County woe for Mitchinson and Smith
The county semi-finals on Saturday at Westcliff proved a painful experience for two of Romford’s bowlers.
Steve Mitchinson and Nigel Smith had made the last four of the pairs for the first time, but it proved a nightmare.
They took on Essex County’s James Fuge and Ed Morris on their home green and were always up against it, eventually conceding at 23-4.
“We just didn’t turn up,” said a disappointed Mitchinson.
“It was such a shame because we have been playing so well, but when it really mattered, it didn’t happen.”
Essex County took an early lead and it set the tone, with Mitchinson adding: “I think I started on the wrong hand and it cost us. After I changed we had a bit better control, but Ed played well and had some lucky nicks.
“Everything went their way really. We will have another go at getting to Leamington in the third-place play-off. It doesn’t matter if you’re first, second or third, you all go to nationals.”
The Romford pair face Essex County’s Richard Spriggs and Michael Coulson on Sunday after they were thumped by a Wanstead Central duo including ex-Romford player Lee Chaplin.
Monday sees the National Double Fours clash between Romford and Wanstead Central.
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