WARWICKSHIRE stormed to a resounding 127-98 victory over Dorset in the opening round of the National John’s Trophy on Saturday.
The 20-point win puts Warwickshire top of Group A West, and in a good position to qualify for the quarter-finals.
The highest-winning rink of Chris Cooke with Rosemarie Geden (both Southam), and Margaret Grosvenor (Lillington) and Linda Linney (Stratford) stormed into an 11-1 lead after seven ends, eventually finishing 25-13.
Jenny Corn and Jacqui Cook (both Lillington), and Joy Cooke (Blossomfield) and Elaine Taylor (Stoke), started brightly until losing six shots on the ninth end, which brought the two sides level at 10-10.
They did not let their spirits dwindle, and fought to a 22-13 win.
Lisa Smith and Hannah Smith (both Avenue Leamington) and Heather Mills (Grange Ladies) and Moira Parsons (Welford) also won by a 22-13 scoreline, whilst Kirsty Richards with Helen Slimm (both Whitnash) and Di Medhurst (Stoke) and Gill Maund (Sherwood Park) won a closely fought tie 20-15.
Meanwhile, Sue Hornsby alongside Di Thurlbeck (both Lillington), and Sharon Keal (Snitterfield) with Debbie Bloxham (Stratford), found themselves trailing 3-11, but turned it around after the seventh end to run out 24-21 winners.
In the final match, Maureen Edwards (Rugby Thornfield) and Lynne Innes (Stratford), and Wendy Holloway (Welford) and Pat Moore (Three Spires), suffered the only defeat of the afternoon, losing 14-23 despite leading on the sixth end.
Warwickshire face Wiltshire and Gloucestershire in their remaining group games later in the month, but next face Cambridgeshire in the Middle England League next Tuesday (June 11).
