Glasgow, Scotland.
24th July – 1st August.
The England Squad comprised of a team of 5 men, a team of 5 women and a team of 5 physically/visuallyimpaired players.
The 5 players selected to represent England in the physically/impaired squad were:-
B2/B3 Visually Impaired Mixed Pair : Doreen Flanders, Guildford BC and Steve Simmons, Metro BC
Disabled open triple: Bob Love, Tamworth BC; Dave Fisher ,Colchester BC; Paul Brown, Ross on Wye BC
All players went through a rigorous schedule of practice, physiology and psychology sessions in preparation for the Games. Test matches against other countries were arranged with a final test against New Zealand in Glasgow.
Following several practice sessions and immediately following the opening ceremony the Games began.
Doreen Flanders and Steve Simmons sent shock waves through the groups after a fantastic opening match win against hot favourites Australia. They continued to play well and only missed out on the knock out stage due to shot difference.
The physically disabled Open Triple comprising Bob Love, Dave Fisher and Paul Brown played very well earning enough points from their group to progress to the semi final knock out stage. They were gutted not to progress to the final after a nail biting and close encounter with New Zealand.
They had to quickly get over the disappointment and prepare for the very tough bronze medal play off against hosts and hot favourites Scotland.
Trailing by 4 shots with only 2 ends to play, they clawed it back and took the game to an extra end. England were victorious after a nail biting and exciting extra end and fully deserved their bronze medal.
Margaret Smith
DBE Secretary