On Monday & Tuesday the Valencian Championships came down to the wire with the Finals of each discipline.
In the Mixed Triples the home side of Sue Bosworth, Peta Rhodes & Andy Miles were against the Country Bowls trio of Sheena Mallet, Dennis Wade & John Mallet. It was a close match but the Country Bowls team won the final 3 ends to take the title, 16-12. This is the second year that the triples has been won by a Country Bowls team.
The Mixed Pairs had Chris & Dennis Wright of Bonalba take on Lisa & Peter Bonsor of Greenlands. The Bonalba pair didn’t find their form of the previous matches, so Lisa & Peter romped to a huge win 31-7.
On to Tuesday morning and the turn of the Mens & Ladies pairs. In the Ladies Carole Donnellan & Della Wailes of Country Bowls played against Kath Reid & Carol Thorpe of Vistabella. The Vistabella ladies were always in control of this match and went on to take the title 28-12.
The Mens Pairs brought together 2 strong pairings in Martin Foulcer & Ian Kenyon of Vistabella and John O’Brien (Competition Secretary) & Peter Bonsor of Greenlands. This match was always going to be a close match & it proved to be so. The scores were level at 5 each, 10 each & 12 each before the Greenlands pairs won 5 of the remaining 6 ends to take the win 19-13.
After a short break it was the turn of the Mens & Ladies Singles.
In the Ladies it was Peta Rhodes (past Valencian & National Champion) against Lisa Bonsor. Peta started off quickly scoring 13 shots, but then Lisa started to get back into the match. After 16 ends she was still 6-20 down but won the next 5 ends before Peta managed to score that elusive 21st shot and take the game 21-13.
The Mens singles had the Champion of the last 2 years Peter Morgan of Quesada taking on Scott Malden of San Luis. This was a great match to watch and after 12 ends there was just a single shot between them. Again after 18 ends Peter lead by just a single shot. He went on to win 4 of the last 5 ends & take the title for the 3rd year running 21-16.
Following the games the Presentation of prizes took place and thanks were given to both host clubs, Quesada & Emerald Isle, their committees & members. Thanks were also given to the umpires & markers who gave up their time during the competition. The sponsors Linea Directa who continue to support bowls in Spain and finally John O’Brien for his work before & during the event.
