CHRISTIE Miller men pushed holders Clarrie Dunbar all the way but still lost their derby match by 10 shots overall in the central section of the Wessex League.

Despite winning on two rinks, drawing on another and only losing on one rink they went down 76-86 to the north Somerset side.

Rinks skipped away in Clarrie by Andy Moore (won by 12 shots) and Chris Moore (drew) while at home in Melksham, Alfie Maslen’s four edged home by one shot against Graham Shadwell despite being eight up with three ends to play.

Unfortunately for Christie, the other home rink skipped by Dave Laws struggled throughout the 21 ends and lost heavily 30-7 despite only being 10-4 down at halfway (11 ends).

Across the board Miller led until halfway going 18-15 up at five ends and increasing the advantage to 39-26 after 10 ends.

But holders Clarrie Dunbar came storming back to turn the match around and lead 60-47 after 15 ends. Miller refused to buckle and came to restore parity at 18 ends 66-66.

However, on the run-in to the finish Clarrie added 20 shots to Millers 10 to claim victory and take 11 of the 16 points on offer.

The five points Christie collected kept them in sixth place five behind Purnell but with two matches in hand.

The central region closes down for the festive period and does not re-start until mid-January, when Christie Miller face Bristol and Clarrie Dunbar play basement side Thornbury.

RESULT

Christie Miller v Clarrie Dunbar (Wessex League)

Home - Rink 3: Dale Hayward, Paul Barnes, Bob Pratt & Dave Laws lost to Pete Hooley, Martin Samuels, John Freeman & Colin Easton 7-30. Rink 4: Richard Buckland, Richard Walton, Steve Hockings & Alfie Maslen beat Jamie Shadwell, Greg Wride, Andy Taylor & Graham Shadwell 26-25.

Away - Rink 2: David Hayward, Michael Over, Jordan and Chris Moore drew with Russell Milne, John Jones, Dale Taylor & Andy Colebrooke 15-15. Rink 3: G Moore, Rob Emery, Steve Moore & Andy Moore beat Duncan Baxter, Keith Haines, Alan Brown & Russell Francis 28-16.

Score: Christie Miller lost to Clarrie Dunbar 76-86 and 5pts to 11pts.

CENTRAL REGION SCORES

Bristol 85 (12pts) Thornbury 74 (4pts); Nailsea 86 (12pts) North Wilts 72 (4pts); Christie Miller 76 (5pts) Clarrie Dunbar 86 (11pts); Purnell 73 (2pts) Clevedon 93 (14pts).

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

Sunday January 14: Bristol v Christie Miller; Thornbury v Clarrie Dunbar. Sunday January 21: Christie Miller v Thornbury; North Wilts v Bristol; Clevedon v Nailsea.

LADIES at Christie Miller go into the festive break flying the flag for the Melksham-based indoor bowling club.

They are still running in one women’s national team event, namely Mason Trophy, Over 60 double rinks, and will face neighbours North Wilts A in round three on January 19, one rink at home in Melksham and one away at North Wilts IBC, Chippenham, however the men are out of all team competitions.

In the main national championships events ladies and men’s singles, pairs, triples and fours, only Clarrie Dunbar have an active interest in these championship events in Area 16 which have reached the quarter-final stages.