2016 Open Pairs Report

 

Saltburn Bowls Club Open Pairs Competition

On Sunday the first of May, Mayday was celebrated in Saltburn at the bowls club with the final of the Saltburn Open Pairs competition.

Saturday morning saw 64 players from around the area come to Saltburn to challenge for the knockout competition which is always held early in the season.

The previous years winners Duncan Robinson and John Selley came along to defend their title and on a sunny Saturday morning there was a good amount of interest shown by local spectators who enjoyed the weather and the skills on show.

After the initial two rounds on Saturday there were eight teams remaining coming back to complete the final stages, some of the contestants setting off a little earlier to make sure they were not caught up in the Tour de Yorkshire taking place in the area on the same day.

The weather was a little cooler on Sunday morning but the competitors ensured the temperature remained high with a fiery determination to reach the finals with hotly contested quarter finals.

The morning session saw the completion of the quarter finals and after a short lunch break with food provided by our lady members the afternoon was time for the semi final and finals.

The first semi final saw Graham Russell of Saltburn partnered with Jim Atkinson of Marske beat Brian Farley and Barry Bavester both from Mulgrave by a margin of 21 points to 9.

The second semi final saw last years winners Duncan Robinson of Nottingham Cavaliers partnered with John Selley of Borough Park beat Eric Whorlton and Terry Richardson both from Hutton Rudby by an 18 to 10 points margin.

The question now remained could our local team from Saltburn and Marske, Graham and Jim, defeat the formidable pairing, and last years winners, Duncan and John.

In a thrilling and closely fought contest Duncan and John prevailed with a winning score of 15 points to 10, we hope they will return next year to face another challenge.