ON A damp and dismal evening two Wellington bowlers came up against two adversaries from Ilminster in a County Pairs second round match. Middleton Cup skip Matt Hamilton and partner Jonny Kingston, who often plays number 2 with him, came to Wellington to play against Phil Ellis and Jay Merrell. 

The Wellington duo knew they had a tough job on their hands. They were right to be worried because the Ilminster pair set off at a great pace and led by 6 shots to 1 after three ends.

Every shot Phil and Jay scored was hard earned but they managed seven before Matt and Jonny crossed the finishing line.