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In a nail-biting conclusion to the season, The Draw Masters have been crowned champions of the Jack Borrett Mixed Triples League after a dramatic final that went down to the very last bowl. The match, brought forward a day due to a forecast of adverse weather, delivered a contest of the highest calibre against the valiant runners-up, The Guardians of the Green.
The tone was set from the very first end, which was so closely contested it had to be decided by calipers. Throughout the match, the advantage swung back and forth between the two determined teams.
Despite a few passing showers, the convivial atmosphere was perfect for a high-stakes game, which was played with true sportsmanship, watched by a contingent of supportive spectators.
Even with a last-minute substitution, which saw Alan Harvey step in for Steve Turner, The Draw Masters held their nerve. They raced out to a 7-1 lead in the first set, but a spirited rally by the Guardians brought the scores level after 8 of the 9 ends. The Masters edged the last end to win the set 8-7. The second set was tight, with scores level after 6 ends. Facing five down, Guardians' skip, Mark Hussell, brilliantly ditched the jack to take a single. Two further singles gave the second set to the Guardians 9-6, resulting in a three-end tie-break.
The Guardians won the tie-break toss and, perhaps surprizingly, elected to keep the jack on the first end. Lead Liz's third bowl was very close and despite the Masters' best efforts remained for shot. In the second end good play from both teams saw the jack moved a couple of times and the Guardians in a match-winning lie holding two as the skips went up to bowl. Masters' skip, Colin Meadows, played a running bowl with his first, negotiating the short bowls and ditching the jack. His bowl was unbeatably touching the jack in the ditch and the end was conceded without further ado.
For the final end the Guardians, having the choice, gave away the jack to keep the last bowl. Masters' two, Alan Harvey, played an excellent draw just a few inches away to give them shot. His skip, Colin, played defensive positional bowls which were just sufficient to frustrate Mark's attempts to draw the shot - the last bowl missing by inches.
Following the gripping contest, President Mike Caird presented the Jack Borrett Trophy to the victorious Draw Masters team: Steve Turner, Mitzi Harvey, and Colin Meadows.
Congratulations are also extended to the runners-up, Liz Caird, Mike Bradburn, and Mark Hussell, for their part in such a memorable final.
Report by Alan Harvey, with additional details from Quentin Smith. Photos by President Mike Caird & Quentin Smith