THE Murch Bowling Club tournament opened on Thursday, September 8, with the Mixed Rink competition being won by one shot by Alan Perry, Ann Croom, Terry Phillips, and Roger Mauchline against David Letts, Bill Frampton, Ian Robinson, and Cynthia Tranter.

Friday, September 9, started with the following events:

Mixed Triples: winners Terry Phillips, Sheila Mauchline and Roger Mauchline. Runners-up Eileen Carryer, Ian Robinson and Graham Russell 15 - 13

Mixed Pairs: winners Eric Atkins and Cynthia Tranter. Runners-up Chris Real and Roger Mauchline 27 - 12

Ladies Pairs: winners Chris Real and Sheila Mauchline. Runners-up Avril Allen and Eileen Carryer 23 - 8

Saturday, September 10

Ladies Triples: winners Liz Sandercott, Ann Croom and Marilyn Clake. Runners-up Avril Allen, Eileen Carryer and Cynthia Tranter 16 - 11

Men’s Triples: winners Clive Salvidge, Alan Perry and Geoff Lane. Runners-up Eric Atkins, Terry Phillips and Roger Mauchline 20 - 16

Men’s Pairs: winners Alan Perry and Mark Hughes. Runners-up Maurice Warman and Ivor Williams 25 - 17

Mixed 2 Wood: winners Myra Rice and David Poole. Runners-up Cynthia Tranter and Roger Mauchline 12 - 11

On conclusion of the last game lunch was taken and a fine selection of salads and buffet food was available. A special thanks to all the ladies for their organisation and particularly to Gwladys Hayes who worked tirelessly throughout the day.

The afternoon continued with the Ladies Novice Singles which was won by Chris Real, runner-up was Pat Ayres 21 - 8

Men’s Novice Singles: winner Tony Rice. Runner-up Eric Atkins 21 - 13

The Ladies Championship singles final was marked by the men’s vice captain Mark Hughes.

The contestants for the Ladies Final were Sheila Mauchline and Marilyn Clake. Both ladies played magnificently and were evenly matched.

The game was played in a wonderful spirit and on the 28th end Sheila played the winning shot to end the game at 21 - 17. Both ladies earned the resounding applause from spectators.

Men’s Championship singles final was marked by lady captain Eileen Carryer, the winner was David Poole and runner-up Terry Phillips. Terry got off to a good start but once David got in his stride he took the upper hand to win conclusively.

Despite the less than perfect bowling conditions, partly because of the soft condition of the green, there was some excellent bowling throughout the three days.

Congratulations to all players for such sporting and exciting finals.

With the tournament now concluded the members and players retired to the club house for the presentation, carried out by club president Roger Mauchline, ably assisted by vice president Cynthia Russell.

There was a tinge of sadness to the day when members heard that trustee/founder member Mike Bransfield had died that day. Mike was one of the founder members who was honoured last year at the 25th Anniversary dinner/dance and until fairly recently had umpired the finals resplendent in his green blazer. He served the club well in his capacity as captain, coach, umpire, player and friend. He will be missed for many reasons, not least his humour, encouragement and good natured banter.

Finally captains' Eileen Carryer and Terry Phillips are pleased to announce that the captains' charities this year are Teenage Cancer Trust and Clic Sargent. Both will receive a cheque for £460.

A final thank you to all helpers who assisted the captains' in raising the amount for the charities.