Defending champions out of the Sandeman

THE Hitmen have fallen at the first hurdle in their defence of the Sandeman Fours title.

The reigning champions comprising skip Dan de la Mare, Ricky Brehaut, Todd Priaulx and Kris Bichard were drawn in the preliminary round match and faced Matchmakers (skip Stan Simon, Roy Domaille, Nathan Dicker and Dennis Chick) at Beau Sejour.

The Matchmakers started well, gaining three shots on the first end, but Hitmen controlled the following five ends to lead 11-3.

The two teams were evenly matched over the next few ends and there were still eight shots between them as Hitmen led 18-10 on the 15th.