish. Your Captain.

Pembroke Gardens 52 (1) Star & Crescent 68 (15) Our first away win of the season in Division 3. Who would have thought that it would come at Pembroke Gardens, traditionally a poor bowling surface, that is now playing better than for many a season. Leading the way on our big night out was Geoff Dyer, who won fewer ends than the opposition but never dropped anything more than a 2 in what was a very enjoyable game. The widest margin at any stage was 3 shots and when taking the last end it was 2 points and the game 14-13. Next in was Steve Sprake who was also back to winning ways against the canny old Scotsman Fred.  They took 12 of the ends, winning by 7 shots, 20-13. A trio of winning rinks was completed by Alan New 22-14. This  was an action-packed game with Star taking 12 of the ends, which included scoring 13 in 4 ends but then dropping 9 in 2 ends. Although the outcome was never really in doubt it was not a game for those of a nervous disposition. Finally out on rink 6 was Robbie Dennison’s boys, who had the luxury of knowing that the match was won, with the boards showing +16. However, with the last end to play and being one down, they managed to keep it tight, get the shot and draw the game 12-12. The stats show that winning 9 ends each and nothing more than a 2 scored, a draw seemed a fair result. It's always a good feeling to win away from home, particularly at Pembroke Gardens. There are now only 3 games left (2 at home) and in the right frame of mind they are all winnable, so let's have a final push right to the end of the season.   

Cosham Park 77 (14) Star & Crescent 52 (2) Once again the away day curse struck, but this time in conditions that were bordering unplayable. The opposition seemed to handle it a lot better, but then they are more used to a heavy longer green with bumps that created clear daylight between the wood and the playing surface. First to finish and run for cover was Steve Sprake's rink, heavily losers now for  2 games and getting punished for having draw bowlers who struggle in these wet conditions. Although they did win 8 of the ends which resulted in 11 shots, they were up against a skip who benefitted from numerous wicks and lost 11-22. Then came our only winning rink in Robbie Lewsley. The difference was not enough to carry the other 3 rinks, but +7 (inc a 5 count) and 20-13 on the board was an admirable display. This will be one night that Geoff Dyer will hope to forget. They were never in the match, winning only 4 ends and losing 5-24. Lastly and with the expectation of another 2 points was Alan New's rink. At 11 ends they were 14-5 up, then they managed to drop a 7, only won 2 of the last 6 ends and lost the match 16-18. There is not much more I can add to such a disappointing display overall but we have a chance to redeem ourselves away to Pembroke on Friday. 

Star & Crescent 66 (12) Waterlooville 55 (4) As we continue with our roller coaster ride of winning at home and losing away, another 12 points were most welcome. On a gloomy summers evening that was interrupted by rain showers the match commenced (in spite of several objections from some of our bowlers) and aren't we glad it did. Once again the results were unpredictable, but Geoff Dyers rink got us off to a good start. Winning 11 ends, which included a 6 plus 2 x 4's and taking the game 25-12 and putting +13 on the board. Next up was Robbie Lewsley's boys , a solid 4 you can always count on. Well tonight was a rare exception, as everything was looking so good, being 12-7 up with only 3 ends to play. Then they lost the remaining ends dropping7 shots in the process and having victory snatched away and losing 12-14. Not disastrous as Star were still up by 11 shots. Then came Captain Steve Sprake's rink who were chasing the game from the very first end. Winning only 1 of the first 8 ends and only 6 ends in total, they struggled to get to grips with the green rather than their opponents, losing 11-22 and bringing to match to all square. Luckily there was still Alan New's boys to finish. They got the job done in a professional manner, winning 11 ends (inc a 5 count) and conceding no more than 1 shot on the 7 ends they lost.  An 18-7 win and another 2 points. It was good to get revenge for our previous defeat but still worrying about our away form. Out of interest and prior to last night’s game, we were sitting in the lower half of the table with matches in hand on every team. That win last night and the 2 games next week against Cosham (A) and Pembroke (A) will be a big step towards deciding our fate for this season.  

Gas Social 71 (14) Star & Crescent 54 (2). The 3 week break certainly didn't do us any favours as we continue our losing streak away from home. On a tricky and longer green we once again struggled only picking up 2 points on the night. The first to finish was Steve Sprake's rink, who dropped a 3 on the 1st end but bounced straight back with a 5. It was pretty tight throughout but they eventually came through 19-13.  Next up was Russ Durham, who picked up a 5 on the first, was 8 up  after 3 ends, but then managed to drop a 5, and lost the match 15-18. Then came Geoff Dyers rink, who struggled from the off,  only winning one of the first seven ends and chasing the game. Their opponents won 10 ends but noticeably 6 of them was by 2 shots or more and we lost 10-18. It sounds a little depressing, but with one rink left, the match was standing at 5 down. The problem was that Alan New's rink were never really in the match. When you only win 6 ends and drop 8 shots in the last 4  the writing is on the wall. We have a reputation of struggling in the final few ends. Well, we lost the match by 17 shots and in the last 4 ends we dropped 20 shots!! At the half way point in the season and 6 games left it is still in our own hands to end up in a respectable position in the league.   

