The ever popular pairs competition run by Garvary Bowling Club was full for each of the four nights of play with 24 pairs taking part each night. Indeed, the club had to even turn down enquiries from bowlers who were not in before the deadline. Bowlers came from all parts of the country even travelling down from county Antrim to take part.
Eight pairs made it back to the final night with Johnny Breadon and Ivor Armstrong from Wellington beating the pairing from Sixmilecross, Dickson Rutledge and James Rutledge 7 – 4; Tommy Cathcart and Malcolm Hurst, Ballinamallard Methodist lost their game 7 – 8 to Paul Wilson and Jude Morris, St Michael’s; the husband and wife pairing of Faith Malone and Maurice Malone from Fivemiletown Methodist won 6 – 4 against husband and wife Frances and Blayney Cartwright of Aghavea and finally David Brian and Stuart Cochrane, Magheracross lost their close game 6 – 7 to Gillian Stevenson and Caroline Scott, Rossorry.
In the semi-final of Paul/Jude versus Johnny/Ivor, it was Ivor who led 3 – 0 after two ends played and in the third end Jude picked up two shots which turned out to be the only end that Paul and Jude won as they lost a total of six shots over the remaining four ends to lose 2 – 9.
In the other semi final, Gillian/Caroline against Faith/Maurice, it was Caroline who led 3 – 0 after two ends played and over the course of the next two ends, Maurice collected three shots to level the game at 3 – 3 after four ends played but over the following three ends, Gillian and Caroline ran out clear winners to win 10 – 3.
The final was played over nine ends with play going right down to the last bowl.
In the first end, Caroline picked up two shots only to lose a count of four shots in the second end but in the third end, Gillian and Caroline secured a single and then gained two shots in the fourth to regain the lead 5 – 4.
Over the fifth and sixth ends, Caroline secured two single shots to lead 7 – 4 but in the seventh end Johnny and Ivor picked up two shots to trail just 6 – 7 and in the eighth end, Caroline secured another single shot to lead 8 – 6 going into the last end. Unfortunately Ivor was only able to secure a single shot thereby making Caroline and Gillian winners by 8 - 7 in the final.
At the end of play congratulations were passed on to Gillian and Caroline on winning this competition by the Chairman Chancellor Stewart and he thanked secretary Ms Hilda Lucy, the ladies of the club for a very welcome cup of tea each night and Mr Sidney Parkinson for umpiring each night of the tournament.
The Chancellor then presented the gift vouchers to the winners.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here