AFTER some exciting semifinals, we can now announce the finalists for the Algarve Championship. The triples were played in Tavira and, after two very close and absorbing games, John Gilbert and John and Christina Lasky from Alvor just edged out their clubmates Jimmy Jones, Mike Webb and Terry Kerr by 17 shots to 13.
In the other semifinal, an even more tense and tight encounter resulted in a last gasp victory for the PDF triple of Paul Johnson, Sheila Rapsey and Ken Catherall (subbing for the injured John Watts). They squeaked home by 15 shots to 14 over another Alvor triple, John and Ann Morgan and Don Wood.
The pairs were decided at PDF club, when Alan Clarke and Paul Johnson won 30-26 against their clubmates, Mick Bulmer and Colin Prosser, despite the latter picking up 15 shots in the last five ends in a valiant but vain attempt to close the gap. On the adjacent rink, John and Christina Lasky continued their winning ways with 26 shots to 11, resulting in a victory over their clubmates Stewart Banks and Ron Richards.
Attention finally turned to the Alvor club, when the singles semifinals were played. Paul Johnson of PDF duly completed a stunning hat trick of championship victories by edging out Roy Bland of CPO by 21-20, while David Burbage of CPO beat Carol Glover from the Alvor club by 21-17.
Everyone is now looking forward to Championship Finals Day in Alvor on March 5 and the awarding of the first lawn bowling titles in the Algarve. We congratulate Paul Johnson on reaching all three finals, and John and Christina Lasky on reaching two out of three. Anyone who would like to come along and see top quality bowling will be welcome on the Finals Day. Contributed
