Gwen Burke (Broadstairs) and Clive Jones (Shoebury) claimed the mixed pairs crown at the Southend Ladies Open Bowls Tournament following a three-hour and 20-minute final showdown with Shirley and Harry Cohen (Fairway & Belfairs).
Finalists - (l-r) Clive Jones, Gwen Burke, Shirley Cohen and Harry Cohen Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
Burke and Jones were always in front and had taken a 16-6 lead by the 14th end by scoring ones and twos. The Cohens then scored five to make it 16-11.
They then needed five on the final end to draw even and force an extra end. But they went one down before finally losing 20-14.
Burke was the ladies' singles champion last year and had just 35 minutes to prepare after her mixed pairs success before starting her defence against the 2002 winner Jean Durrant (Victoria).
The score stood at 16-16 after 25 ends before Burke scored three and one to make it 20-16 in her favour.
Then Durrant rallied by scoring four in the 28th end to make it 20-20 before scoring a one to win the game in the following end at Priory Park.
Action continues today in the singles before the tournament finishes tomorrow with the remaining finals.
Published Friday July 30, 2004
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