BANISTER Park A produced a rampant performance to retain the Palmerston Cup.

The Eastleigh club went into the final having won every rink throughout the tournament – and they completed a perfect record when defeating Fareham A 83-21 at Palmerston.

Janet Whitehead stepped up to collect the trophy and a £200 cheque for this indoor triples competition for outdoor clubs sponsored by sports benefactor Keith Matthews of Kestrel Guards Security.

Gallant Fareham tried their utmost to match the reigning champions and trailed only 17-11 at five ends but by the tenth it became clear who was going to rule the night as Banister Park forged 42-17 ahead.

With regular skip Neil O’Donovan absent through a back injury his replacement Paul May showed exquisite form for Banister Park alongside Michael Comley and Wendy Berry.

In front 17-4 on ten ends the Middleton Cup skip and associates did not drop another shot sinking Eddie Camelleri, Terry Gormley and Syd Ryves 34-4.

Janet Whitehead (lead) with husband Steve at skip and Brian Barber were almost as dominant against Mike Jacobs, Agnes Jacobs and Sheena Mack. Although Fareham were just 9-6 behind after eight ends Banister Park took the remaining ends for a 30-6 card.

Fareham’s best hope of a consolation rink came from Carol Pullin, Gina Pindar and Rosemary Bailey but after standing at 7-7 following the ninth Bailey’s Babes capitulated 19-11 to John Laidlaw, Malcolm Comley and Steve Rice.

The same clubs contested the third-place play-off and again Banister Park triumphed with their B stringers shading Fareham B 56-50.

At 44-44 after 15 ends the outcome was in the melting pot before Banister Park snatched the verdict thanks chiefly to a three-four finish from Colin Pitter, Raj Kapur and Midge Pitter (29-13) against Liz Herbert, Daphne Nicholls and Paul Nicholls.

The comeback of Tina Lebburn, Graham Dowse and Pete Lebburn was also crucial. They collected 13 shots inside four ends to convert a 15-7 deficit at 12 ends into a 20-15 lead against the Fareham trio of Mary Lowe, John Moore and Roy Lowe. Final score was 20-17.

Fareham had their moment to savour on the third rink where Ray Dorey, Lyn Dorey and Richard Horler overcame June Woolgar, Conway Woolgar and Mike Hutt 20-7.

Steve Whitehead paid tribute to organiser Keith Fleming, Palmerston president Peter Carter and the extensive buffet laid on by the host club for finals night.