The final discipline in this year’s County Competitions was the Mixed Fours. The event was supported by nine teams, each comprising two gents and two ladies.
And what a competition it turned out to be. Several pre-tournament favourites were knocked out at the semi-final stage, but the drama began much earlier, with more than a few calls of “Umpire, please!” — a sign of just how tight some of the games were.
We waited with bated breath for the final round-robin match, which fittingly ended in a draw and was once again decided by an Umpire’s measure. Incredibly, the teams qualifying for the knockout stages were separated by just a single point.
The final itself was contested by two mixed-club teams, adding to the spectacle. With both sides wearing whites and black, it was occasionally hard to remember who was who! Ultimately, the match came down to which team adapted best to the contrasting swing side and straight side of the mat.
Victory went to the team of Ian Broderick, Dave Greening, and Monica Carter, skipped by Carol Preece.
Commiserations go to Dave Yendle, Mike Sparrow, and Barbara Bubb, skipped by Becky Finch.
A thoroughly competitive and entertaining conclusion to this year’s county competitions.
