CHAMPIONSHIPS – Fours & Pairs results

Saturday November 26th: In the FOURS there were 14 entries who played in 3 round robin groups (2×5 & 1×4). Group winners and the “next best” 5 then went into the Quarter Finals the results of which were…..

Arthur Jackson, Sue Pittham, Mike Carter & Dennis Jarvis v Roger Green, Paul Johnson, Debbie Taylor & John Walker 8-6
Steve Packer, Ben Render, Steve Duffin & David Newsome v Dave Hunton, Andrew Mather, David Brown & Keith Hughes 4-3
Bronagh & Lee Toleman, Danny Langdon & Callum Malone v Steve Finch, Janet Clark, Brian & Christine Thorne 11-2
Matthew Jackson, Simon Holtby, Rose Haynes & Paul Whitcombe v Laurence & Chantal Ireland, Jim Price & Andrew Wilkinson 7-3

In the Semi Finals, Matthew & Co. then beat Arthur’s four 9-6, whilst Bronagh’s team overcame Steve’s 11-2.

The Final therefore saw North Bay play Great Ouseburn for the second time in the day as they had already met in the round robin. That meeting had resulted in a drawn match, so a tense Final was expected. Neither side gave much away until Matthew seized an opportunity to ditch the jack which gave him a critical 4 and then went on to close the match at 8-3.

Of some note is the fact that Rose and Simon were the first winners of the Fours Championships back in 2004, since when they have also been winners in 2011, 2014 and 2017. A great record.

                        

Sunday November 27th: There were 30 entries in the PAIRS which was an encouraging increase of 6 over last year. The initial round robin was played in 7 groups (2×5 & 5×4). Once complete the bottom 14 were eliminated and the 7 group winners with the “next best” 9 then progressed to the first knockout round (last 16) after which the top 8 played in the Quarter Finals. The results of these were as follows.

Bronagh & Lee Toleman v Tim Jackson & Dennis Jarvis 11-8
Arthur Jackson & Sue Pittham v Steve Packer & Steve Duffin 9-4
Ben Render & Danny Langdon v Simon Holtby & Rose Haynes 12-1
James Clark & Danielle Newsome v Dave Herbert & Dave Edwards 10-4

In the Semi-Finals, Bronagh & Lee fell to Ben & Danny 6-8, whilst Arthur & Sue overcame James & Danielle 10-5.

In their first Final, Arthur & Sue, after a great run, finally met their match against Ben & Danny who clinched this year’s title with a substantial 13-1 result – a repeat of their win in 2016 and a 5th Pairs title for Danny.

           

(Note that 22 of the 30 entries had opted for the Nationals this year. This is a record and will hopefully give us 4 places in the Finals. However, this will not be known until the New Year.)

Thanks to Alan and Tim for umpiring duties and to all who supported the raffles organised by Pat, which returned a profit of £136.