The 2017 Mixed Pairs Championship has been decided culminating in a nail biting final.
Leading into the semi finals Irene and Peter Macdonald had a great record with two excellent wins over very strong opposition. In the first round they accounted for John and Sue Fahey 23 -10. They then followed this up with another outstanding performance to account for Rita and Noel Downie 19 – 9.
Denise and Bruce Lidbury had a bye in the first round and played Lorraine Wake and Michael Kennedy in round two. They moved into the semis with a hard fought 24 – 17 win.
On the other side of the draw Rose Farrington and Peter Davies showed their credentials with a round 1 win over Doug and Carol Williams before downing Irene Martin and Peter Bird.
Doreen and John Monks had the benefit of the bye in the first round but recorded a big win in their next match against Kay and Alan McLeod.
In the first semi final Denise and Bruce Lidbury held the upper hand against Irene and Peter Macdonald but never looked in total control. In a tight match the scores were tied on four occasions. After 15 ends the scores were locked at 14 all with the next two ends proving pivotal. The Lidburys grabbed four shots to take the biggest lead of the game. They followed this with another four shots on the 19th and 20th ends to secure a place in the final by 22 – 17.
The second semi final was the opposite with Rose Farrington and Peter Davies recording a big win over Doreen and John Monks.
The final was played in very tough conditions with strong winds and high temperatures making bowling difficult. Despite this the players produced some excellent bowls in an absorbing battle.
Farrington and Davies had the better of the start and led 11 – 3 after nine ends. The Lidburys made some inroads before Farrington and Davies pulled away again to a 16 – 8 lead after 14 ends. At this stage the pressure was intense. The Lidburys won the next four ends to trail by just one shot at 16 – 15.
Farrington and Davies won the 19th end to have a three shot advantage with two ends to play. However, the Lidburys showed their class by picking up two shots on each of the last two ends to take the Championship 19 – 18. The excitement went right down to the end with a measure needed to decide the second shot. A fitting end to a high class match between two very good teams.
Above: Peter Davies, Rose Farrington, Bruce Lidbury and Denise Lidbury
