PALMERSTON'S prospects of a quick return to the top of the Hampshire Inter-Club League were ruined by East Dorset, the side who replaced them as leaders just before Christmas.
A heavy home defeat for Barry Grinaway at Fareham by East Dorset's Liberty Trophy bowler Bill Ward was the decisive rink result as the other three contests were all closely fought.
East Dorset, who went into the match three points clear, won 6-2 to marginally increase their advantage at the head of the table from Banister Park who moved into second spot three-and-a-half points behind after thrashing Longmeadow.
Ailing Palmerston are now not even in the top three as Havant have leapfrogged them as well.
It was a celebration day for Riverside and Chawton Park who beat two of the bigger fry for the first time in their league history.
Chawton Park crushed reigning champions Victory 6-2, while a rousing 37-12 win by Area 31 over-60s' singles champion Eddie Bates over Mick Spreadbury at Winchester set up Riverside's 6-2 triumph over Atherley.
The seventh round of matches also produced the season's largest margin of victory - Banister Park's Danny McEwan winning 39-3 after his Longmeadow opponent Norman Hillier had had the audacity to take the first end!
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article