The Mixed Pairs Championship has been finalised with Pat and John Wagstaff coming from behind to outlast Bruce and Denise Lidbury in a fantastic game. This was an excellent final between two pairings with great back stories. The Lidburys were out to win their fifth title in six years – they couldn’t play in 2020 due to illness. Apart from last year Denise has played in every final of this event since 2011! Her side won 7 of the 9 Championships adding these to four victories between 2002 and 2009 – not a bad record!
Mixed Pairs Champions - Pat and John Wagstaff.
For their part, the Wagstaffs were playing in their first Championship after returning to the Club after a ten year break. The records show that John dominated the Major Singles in the early 2000s winning the title four times!
The Lidburys started the match very well and dominated the early ends with both players in good touch. By the 7th end they had set up an advantage of 14 – 3! From this point the momentum changed. The Wagstaffs won 6 of the next 7 ends to draw level at 15 all after 14 ends.
The game was set up for a great final third as the players moved into the championship ends. The final 7 ends were very closely fought. The Wagstaffs moved in front at 17 – 15 only to see the Lidburys regain the lead at 18 – 17 after 17 ends. The Wagstaffs were able to win the next 3 ends in very tight situations. With just the last end to play they were in front by 21 – 18. This end was very close. The Lidburys had the better of the play and held the shot throughout. However, they were unable to pick up enough shots to grab victory. They managed 2 shots to see the final score of 21 – 20 in favour of the Wagstaffs.
Congratulations to both teams for producing such a great match! For the winners both Pat and John both played their part in the victory – including the occasional good natured banter from Pat that eased the tension! With some great draw bowls, John showed why he has been such a formidable singles player! As usual the Lidburys were always in the game despite periods when it looked as if luck had deserted them! Well done to all four players and a special congratulations to the Wagstaffs!
