Ballapaws Ladies’ Doubles
A field of seventeen pairs gathered at Peel on Saturday 28 July for the ladies’ doubles open sponsored by Ballapaws Boarding Kennels. Although rain threatened at the start the skies cleared to give a period of fine weather before the heavens opened for the latter stages of the event.
The preliminary round produced a good win by Libby Andrade and Marilyn Ellison over Tricia Bull and Margaret Tasker 21-17, while in round one close games saw Rita Calliister and Celia Joughin come through 21-18 against Jean Thackrah and Mavis Franks, while Lil Smith and Rosie Winckle defeated Sue Jones and Joyce Kelly by the same score.
Lil and Rosie had a decisive victory in the quarter-finals, as did Mary Alderson and Lynda Cadamy. The other two quarters were more closely contested with Joyce Ogden and Philippa Taylor winning 21-15 against Voirrey Curphey and Phil Dobson while Jenny Moore and Kim Hargraves had an even tougher battle against Mary Moffatt and Cath Parker, coming through 21-17.
Quarter-finals: Mary Alderson and Lynda Cadamy 21, Celia Joughin and Rita Callister 8; Joyce Ogden and Philippa Taylor 21, Voirrey Curphey and Phil Dobson 15; Lil Smith and Rosie Winckle 21, Shirley Corrin and Pat Robertson 7; Jenny Moore and Kim Hargraves 21, Mary Moffatt and Cath Parker 17
The water was creating pools on the green as the semis started. The intrepid competitors were undaunted and produced some very good bowls despite the conditions. Lil and Rosie started well taking the first two ends to lead 10-6 at which point the South Ramsey pair took control, winning 21-11. The other semi was a nail-biter going right to the wire. Philippa and Joyce reached 20 first but were unable to clinch that final point, which put Lynda and Mary through to the final.
The conditions for the final were horrendous and the younger pair got off to a flyer leading 18-6 after six ends. Mary and Lynda dug deep winning four of the next six ends to bring the score to 12-20, but were unable to stop the other pair coming through 21-12.
Heather Horsburgh thanked all those who had entered, those who had helped in any way with the smooth running of the afternoon and also the green keeper for his efforts with a difficult green. Particular thanks went to Ballapaws Boarding Kennels for their continued sponsorship of the event, and Heather introduced Walter Cooper to make the presentations on behalf of his daughter and son-in-law.