20th August 2024
With great anticipation Friends accumulated early at the ‘The Last End’ for the tournament draw; those who entered as an individual were also waiting to see who their partner would be. It was all down to Mike Bertrand – Friends’ Competitions Coordinator.
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- Early Morning Check-In
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- Announcing the game plan
The players were duly informed of the game plan, and players in the preliminary round made their way to E green, where the competition was to be played. 20 teams would be competing in the tournament. It was cloudy but dry however darker clouds loomed and we had some heavy showery rain, however it didn’t stop play. Last year’s winners Neil and Maxine Fletcher got through the pre-liminary round by just two shots but knocked out in the next round by Terri Keen and Lesley Summersgill… so we were looking for a new champions for this year.
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- Quarter Finals
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- Semi Finals
Our Finalists: Hazel, Kathleen, Brian and Kevin
We were now down to the last 8 in the quarter finals. Whilst at times the sun shone brightly, it was extremely gusty. The players included 3 Bowls England Past Presidents and an umpire who had taken some time off away from the Championships. Now down to the Semi-Finals, with Barrie and Charlotte Emanual v. Hazel Marke and Kathleen Hornbrook, Clive Handscombe with Simon Conway v. Brian Haines and Kevin Harper. After an hour’s play we had our finalists : Hazel and Kathleen to play Brian and Kevin. Hazel & Kathleen took the lead on the third end and continued right up to last 15th end, albeit only winning 8 of the 15 ends. Kath presented a monetary prize to the runners up, and the winners were awarded the traditional Salver, together with a monetary prize. You will see by the photographs it was dazzling sunny – and windy!
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- Kath with Runners Up Kevin and Brian
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- Hazel, Kath & Kathleen with the coveted Winner’s Salver
Whilst the ‘Friends’ were playing out this Competition there was the small matter of the National Championships taking part on the adjacent rinks – a great experience for our players, who also attracted attention from the nationals audiences.
A day enjoyed by all, with several already looking forward to next year.
Mike Bertrand
Competitions Coordinator