Sports

Father & son combo fall short in Champion of Club Champion Pairs

On Sunday Brad Johnson teaming with his father, Terry Johnson, attempted to add the 2019 Zone One Champion of Club Champion Pairs title to his already impressive array of 2019 titles and ensure another appearance at the 2019 New South Wales State finals. To date, Brad has qualified in the State Open Singles and Triples events having teamed with Trevor Bardsley and ‘Uncle Jim’ in the triples.

The Champion of Club Champion Pair’s title would prove to be a particularly difficult title to secure with Brad and Terry meeting the talented Alstonville duo of Rod McCabe and the 2018 Australia Open Singles semi-finalist, Peter Taylor, in the final.

The game began in typical championship fashion with neither side able to build a significant lead. After five ends, Brad and Terry led by a single shot, five to four. However, three unfortunate ends soon had the Yamba father and son pairing trailing by 14 shots to five and under considerable pressure. Brad and Terry showed tremendous character to force their way back into the match but still trailed by 17 shots to 10 after 13 ends and needing a strong run on the scoreboard with only eight ends to play. The scores closed even more and with five ends to play the teams were separated by only two shots and then with three to play the scoreboard was level at 19 shots all. Over the final three ends a mere three shots were scored in what was a truly magnificent game of lawn bowls. Unfortunately, two of the shots were secured by the Alstonville team ensuring that the title was theirs with a narrow 21 – 20 win.

Congratulations to all involved in this epic battle involving four fine ambassadors for the sport.

Don Freeman