The County Pairs competition was held at the Kingsway Centre and attracted 19 teams. The tournament organiser issued a plea beforehand: if you put your name on the waiting list, you can be fitted in if a team cancels! As it turns out, organising 20 teams would have been easier 😉
The format worked well, with four groups across five mats, producing a very tidy pattern on the play schedule. All matches were played over eight ends, with everyone sticking closely to the timetable.
Thanks to the smooth running of the event, play progressed efficiently and we reached the quarter-finals right on time at 1.30pm — excellent timing all round.
There was a good spread of clubs represented:
- Yorkley, Defford (or was that two from Sharpness)
- Two teams from Tewkesbury
- Two teams from Ripple
- Two teams from Kingsway
Several tight games and a number of last-bowl finishes made for exciting viewing.
With the semi final set as, Monica and Carol (Ripple) playing the Featherstones and Tony and Sue (Kingsway) playing team Kellett, at one stage it looked as though an all-Sharpness final might be on the cards — but, as ever, we don’t always stick to the plan.
Julian and Mandy needed a win in their final end to progress, but Sue produced a superb performance to see them through. This set up a final between Tony and Sue and Saul and Jo.
By this stage, it was reassuring to know there were plenty of mince pies to go around.
Spectators gathered to watch the final, with the now-familiar mat arranged across the hall and eyes glued to every shot. In the end, Jo and Saul Featherstone emerged victorious, defeating Sue Dobbs and Tony Smith in a well fought contest.
Well done to all teams for making it such a competitive and enjoyable day. Many thanks to the organiser, Chris Evans (ably assisted by Monica and Becky), and to everyone who helped with the refreshments — including the much-appreciated tea, biscuits, and pies.
