Doubles games down to the wire

GREENHILLS members were treated to some entertaining and keenly contested turkey doubles clashes last Thursday night.

A couple of glorious backhand draw shots to the jack in a decisive final end saw Anna Farrell and John Hurley edge out Gertie Griffin and Winnie Hanlon in the opening match of the night. It was nip and tuck all the way up to that point and they were all square going into that last end, but John and Anna showed nerves of steel to take a three-shot victory.

Tony Lacken and John Connelly also had to produce the goods in the final end of their contest with Anna McKenna and Jack Howell.

Both sides enjoyed spells of supremacy in an absorbing match and Tony and John had the minimum one-shot lead heading into the final end. However, some superb shots to the head secured a hard-earned victory by two shots.

Alice Leonard and Sadie Cambpell were pitted against reigning champs Aileen Fitzgerald and Jimmy Flood, who made a slick start, surging four shots ahead after three ends. Alice and Sadie were caught on the hop but rallied well and edged ahead with two ends remaining. However, some superb draw shots in the final two ends saw Aileen and Jimmy pull clear for a fine victory.

In the last match of the night Eugene McKenna and new member Andy McGrane pushed Jim Hanlon and Tom Devin all then way in a riveting contest.

It was tight and tense in the early ends, but Jim and Tom turned the game in their favour in the seventh end to take the lead at a crucial point, three up.

Eugene and Andy refused to go quietly and levelled the match in the penultimate end. Both teams produced a cracker of a finish playing great bowls into the head, but Jim and Tom got out of jail sealing victory by two shots and into the next round.

The draw for that next round will take place on Thursday at 9pm sharp. Any member unable to attend should contact a committee member to ensure the smooth running of the competition.

Congratulations to juvenile member Jane Whelan who celebrated her ninth birthday recently; a great day was had by family and friends.

Any members who wish to travel to the Redeemer Open Pairs from December 8th to 12th should put their name forward on the noticeboard.

Times of play: Juveniles - Tuesday 7-8.15pm; Seniors - Tuesday and Thursday 8-10.30pm.