Douglas Bowling Club hosted the KNR Construction mixed doubles on Saturday, with last year’s competition played in stormy conditions, this year the competitors were treated to a superb day, with 29 pairs vying for the trophy on a green that was in great condition, proving tricky throughout the day.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Angie Bennett and Keith Rise (Breagle Glen/Douglas) 8-21 to Lyn Bolton and Peter Jones, Ballaugh pair Julie Reilly and Mike Spooner lost out 16-21 to South Ramsey’s Jenny Moore and James Teare. In the other half of the draw, Rebecca Teare and Paul Dunn (Marown) made light work of Grayse Blencoe and Trevor Quayle (Mooragh Park/Breagle Glen) with a 21-9 win, whilst Michele Cubbon and Paul Moore (Ballaugh/Noble’s) were defeated 12-21 by home greeners Emma and Merv Sayle.
At the semi-final stage, both winning pairs progressed without too much trouble, with Bolton and Jones winning 21-11 against Moore and Teare, whilst Teare and Dunn took their place in the final with a 21-14 victory over the last home greeners, Emma and Merv Sayle.
The final ended up being a fantastic tussle, despite after seven ends Teare and Dunn leading 18-8, just three chalks away from victory, having scored three successive singles, with Bolton and Jones then scoring a two, only to concede three successive threes in a huge blow to their hopes of lifting the trophy. Bolton and Jones made a huge comeback, clawing the deficit back to just one chalk at 18-19, winning six of the next seven ends, proving that having the jack on a tricky green was crucial. With the game finely poised, Teare and Dunn kept their nerve to pick up the two points required to secure a 21-18 win.
The presentation was made by competition secretary Andy Cannell, who thanked everyone for entering, the sponsor for their continued support, the club members for their help on the day, and the greenkeeper for preparing the green. The prizes were then presented by Neil Clarke of KNR Construction.
Words: Glynn Hargraves
Haldane Fisher Open Singles