Newtownbutler Annual Pairs is one of the oldest established bowling tournaments in the Western Zone and it was played at the end of November over three nights plus the final night.

The tournament was again sponsored by William Bell Tractors, Fivemiletown and the club committee are entirely grateful to their sponsors for their continued support.

In the quarter final stages (skip names only) T. Moohan beat I. Jordan 9-7, T. Cathcart beat J. Morris 9-8, G. Burke beat A. Wray 9-6 and P. Wilson beat D. Hunter 9-4. In the first of the semi finals P. Wilson was five shots up after three ends against T. Moohan, in the next two ends Tony got two shots but in the sixth end Paul picked up three shots; Tony was only able then to lift one shot in the seventh end leaving the overall score 8-3 in Paul’s favour. In the other semi final G. Burke played T. Cathcart and after four ends played the scoreline was all level at two shots each.

Over the course of the next two ends played, Gary had picked up four shots but in the seventh end Tommy claimed two shots leaving the scores at 6-4 in Gary’s favour.

In the final two ends played, Tommy was unable to get any more shots and Gary won 8-4 to reach the final.

The final was played over ten ends with Derek Kerr and Paul Wilson getting three shots in the first end and in the next three ends played Elizabeth and Gary Burke picked up a single shot in each end to level the game at three shots each.

Over the next three ends played, Gary was in control of the game at eight shots to three in his favour; in the eigth and ninth ends Paul got a single shot in each end leaving the scoreline at 8-5, with all to play for in the last end. Elizabeth and Gary secured the Newtownbutler Pairs title by lifting one shot and winning by nine to five shots. Mr. Gordon Bell of William Bell Tractors was asked then to present the prizes and trophy to the winners.