Fowler edges out old rival Mordue to earn Spen Winter Sweep win
The semi-final draw kept the two quality bowlers apart as Mordue overcame in form Derek Hewitt 21-13 and a close affair saw Fowler edge past Gareth Coates 21-19 before the large crowd were then treated to a masterclass of bowling.
Mordue raced into a 5-1 lead but Fowler used his many years of experience hit back with a break of seven to lead 8-5.
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Hide AdThe next six ends were split between the two, each scoring braces before a couple of singles saw Mordue back in the game at 14-13.
Fowler hit back with a single of his own and then led two great bowls in the corners to put pressure on Mordue, who replied with a pair of his own to level at 15-15.
A poor lead let Fowler in for a pair only for him to then produce a poor lead which allowed Mordue in for a pair.
Further pairs were exchanged to leave the thrilling contest all square again at 19-19.
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Hide AdSingles were then exchanged to make in 20-20 with Mordue having the jack in hand and favourite to seal victory.
Leading a foot bowl to the side Fowler fizzed his first bowl through leaving Chris with a dilemma of wether to go for a pair of block the end up but in the end he did neither leaving Fowler to play a perfect bowl resting Mordue out to win the game.
It was a fabulous performance from Fowler but Mordue also deserves huge credit for playing his part in a thrilling final between the two top class bowlers.
Spen Winter Sweep
Week Eight Results
First round: A Bairstow 21, D Teale 17; M Wensley 16, M Regan 21; S Edmondson 9, D Hewitt 21; C Scorah 15, K Smith 21; C Mordue 21, A Forrest 10; P Burke 12, A Thornton 21; L Hirst 21, A Smith 18; A Rukin 21, M Connelly 17; T Scorah 15, G Coates 21;G Walker 21, J Wike 11; S Ladbrooke 21, D Goodhall 19; C Bly 21, A Wolfenden 17; J Mordue 15, M Fowler 21; P Holt 9, K Hill 21; N Slattery 21, A Gallagher 15; N Simpson 19, G Wike 21.
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Hide AdSecond Round: A Bairstow 10, M Regan 21; D Hewitt 21, K Smith 15; C Mordue 21, A Thornton 12; L Hirst 21, A Rukin 9; G Coates 21, G Walker 7; S Ladbrooke 11, C Bly 21; M Fowler 21, K Hill 13; N Slattery 21, G Wike 17.
Quarter finals: M Regan 19, D Hewitt 21; C Mordue 21, L Hirst 11; G Coates 21, C Bly 16; M Fowler 21, N Slattery 16.
Semi-finals: M Fowler 21, G Coates 19; C Mordue 21, D Hewitt 13.
Final: C Mordue 20, M Fowler 21.