It was the English “Statesman of Bowls”, Andy Thomson MBE , who was up against Australian Jamie Smith in this afternoons match and one match that is certainly worth a watch on the WBT Youtube Stream.
Smith led Thomson a merry dance throughout the first set and made Thomson work hard throughout the whole set. Six all in the 6th end meant it could be anybodies set – Thomson and Smith taking a single apiece in the next two ends to go 7 all in the 8th. Smith laying set and Thomson plays a pearler to take a single and set. 8-7.
Second set saw both players play good and bad bowls but the nett result was a major fight as they again drew level at 6 all in the 8th end. It was Smith that snuck the single to take the second set and force the tie break. Despite some really good bowls from the Australian it was Thomson that took both first two ends to seal the match. 8-7, 6-7, 2-0