Pairs Champions 2016 of Yamba Women’s Bowling Club are Beryl Mills and Kerry Pedder, they proved too strong for Denise Burey and Joan Scadden. In a match disrupted by rain, Beryl and Kerry retained their composure and concentration to control the game in the main. After a very even start to the game, they picked up a 3 to take the lead 8-6 on the 9th end and from there were not headed. Scoring 9 shots over the next 5 ends, including a valuable 6 on the 12th, they had worked themselves into a very strong position despite their opponents playing some very good bowls. Then Denise and Joan threatened to make a comeback when some great draw bowling by each of them picked up a 3 on the 15th end, and getting 7 in the next 3 ends seemed possible. However, their aspirations were stymied on the next end when Beryl exerted the pressure from her first bowl, landing one very close, and she and Kerry wrested the momentum back to get 2 and hold a 9 shot lead with 2 to play. So then it was safety first, and they were happy to give their opponents singles on those ends, to run out winners 19-12. Notching up her first major Championship, Kerry was understandably over the moon with the win. She skipped the combo very capably, and she and the very experienced Beryl proved the ideal team. Denise and Joan put up stiff opposition, and with a bit of luck could have been much closer in the closing ends and able to exert more scoreboard pressure. In other games on Thursday 28 the reigning Queen Catherine and Princess Ruthie fought off the second of the challengers for their respective crowns. Catherine Aitchison played a very steady game to overcome Judy Button. Catherine got off to a flyer and was in top form to lead 12-1, but as always when Judy hits her straps anything is possible, and the gap narrowed considerably. But eventually despite a tough challenge, Catherine scored a comfortable victory 25-17. Ruthie Fletcher played very well to also get off to a great start against Maria Sakac, but then the nerves calmed and Maria played some lovely bowls to get back into the game. Ruthie was not to be outdone though and the lead see-sawed mid-game. It remained very close, but Ruthie looked to have it in her grasp when she led 24-23 and was holding game with Maria having only one to play. But she played a pressure toucher to level at 24-all. Steadying, Ruthie got the crucial shot in a tight last head to retain her title in a great contest. Tuesday February 2 will see the first round of the Major Singles Championship, and there should be some tight first round games. The second round is scheduled for Thursday February 4. In the top half of the draw, Chris Cole v Judy Pryor and Dot Gleeson v Joan Scadden, with the winners to play off in Round 2. Similarly the winners of Judy Sinclair vs Ruthie Fletcher and Helen Atkinson vs Gloria Davis also meet in Round 2. The bottom half sees Denise Burey vs Wendy Ballantyne and Judy Abbott vs Kaye Mason, with the two winners facing off in Round 2. Also in Round 2 after a first round bye, will be the Catherine Aitchison and Judy Button replay. Members should note that the nomination sheet for the Championship Club Fours is on the board, and that entries for District events need to be in the hands of the Secretary before March 2. Wendy Ballantyne