A fantastic Autumn Pairs competition today saw 15 pairs battling it out, with Ian Mayne and Pat Gaskin ultimately taking the title in a tight final against Peter Bailey & Paul Morley.

The sun shone on the righteous as a mix of experienced and learner bowlers took to the greens. The pairs were split into three groups of five, playing 6 ends against each other in a round robin. In Group A things were fairly tight. Steve James & John Gaskin ground out some close games, as did Mike Fagan & Steve Brookfield. However, it was Ian Mayne & Pat Gaskin (one of our new bowlers) who came through scoring 28 points, with Ted Baker & Barbara Davies (another newbie) close behind in second on 26 points. Dave Hulse & Richard Sutton finished with the wooden spoon on 15 points.

Group B was a little more straightforward, with Peter Bailey & Paul Morley streaking to the top of the table with an impressive 36 points, and Marg Copeland & Dave Allister coming second on 25. Wooden spoons went to Ian Gill & Anne Johnson and John Leadbetter & Dave Roper who could only get 13 points each.

Finally in Group C late arrivals Dave & Bev Sumner won the Group with 24 points, Chris Horsfall & Ian Prescott coming second with 20 points. Wooden spoons in this Group, with 11 points apiece, went to Aaron ‘Professional Yorkshireman’ Backhouse & Les Farrell, and Martin Roberts & Tim Walsh.

By the narrowest of margins Ted & Barbara went through on points scored to set up two intriguing semi finals, both of which were 6 ends each again. In the first on the artificial it was quite a close affair with Ian & Pat beating Dave & Bev 6-4. The other semi, played on the grass, was slightly more one sided with Peter & Paul overcoming Ted & Paul 11-2.

On to the final, and Peter & Paul chose the grass on winning the toss, and having played their semi on there were the bookies favourites. However, some resolute bowling from Ian & Pat saw them win a close tight final by 4-2, only singles being scored on each end. They were worthy champions of the Autumn Pairs with some great bowling. Some more pictures of the day will follow.