HAMPSHIRE'S Middleton Cup euphoria did not extend to the Top Four Championship the following day at Wealdstone, North London.
Playing in the regional semi-final at Wealdstone, north London, the rink of Alan Geary, Darren Clark, Paul May and cup hero Leo May were level at 8-8 on the tenth end but then little else went right as they dropped a five and slumped 25-10 to the legendary Andy Thomson.
Hampshire's cause was not helped by the late absence of England regular Dean Morgan because of a family illness.
Isle of Wight - skipped by Hampshire Liberty Trophy regular Darren Griffith - trounced Surrey 26-6 in the other tie but Thomson's men dominated the afternoon final, outgunning the Islanders 27-8 to book their place in the national semi-finals at Worthing next month.
Middleton Cup regular Mark Hammond beat Derek Place (Brockenhurst) in the area final of the Champion of Champion singles.
Hammond is a Sports Centre bowler this summer but qualified for the competition after winning the club singles at Banister Park last season.
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