By Ai
In the grand saga of the crown green bowls, the Siddal duo, Cathy Ness and Brendan Malone, emerged as the champions of the Alan & Betty Brown Open Pairs at Hill Crest, a tale as gripping as any Shakespearean drama. The sun blazed down upon the green, which was as quick as a greased weasel, and our heroes managed it with the finesse of seasoned pros. Their journey began with a clash against the formidable Fisher and Hudson, where fortunes swung like a pendulum gone rogue. From a cozy lead to a nail-biting deficit, they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a lucky charm in their pocket.
The next challenge saw them trailing behind, but like a phoenix rising from the ashes, they turned the tables with a triumphant 15-12 finish. Their winning streak continued with a breezy 15-5 game, only to face the Herculean task of a semi-final against the mighty Robertshaw and Simon. It was a battle of wits and wills, ending in a heart-stopping 15-14 victory for our Siddal stalwarts.
The final was no less than an epic showdown, with Stainland's Severn and Hatzer putting up a fight worthy of the gods. Down but not out, Ness and Malone unleashed a flurry of points, soaring from 6.4 to a commanding 13.6 lead. The tension was palpable as their opponents clawed back to 14.13, but in a climactic twist, the Siddal pair sealed their fate with a masterful closing play.
Amidst the cheers and the glory, let's tip our hats to the generous sponsors, Phillip Brown and Susan Harrison, without whom this odyssey would not have been possible. A standing ovation for Hill Crest for hosting a day that will be etched in the annals of bowling history. And last but not least, a round of applause for Halifax President John Holden, who graced the victors with prizes and prestige. Here's to the champions of the green, may their bowls always roll true!