A NEW name could appear on the Wiltshire Ladies National Fours Championship trophy for the first time since the competition first began in 1947, writes DAVE EATON.

Warminster, who have never won the fours competition, and Stratton Churchway, previous winners 37 years ago in 1974, have both qualified for the 2011 final on July 23 at Amesbury.

A rink from each of these two clubs booked their places in the final following fine performances in the quarter and semi-finals staged last weekend at Chippenham Town.

From an initial entry of 46 eight combinations battled their way through to reach the latter stages.

In the top half of the draw Sue Burgess’ Warminster rink accounted for Marcia Cottle (Spencer Melksham) 23-18 in the first quarter-final before defeating Glenys Truman’s Supermarine quartet – 19-10 conquerors of Wanborough – 21-19, having been 19-15 down with two ends to go.

In the bottom half, Janet Willis’ Stratton Churchway rink were 19-9 up against Barbara Land’s Chippenham Town, who rallied to trail just 19-17 with three ends left.

Willis collected a decisive single at the 19th end to go 20-17 – despite two Land singles making the final score 20-19.

Wilton, 17-15 winners over Amesbury, then lost 22-19 to Stratton in the semi final.

Warminster and Stratton Churchway also have the honour of representing Wiltshire in the national fours championship at Leamington Spa at the beginning of August.

The triples competition starts tomorrow.

RESULTS

Quarter-finals: Shirley Day, Marion Grist (sub), Kim Smith and Sue Burgess (Warminster) beat Eileen Hawker, Jenny Couch, Marilyn Jay and Marcia Cottle (Spencer Melksham) 23-18; Doll Hagger, Sylvia Poffley, Linda Clarke and Carol Woodbridge (Wanborough) lost to Marilyn Kilburn, Beverley Millin, Pat Jones and Glenys Truman (Supermarine) 10-19; Ellen Bolland, Mavis Romans, Wendy Anderson and Janet Willis (Stratton Churchway) beat Viv Baskerville, Jan Boden, Barbara Shepheard and Barbara Land (Chippenham Town) 20-19; Ann Hindley, Dawn Toomer, Cathy Burrows and Margaret Griffin (Wilton) beat Ann Humphries, Mavis Fitzgerald, Janice Bull and Mary Buckle (Amesbury) 17-15.

Semi-finals: Sue Burgess (War) beat Glenys Truman (Supermarine) 21-19; Janet Wiliis (Stratton C) beat Margaret Griffin (Wilton) 22-19.

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