Club Championships Day 4 - Semi-finals

The morning session saw the Ladies and Men’s Singles semis, first to 21. Pauline V faced Pauline T and after 10 ends it was tied at 10 apiece. Pauline V crept ahead, leading by 5 after 14 ends. Pauline T came back to be one shot adrift after 16 ends (15-16). Pauline V scored the required 5 to win 21-15. In the other semi, Heather and Julia battled it out for over 2 hours, playing 27ends before Heather ran out winner by 21-14. Each end was closely fought with 21 ends being decided by a single shot.

In the men’s semis last year’s winning finalist, Paul B prevailed 21-13 against Tom R. Paul opened up a 13-5 lead after 8 ends. Tom pulled back to within 4 shots after 14. Paul responded by increasing his lead to win by 21-13 where he will meet John H who has started bowling this season. John H had a titanic battle against John S, fought out over 26 ends. After 15 ends John S was ahead by 5 shots. Over the next 5 ends John H came back to lead 18-15. By end 25 John H required 1 to win. He was in a splendid position with his wood nestling by the jack. With his last wood of the end, John S dislodged it and took the end to level the scores 20-20. End 26 saw John H gain the required 1 shot to reach the final. This was a superb march, tense and with bowling of a very big standard by both players.

After lunch, both John H and Paul B were involved in the Men’s Pairs semis played over 1 hour 30mins. With partner Tony R, John H ran out winners 13-6 over new member Derek G and youngster Tristan F. Again there was some excellent bowling by all players. In the other semi-final, Paul B and partner Vernon C, enjoyed a win against Bill E and Chris T 15-11.

The finals take place tomorrow starting with the Pairs at 11am, followed by the Singles at 1:30pm. The Triples are scheduled for 3:00pm. Timings of the last two are flexible given that one player features in all three and several are involved in two. The event ends with our first social gathering for a long time where we shall enjoy a chilli con carne with rice, followed by apple pie and ice cream!