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Alan
Turner and Brian Todd proved to be the dominant figures in this
year’s Superbowl Open Tournament winning both of the disciplines
contested. As always there was an excellent entry with, on this
occasion, all nine Clubs represented together with a number of
visitors from the UK.
The Club identified a new Sponsor for the 2009 Tournament and KINGS
FOODS certainly provided generous sponsorship. The Company supplies
a quality range of products, described as “Great European Favourites”,
under the slogan “Food 4 Thot”. They offer a daily delivery service
along the Coast and the contact Telephone Number for Malaga Province
is 952 58 44 36 ( ask for Warren, Steve or Dennis ).
Played in the traditional knockout format over 18 ends, there were
many close matches in the early stages and pre-tournament favourites
were “falling by the wayside” with alarming regularity. There were
also some memorable encounters, none more so than the Triples game
between Neil Marshall, Sandy Guthrie & Aussie King and Alan Turner,
Diane Chambers & Brian Todd which finished 12-12 after the 18 ends,
Alan, Diane & Brian edging the extra end to progress in the
competition.
PAIRS SECTION :-
There were two surprise pairings in the semi-finals and they were
matched against “odds-on” favourites :-
Geoff & Doreen Land, who had bowled magnificently throughout and
used their considerable experience to good effect, had the daunting
task of beating the in form pairing of Alan & Brian who quickly
established a 12-2 lead after 6 ends. Whilst Geoff & Doreen managed
to stem the flow their opponents ran out comfortable 24-11 winners
dropping only 6 ends in the process.
Mick & Dot Clark, having never reached a major Final before, were
the opponents for Michael Detheridge & Paul Brown. This match proved
to be a real “nailbiter” and, having established a 9-6 lead after 11
ends, Michael & Paul looked to be on course for the Final. However,
with Dot pressurizing Paul and Mick playing some excellent attacking
Bowls, they picked up 4 shots on the 12th end and won 5 of the last
7 ends to record a famous, and deserved, 16-11 victory.
Despite being played in cold and blustery conditions, the Final did
not disappoint. Although always under extreme pressure, Mick & Dot
held their nerve throughout and went into the 18th end trailing
16-15 despite winning only 7 of the 17 ends played. Brian, who had
lead brilliantly throughout, placed his first Bowl near the Jack
with Dot having strategically placed back Bowls. The Jack was
difficult to attack but Mick had no option other than to run it back
towards the ditch. On this occasion he was unsuccessful and Alan &
Brian registered an 18-15 victory and sealed the first part of their
“double attempt”.
TRIPLES SECTION :-
The semi-finals pitched four of the “big guns” against each other,
one of which was a lengthy game decided on an extra end the other
being extremely one-sided :-
John Cornwell, playing with Terry & Maureen Barrett, had a last end
win over Denis Tolfree, Joe Roberts & Pat Fisher in the
quarter-finals. In the semi-final they were paired with the “form
team” of Alan Turner, Diane Chambers & Brian Todd who had “blitzed”
their way through early rounds. Sadly for Terry and his team the
momentum was maintained and, having established a 20-6 lead at 10
ends, Alan’s Triple never looked like losing and only lost 6 of the
17 ends played.
It was a different story in the other match. Michael Detheridge,
playing with Paul and Jan Brown, had a last end victory over Roy
Wilkins, John & Denise Howlett in the quarter-final and they played
Craig Lewis, Bruce & Brigitte Gunn. With neither team able to grab
the initiative a 3 shot lead was the most either held. On the last
end Craig “ditched” the Jack with his 3rd Bowl but Bruce could only
draw one shot to square the match at 17-17. A nervy extra end saw
Mike’s Triple claim the shot they needed.
The Final was always going to be a tense affair with Michael playing
against Alan and Brian, his old team-mates from Benalmadena. Under
pressure from the outset Mike’s team were struggling at 10-2 after 8
ends but, with a count of 6 on the 9th, it became a very interesting
match. Jan and Paul gained in confidence and suddenly it was Diane
and Alan under pressure. At 14-12 going into the 18th, Alan’s team
had a “toucher”on the Jack and Michael had few back Bowls to affect
the outcome. The opportunity was there to “burn an end” for the
third time in the match but he narrowly failed with his final Bowl.
It was an exciting climax to an excellent Tournament and gave Alan,
Diane & Brian another superb win in what is proving to be an
exceptional Season for them.
PRESENTATION :-
Superbowl’s President, David Jones, headed the Presentation Party
and expressed his sincere thanks to the all of the Players and
Spectators for their support throughout the Tournament, and for
those who had helped make the Finals Day one to remember, the Hand
family, Nicky and Joyce for their efforts on and off the Green, to
the Umpires who had freely given of their time to ensure every
session was effectively covered and to Competition Secretary, Davie
Hunter, for co-ordinating the event.
His final, special vote of thanks, was saved for the Warren, Steve
and Dennis, the Management team of the Kings Food Group who had
kindly stepped in with generous sponsorship following the late
withdrawl of the previous sponsor. Warren then presented the prizes
to the winners and losing finalists on behalf of Kings Foods.
Text and Pictures : Murray Johns 18 March, 2009 |
FOOD 4 THOT - SPONSORS 
