Last Saturday (27/6) we had the final of the Mixed Pairs, for those of you who were not there, you missed one of the most exciting matches that has been played on the Tuross greens for a long period of time. There were several members greenside to witness the match of Doreen Monks and Allan Etheredge against Denise and Bruce Lidbury.
Denise and Bruce won the toss and got away to a good start to win the first four ends with a 6-0 lead. Doreen and Allan picked up the next three ends to reduce the margin to 2 shots and trail 4-6. At this stage both teams had found their line and length and were playing exceptionally great draw bowls.
The heads were extremely tight. Denise and Bruce won the eighth end to go to 7-4. It was a seesawing match for the next four ends with Denise and Bruce extending their lead to 10-6.
At this stage Doreen and Allan found another gear and picked up the next four ends to have a lead of 12-10 at the end of the sixteenth. At the end of the seventeenth Denise and Bruce had squared up the score at 12-12 going into the final end.
Denise rolled a long end, consistent with what they had been playing all match. At the change of ends Denise appeared to be holding shot and Bruce put another well placed bowl into the head. Unfortunately, though, Allan as he had done all match, nice and cool reciprocated with placing a better bowl in the head to claim shot.
At the changeover, again Denise was extremely unlucky to just miss the Jack with both her bowls. With only four bowls to come, Bruce played with a bit of weight and was unlucky to not to get a wick into the head, Allan played his second last bowl safely behind. Bruce had one last shot to secure the match; however, it went wide and missed the head. It was all over; Allan did not need to play his last bowl. Allan Etheredge and Doreen Monks are the Tuross Head Mixed Pairs Champions for 2025/26 with a 13-12 win.
Allan, (not sure why they call him Average), today he was exceptional, very cool, never flustered. He was ably assisted by Doreen and they are worthy Champions. Denise and Bruce had been a force throughout the lead up matches, but today was unfortunately not their day, as only one team can take home the trophy. Thanks to Lorrie Bird for umpiring.
Good luck to Denise next week at the State Championships in Dubbo, hope you play like you did on Thursday. The Club is proud of your achievements and wishes you well.