Dramatic end to women’s open fours
In a finale that befitted the occasion, Papakura’s Marg Davies held her nerve to ensure victory for her side in the final of the Taranaki women’s open fours event at Paritutu yesterday.
Davies’ crew defeated a Wanganui team skipped by Pam Burgess 24-23 in the decider that had those watching the game – both at the green and online – immersed in what became a dramatic conclusion.
Davies and her quartet of Cheryl Hunia, Les Eagleton and Hetty Bolscher deservedly led 24-20 after 24 of the 25 ends.
But changing fortunes on the last end meant that Burgess and her team of Denise Taylor, Sonia Wooding and Dot Belliss were still in with a chance.
That chance became real belief when Burgess, with her first bowl, brilliantly turned off Hunia’s shot bowl. It left Wanganui holding five shots – enough for victory.
However, after inspecting the head, Davies pushed down on the forehand, running into the counting bowls. She came off one off the counters, dislodging that off the head, and in turn sat on the shot bowl.
Burgess still had one to play. She also pushed into the head, collecting the jack, but on closer observation, it left her with only three shots – one short of a tie.
A relieved Davies didn’t play her last bowl.
The Papakura side dominated the opening stanza of the final, leading 11-0 after six ends.
At the morning tea adjournment, after 11 ends, Davies still called the tune 15-4. Bolscher, in particular, had a highly productive start to the game, her experience as an Auckland gold star holder and a past Dominion fours winner showing through.
But after the resumption in play, the Wanganui team settled and clawed back into the contest.
Belliss – the sister-in-law of the famed Peter – was impressive. Even though Davies still held the same 11-shot lead after 17 heads, five ends latter, the score had tightened to 23-19.
The sides then exchanged singles before the tense, accurate final end.
‘‘We came down not expecting anything,’’ Davies said afterwards. ‘‘We are thrilled to be going home with the trophy. This remains a great tournament.’’
In the semifinals on Saturday afternoon, Davies’ team beat Matua’s Marj Flowerday, Lynne Taylor, Pat Gillon and skip Jean Sheary 24-11. Burgess was a 26-10 victor in the other semi over Tauranga’s Donna Whitten, Alison Brocklehurst, June Mabbett and skip June Smith.
Burgess ended the hopes of the last Taranaki side, Rhonda Adams (Fitzroy), 19-15 in the quarterfinals on Saturday morning.
The other games in that round saw Davies come from behind to beat Pauline Pirere (Laird Park) 30-20, Sheary downed Ann Loomb (Mt Maunganui) 26-12, while Smith ousted Karen Forrest (Manurewa) 22-14.