Top two teams don’t have it all their own way in Boston Indoor Bowls League

But such it was for Holland Fen against fourth-placed IBC and Invaders against Golfers in the latest round of matches.

Jim Gott’s IBC rink, with lead Steve Shaw and pin Richard Allam, took charge and controlled the scoring from early on in their game against Holland Fen, running out winners by 17-12.

Holland Fen were dominant on the other rink for skip Martin Tomlin and won 34-13, their total including scores of 5 shots and two hotshots of six.

Golfers faced Invaders and won 13-12 on Graham Scarboro’s rink for 2 points, the third week in a row that he’s won his game, and then by a single shot, aided by Barrie Williamson and Mick Nundy.

Invaders, skipped by Scott Whyers, were in control on the second rink from the start, winning 29-7.

Behind the leaders, Strollers and A40 both won 6-0. Strollers, third, met Parthians and were too good for them, winning 31-9 on Paul Flatters’ rink and 30-8 on Mick Dodes’.

A40 replaced Nomads in fifth place after taking all the points from their mid-table clash. Both games were competitive and the scores were close at various times, Jean Cammack’s rink winning 16-11 in the end and Sue Hoyles’ 15-14.

Breakaways, seventh, beat Royal Mail, eighth, on both rinks for 6 points. The score on Mike Rymer’s rink was tied at 7-7 after eleven ends, then they pulled away to win 14-8.

Neil Harrison’s rink started well to lead 15-3 at the half-way point, then had to hang on as Royal Mail fought a valiant comeback to lose by just 1 shot, the final score 18-17.

The match between the two bottom teams, Dynamics and Burtons, saw Dynamics triumph 6-0 and move up one place to tenth, above Golfers. Ken Burr’s rink won 14-9, after the scores had been close at 8-7 after 12 ends. The other rink was also close at 13-12 and eventually finished 20-16 for Graham Wilkinson.

Hotspurs still lead Cammacks Second Division, in spite of having a bye last week.

Vikings moved into second place, from fifth, after beating Shipmates 6-0. Doug Staples’ rink scored regularly throughout the game to build their winning 22-7 advantage. John Stray’s rink had the better of the game from the sixth end to run out 15-11 winners.

One point behind are three teams on 70 points, Desperados, Amateurs and Optimists.

Desperados and Optimists faced each other, Optimists winning 4-2. For Desperados, John Melles’s rink built a healthy 13-4 advantage, but had to hold firm as Optimists closed to within one shot, finally winning the game 16-12. Dave Richardson’s Optimists’ rink started well and eventually won 19-9 for 2 points, while also ensuring the 2 extra points for shot aggregate.

Vectors had their best result since early October, beating third-placed Amateurs 4-2. Kevin Rockall’s rink took charge early and built a good 23-6 winning margin for 2 points. Amateurs dominated the middle third of the other game as they won 26-13, Vectors sneaking the extras for shot aggregate by 4 shots.

Woodpeckers played title contenders, Central, winning on both rinks with two good performances, 21-13 for Dave Fox and 18-13 for Mick Williamson.

Phantoms also won 6-0, beating Shipmates. Both games were closely contested, Roy Stanley winning 16-15 on the last end and Peter Thompson 13-10.