Durham defeat defending champions to win women’s senior pairs

Durham’s Glynis Morgan and Joan Rodgerson have won the 2018 National Women’s Senior Pairs Competition, defeating defending champions Lesley Johnson and Margaret Holden from Hampshire in this evening’s final.

The event, sponsored by Bowling Abroad Holidays, took place at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa.

The match was very tight for the majority of the contest, however the 20th end proved critical when the Durham duo collected four shots to have a six-shot lead heading into the 21st end.

In the semi-final, Morgan and Rodgerson took an early 5-0 lead against Dorset’s Julie Leake and Penny Cresswell before losing eight of the next nine ends to trail 8-12. The remainder of the match was very tight and scores finished level after 21 ends, with the Durham pair winning after an extra end.

Johnson and Holden defeated Nottinghamshire’s Sandra Maguire and Anna Duckworth 24-22 in their semi-final.

The Hampshire pair led 16-4 after eight ends, however at 16 ends found themselves level at 19-19 following a period of great bowling by their opponents. They then regained a four-shot lead, however dropped a three on the 20th end to only lead by one going into the final end.

Results:
Semi-Finals:
Durham (Glynis Morgan & Joan Rodgerson) bt Dorset (Julie Leake & Penny Cresswell) 16-15;
Hampshire (Lesley Johnson & Margaret Holden) bt Nottinghamshire (Sandra Maguire & Anna Duckworth) 24-22.

Final:
Durham (Glynis Morgan & Joan Rodgerson) bt Hampshire (Lesley Johnson & Margaret Holden) 21-12

Full results of all matches will be published at the conclusion of each session on the Bowls England website and social media channels. All draws, including results, may be viewed on the Bowls England Competitions Portal at: https://bowlsengland.247.tv

Live scoring from all semi-finals and finals can be located at www.bowlsengland.com

Official photographs can be viewed and purchased at: http://www.bobsaundersphotography.co.uk/bsp_events.html

Entry to the championships is free of charge. Chargeable parking is available in Victoria Park and in nearby town centre car parks. The Tournament Office will be open daily from 8.30am until close of play. Should you have any queries related to the National Championships please telephone 01926 430686.