County woe for Mitchinson and Smith

Romford Recorder: Nigel Smith of Romford Bowls Club lost in the pairs semi-finalkNigel Smith of Romford Bowls Club lost in the pairs semi-finalk (Image: Archant)

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.

Romford Recorder: Nigel Smith and Steve Mitchinson of the Romford Bowls Club are through to the semis of the county pairsNigel Smith and Steve Mitchinson of the Romford Bowls Club are through to the semis of the county pairs (Image: Archant)

“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.