On Sunday 15th April, a good turnout of 34 members took part in the Rose Bowl, the Club’s first competition of the season.
It was particularly pleasing to see several new members taking part in their first Club event.
Following some keenly contested games in the early rounds, the semi-finals were between Mike Dunlop and Richard Rawcliffe in the top half of the draw and in the botton half, Margaret Langley and Mark Eustace. Mike Dunlop had reached the semi-finals with wins against Sue Andersen (21-11), Norman Parry (21-17) and, having been well behind, a 21-20 win against new member Rita Stanley in the quarter-final. Kestrels captain Richard Rawcliffe had reached the semis with wins against Leo Tobin (21-15), Sue Davies (21-10) and, in an all-Rawcliffe quarter-final, a 21-9 success against his wife Eileen. The semi-final between Mike and Richard was a close encounter which could have gone either way but it was Richard who progressed to the final with a 21-17 win.
In the bottom half of the draw Margaret Langley faced Mark Eustace, who had to progress from the Preliminary Round. Having overcome some tough opponents, playing in the extra round meant Mark was playing in his fifth game and it was Margaret who reached the final with a 21-14 success. Margaret had previously overcome Les Miller (21-15) and Mavis Thompson (21-15).
In the final, it was Margaret, conceding a handicap of 2, who started well to lead 9-7 after eight ends. However, Richard responded with three successive 2s to take a 13-9 lead and from there built his lead to 19-14. Margaret was not finished though and playing longer marks took the lead at 20-19. At this stage, Margaret was looking the favourite to win, but two uncharacteristically loose bowls allowed Richard to score the two chalks he needed to take the 2012 Rose Bowl with a 21-20 win.
The Club thanks all members who took part in this competition and particularly those who braved the cold evening to stay for what was an exciting final.
NEXT EVENT:-
May Day Monday 7th May
Round Robin Competition
2.00pm Start