Purbrook Heath 61 (12) Star & Crescent 59 (4) Disappointing is the obvious word that springs to mind, with our opponents being one place above us in the league and just 2 points ahead. It was always going to be tough on a tricky green, but the manner of the loss and how we managed to let the win slip from our grasp, had echoes of last season and our inability to get a win away from home. So, with 2 winning rinks we at least had something to build on and the story unfolded as we hit 8.05pm. The first to finish was Steve Sprake's rink, who won 13 ends finishing at 22-8 and leading the team out with +14 to defend. Next was Geoff Dyer, who at the half way point was winning and after 13 ends were holding their own at 12-12, then managed to lose the last 5 ends including a count of 6, walking off the green at 12-23. The shot difference was now disappearing fast with only +3 in hand. This was followed by Alan New who only won 6 ends, scoring nothing more than a single and the scoreboard reading 6-17. We were now trailing by 8 shots with only Bob Weaver to finish. Going into the last end he was 7 shots ahead and at one stage holding another shot, but their skip managed to convert and we ended up winning 19-13. Losing a game which we should have won by just 2 shots, just shows that every end is vitally important even if you are losing, dig in and play to the finish. Finally, away from the result, I would personally like to thank Ted Nutland. He is the perfect example of a good club man, turning up as reserve for both away games this week, never a moan just being there if we need him.

Star & Crescent 79 (14) Pembroke Gardens 59 (2) Another strong showing at home against a side sitting 2nd in the league. Once again, Alan New's rink had another convincing victory, winning 8 of the first 10 ends and cruising at 18-2. In spite of losing the next 4, they held on to win 22-11. Bob Weavers rink split the game at 9 ends each, but after scoring a 7 on the 5th end, never really looked back to win 20-15. Rob Lewsley's boys played their part in a tight match, easing away in the last few ends to win 18-13 and another 2 points for the team. Regrettably Steve Sprake's rink couldn't complete the clean sweep. Out on rink 6 they matched the opposition but against a skip who consistently played heavy woods into the head, meant that holding positions were lost. However 2 counts of 6 kept them in the match and picking up a 2 on the last end reduced the arrears to 19-20. Well done everyone and rest up because next Friday at Purbrook is on a much heavier green.

Division 3 Result

Waterlooville 99 (14) Star & Crescent 61 (2) Whilst it was disappointing to lose our first away game of the season, Waterlooville's all-weather surface is likely to be one of the more trickier greens we play on this year.  There were some battling performances but let’s start with our only winning rink on the night. Alan New’s boys deserve a pat on the back, coming from 13-17 down with only 2 ends remaining to then pick up 10 shots, and win 23-17. Geoff Dyers rink (with a strong Welsh influence) had a topsy turvey game and in spite of winning the final 3 ends, closed the gap but still lost 16-18. Steve Sprake's rink was looking reasonably comfortable at the half way stage, leading 8-7 and bowling well. However the opposition got the jack and brought the mat up and from then on it was a struggle. Although it was 9 ends each they managed to lose 13-24. Russ Durham's four were up against Waterlooville's strongest rink and were always going to come off 2nd best. Unable to get into the game until the 8th end, they just left themselves with a mountain to climb trailing 0-26. Although they won 7 of the last 11 ends, the scoreboard still made horrific reading, losing 9-40. So we will brush ourselves down, learn from the experience and get back on track, home to Pembroke next week.

1.  The following items were proposed by P&D and will be voted by all clubs at the P&D AGM in January.  

a).  League stays at 3 divisions but with 1 up / 1 down and a play-off between second top and second bottom. (This means we would be in Division 3 with Cosham Park, Gas Social, Naismith,  Pembroke Gardens, Purbrook Heath & Waterlooville).

b).  Matches to be played over 18 ends.  Star will support this proposal

c). Combination League format next season is to change to three divisions of 9, 9 and 10. (This would mean that our Combination team would be in Division 2 with Bedhampton, Leigh Park Red, Milton Park Black, Milton Park Red, Naismith, Priory Silver,  Rowner, & Waverley Red).

d).  Combination matches will be played over 18 ends

e).  As soon as first team/league player skips in the league he will not be permitted to skip for a combination team (this being a change to the current 5 match rule).  Star will vote against this proposal.

County Competition Entry Forms are available with closing date of 31^st January 2024. Entry fee are as last year - £4 per person per entry. There is a proposal to Play men's pairs & senior fours County competitions on a fixed day. Men's pairs to be played on a Tuesday, in the same week that the County Club is held & men's Senior Fours to be played on a Monday.

Presentation of Trophies: