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Zurgena Open Triples 2024
Click here           for all results and final tables

Club Captain Neil Leeder (left) alongside the winners, Maureen Hanratty, Shootsie and Jan Dando

Neil alongside runners up, David Arnold, Tony Harris and Mike Philpott

The Finalists 

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Trophy table

Wow! What a tremendous competition our Open Triples turned out to be with an excellent weekend of bowling, wonderful camaraderie and a thriller of a final that had the crowd gasping, sighing, and cheering, creating a fantastic atmosphere.  The reigning champions, Shootsie, Maureen Hanratty, and Jan Dando, triumphed in all seven games in their section to finish first, while David Arnold, Mike Philpott, and Tony Harris lost only one game, leading them to top section A.

Most players remained to witness the 7-end final, and this was appreciated by the players who all rose to the occasion. David’s team secured a strong lead in the second end when David's final bowl trailed the jack, scoring 4 points for a 4-1 lead. Shootsie's team immediately countered, claiming 3 shots in the third end to even the score at 4-4.

David's team captured the next three ends, advancing to an 8-4 lead before the final end. With only one bowl remaining and holding two, Jan used her years of experience to assess the head and called to Shootsie, "If you make this, it'll be the shot of your life. Remove this bowl, and we could score 5." As Shootsie approached the mat, the tension was palpable. His expert drive removed the bowl cleanly, eliciting cheers from the crowd as the opposing team's spirits fell.

However, was it 5 shots? The umpire, after some deliberation, declared 4 shots, leading to a one-end playoff. Shootsie, winning the toss, opted to give the mat away. Tony's first bowl stopped within 10 inches of the jack, but Maureen's bowl nestled inside his, seizing the shot. Tony responded, placing his bowl inside Maureen's, and with Mike's excellent delivery, they held 2 shots. Shootsie, with three bowls remaining, faced a congested head. David bowled his first to protect the head, and Shootsie's initial drive missed. His next bowl left his hand like an arrow, straight into the head. Bowls went everywhere and when the dust had settled, Shootsie's team held 3 shots. David's last-ditch effort to draw the shot failed, finalizing the score at 11-8 in favour of Shootsie's team, who retained the title.

What a match it was, worthy of gracing any competition at any level. Every bowler was at the top of their game, and the real winners were the sport of bowls and Zurgena Bowls Club. Congratulations to both the winners and runners-up for an excellent display, and to the crowd for enhancing the occasion. Trophies were presented by Club Captain Neil Leeder and special thanks was given to Umpires John and Sue Mannall,  Ferah Mehmet, the organisers, helpers, visiting bowlers, and Tammy Wilson for keeping everyone well-fed and hydrated throughout the weekend. Our next Open, a Pairs Competition, is scheduled for June 2025, and we look forward to welcoming many more visiting bowlers for yet another fantastic weekend.

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