Champ Clift proves just Two strong

JEAN Clift (Readhead) claimed the Northern Women’s Bowling Association’s Two-Bowl Champion of Champions title.

In a hard-fought final, runner-up was president Irene Brown (Walker) as Clift prevailed 21-11.

Early rounds were played to 18-up with 21-up in the final.

In the last eight, last year’s winner Ethel Hales (Cauldwell) came out on top against Irene Mackenzie (Gosforth Empire).

On level terms at 10-all, Hales pushed ahead to win 19-11.

Janet Diball (Ryton) was always in front against Brown with scores of 8-3, 11-7, 14-9 and 17-12.

Brown then dug deep to earn six shots and take the tie 18-17.

Clift had to fight hard to come through 18-16 against Denise Douglas (Hebburn).

Dorothy Stewart (Dunston) challenged Joan Moss (Ravensworth) and was in charge at 8-1, 11-4 and 14-9.

Moss managed to retrieve the situation to go ahead briefly by 15-14 until Stewart pulled back to triumph 18-15.

Hales versus Brown was a semifinal to be savoured.

Accurate play from both competitors ensured there were never more than two shots separating them.

The match progressed to 16-16 and 17-17 but Brown had the last word to move into the final 18-17.

The other semi-final was a complete contrast.

Clift was dominant against Stewart to secure an early lead of 8-0 (five ends).

Stewart then notched up five shots to trail by 8-5 but it was the end of the line for the Dunston representative with Clift surging ahead to record an 18-5 win.

Clift was always in command in the final against Brown.

Leading by 14-0, 9-3, 14-9 and 17-10, the Readhead rep played very accurate bowls to keep a usually extremely consistent Brown at bay.

No matter how hard Brown tried it was not to be her day as shots were traded back and forth.

Clift, however, was not so lucky in the final of the Four-Bowl Champion of Champions event.

She lost 21-13 to Ethel Hales (Cauldwell).

Hales kept her nose in front throughout the decider and there was good drawing play by both players.

At 16-13 ahead, and anxious to retain her title, the Cauldwell rep gained five shots over three ends to ensure her victory.