Veteran Tuross bowler, Stan Peck, has won his way into yet another Club Major Singles Championship Final with a masterly display in his semi final against John Fahey.
The match was played in ideal conditions with the green playing beautifully. Over 37 ends the two players put on a real show for those there to watch. Fahey started well but after leading 5 – 2 he had to watch the first burst of brilliance from Peck who won the next 8 ends to move to a 13 – 5 lead. In this spell Peck was forced to play several bowls to ‘save’ the situation.
Fahey, who was also playing excellent bowls, gradually clawed his way back into the match. The quality of the draw bowling from both players was of the highest standard. The closeness of the tussle was such that a score of more than one shot an end was a rarity.
By the 25th end Fahey managed to grab the lead for the first time in 15 ends when he moved to the front at 19 – 18. The players shared the ends as the score crept to 22 all when Peck played a very telling bowl. Holding a couple of shots Peck used his last bowl to move Fahey’s closest bowl enabling him to pick up a crucial 4 shots.
To his credit Fahey maintained his composure and narrowed the score to 27 – 26. Again it was anyone’s game. However, Peck played some great bowls in the next three ends to close out a 31 – 26 victory.
It was a wonderful match with both players giving an outstanding display of high class draw bowling, As well as Fahey played, it always seemed that Peck had his measure. It was a great effort from the 84 year old who has had a resurgence in his bowls since he has mastered the use of a bowling arm. He now awaits the result of the remaining semi between John Monks and Michael Kennedy to see who he battles for the Club Championship!
Above: Stan Peck and John Fahey examining one of their very tight heads
