By Suzi Cooper
The 2018 Línea Directa Spanish Nationals came to a close on 24th after 9 days of glorious weather and superb bowling.
The Mens Triples final was between Brian Allen, Johnny & Gary Raby of San Miguel against Terry Morgan, Peter Morgan & Paul Parkes of Quesada. On this occasion the San Miguel trio failed to find their form from previous rounds while the Quesada trio maintained their form to take the title.
In the Ladies Triples final it was again San Miguel (Gail Willshire, Ann Eagle & Lynn Greenland) against Quesada (Mel Highland, Deidre Leeming & Jacqui Johnston). As in the Mens final the San Miguel trio did not bowl to their usual form and the Quesada trio took the title after 16 ends.
At the same time the Mens Pairs final was taking place. This was San Luis (Steve Simmons & Ian Kenyon) against the home pair of Pat Heaney & John Rimmer. This was a really close match and after 13 ends the Emerald Isle pair led 11-10. San Luis picked up 6 shots over the next 3 ends to lead by 5 and despite dropping single shots on the last 2 ends San Luis held on to win.
The following day we started with the Ladies Pairs final which was an all San Miguel final. The 3 ladies from the triples were playing. Last years Champions Gail Willshire & Lynn Greenland taking on Val Collier & Ann Eagle. After 9 ends Val & Ann led by just a single shot. After 13 ends it was again just the single shot difference in favour of Val & Ann. They then picked up 9 shots over the next 4 ends to seal their win.
Onto the 2 Premier events, the Ladies and Mens Singles.
The Ladies final was again an all San Miguel final. Mary Dyer (this years Champion of Champions Ladies Singles Champion) taking on past winner Ann Allen. Mary got into her stride straight away and never let up the pressure. She took the title after 15 ends to complete the double – will she be able to do the treble with the Valencians in September?
The Mens Singles final was an all blue affair with Paul Parkes (Quesada) taking on Ian Kenyon (San Luis). With both players having won a title the day before they were both in fine form and on a high. After 7 ends the score was 5 each. After 14 ends they were 9 all – just 18 shots scored in the 14 ends, showing how close the match was. Ian then took a 3 shot lead only for Paul to come back to take a 2 shot lead after 21 ends. Ian however then won the next 4 ends to take the title. It was a great game to watch and played in the best spirit.
Following the finals the Presentation of the medals was held.
Bob Donnelly thanked Emerald Isle for giving up their green for the period of the tournament. He thanked the caterers for providing the after competition buffet for all finalists and officials. The 2 coordinators were presented with a gift of the favourite tipple for their sterling work. The umpires, markers and board turners were also thanked.
Linea Directa and Avalon were thanked for sponsoring the event, The Leader for producing the programme and finally Bob thanked Competition Secretary Suzi Cooper for her work before and during the event, presenting her with a large box of chocolates.
With all the thank you completed the Spanish flag was lowered to close the 24th edition of this prestigious event.
Photographs of the tournament can be viewed at:
https://www.facebook.com/SpanishNationalBowls2018/
