Ballapaws Ladies’ Doubles

The ladies’ doubles open, sponsored by Ballapaws Boarding Kennels took place at Peel on Saturday 27 July, with an entry of fifteen pairs. The event started in overcast conditions which turned to rain for the later stages.

In the first round all the matches were won to double figures. Lyndas Cadamy and Lyn Bolton had a tough draw against last year’s winners, Kim Hargraves and Jenny Moore, who seemed to be cruising at 19-13. A three and a single saw the possibility of a come- back from Lynda and Lyn, but it was too little too late as Kim and Jenny came through 21-17.In a similar vein, Celia Joughin and Lil Smith raced to an 18 -11 lead over Caroline Whitehead and Jan West, before their opponents scored seven over the next four ends to close to 18-19. A two from the Marown pair saw them progress to the next round 21-18. The Peel pairing of Lynda Wilson and Cath Parker also came from behind, trailing 14-18. They won the next five ends, including two 2’s to take the game 21-18.

In the quarter-finals Joyce Kelly and Mary Moffatt won their game against Sue Jones and newcomer Courtney Moore 21-7, while Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden got of to a flyer against Paula Firth and Lin Ruscoe, sprinting to a 16-7 lead, before winning 21-10. Cath Parker and Lynda Wilson were inspired in their match against Margaret Tasker and Tricia Bull taking the game 21-14, and in the other quarter-final Jenny Moore and Kim Hargraves experienced some dogged resistance from Lil Smith and Celia Joughin, who had the better start, leading 12-8 and holding on to the advantage to 13-12 when Jenny and Kim switched up a gear to reach the semi-finals 21-15.

Quarter-finals: Joyce Kelly and Mary Moffatt 21, Sue Jones and Courtney Moore 7; Kim Hargraves and Jenny Moore 21, Celia Joughin and Lil Smith 15;  Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden 21, Paula Firth and Lin Ruscoe  10; Cath Parker and Lynda Wilson 21, Margaret Tasker and Tricia Bull 14.

In the first semi-final, Joyce Kelly and Mary Moffatt stayed with Kim and Jenny to 9 – 9, but their challenge collapsed when they could only manage one more point, while Cath and Lynda had shot their bolt in the previous round and could not find their mojo again, going down 21-9 to Philippa and Joyce

The rain, which had started during the semi-finals was also a factor in the final, with conditions becoming a little inclement.

In the final early exchanges saw the score level at 9-9, but Kim and Jenny were determined to hold on to their title, scoring twelve in five ends to take the trophy 21-9.

Heather Horsburgh thanked those who had entered and those who had helped during the afternoon. Particular thanks went to Ballapaws Boarding Kennels for their sponsorship of the event. Heather then asked club Vice-President, Mona Kerruish to present the prizes.