This year’s Magheracross Pairs competition has been won by the Wellington duo, Gary Burke and Rodney Kelly. The Wellington pair were on top form on the night.

With eight pairs qualifying for the finals, the quarter finals served up some good games. G Burke beat D Graham, C McHugh beat D Morrow, P Boyle beat R Stubbs and J Morris beat S McGlinchey.

The first of the semi finals were between Peter Boyle and Jude Morris. Peter picked up one shot in the first and a four on the second, giving his pair a five shot lead.

Jude then picked up two shots in the next two ends while Peter got one in the fifth end. Jude got one on the sixth and Peter collected a further two in the seventh with one end left and this was enough for Peter’s pair to win.

The second semi final was between Gary Burke and Collum McHugh.

Gary collected two shots in the first end. Collum scored a three on the second and another on the third, giving his pair a 4-2 lead going into the fourth end. Gary secured two shots in the fourth end a one in the fifth while Collum then added a two in the sixth. Gary collected a shot on the seventh to leave the game all square going into the last end with Gary laying the shot with his last bowl. Collum, with one bowl left, just missed the draw, in a very exciting semi final.

The final then took place between Gary Burke and Peter Boyle. This was more one-sided than the two semi-finals with Gary’s pair in fine form as they romped to a 10 – 2 win after the sixth end with victory going to Gary and Rodney.

All proceeds of the tournament (£1,000) were presented by Anne Brian, Club Secretary. £400 was received by Marion Ferris, representing Marie Curie and £400 was received by Jude Morris, representing Palliative Transport; and £200 was received by Pauline Hurst, representing Jengana.

Sydney Parkinson, Club Chairman, thanked all for the smooth running of the tournament, and all who attended. He also thanked all the organisations who use the hall for giving us their space to allow us the smooth running of the tournament. Prizes were presented to all by Anne Brian. Gary Burke thanked all for the excellent and well run tournament. Special thanks to our kind sponsors, Severfield.