Tuesday August 3 dawned a little on the damp side, much to the horror of the organisers of this year’s Blue Pacific Pairs 2021 – but still 80 players took to the greens in a light drizzle which thankfully lifted to a cool overcast day – but no more rain!

President Bev extended a warm welcome to all visitors and members vying for the very generous prizemoney on offer. Morning tea over and it was on with the games – three games of twelve ends over the day.

At the lunch break after two games completed all players hopefully scanned the progressive score sheet provided by our scorer Bob Ballantyne assisted by Dave Atkinson. But as the saying goes it’s never over till the last bowl played and it’s that last round that defines the true winners.

So, with 84 points and a margin of 38 – it was the skilful combination of Sandra Youlten and Lee Rae (Maclean) who took out the $550 prizemoney. In 2nd place and hot on their heels another talented combination – Iluka’s Kim Mogler and Margaret Gosper with 83 points and a margin of 34 and 3rd went to another Maclean team – Cheryl Johnson and Judy Parkes with 82 points and margin 28. And yet another Maclean team took out 4th place – Carolyn Byrum and Caley Causley (82 points and Margin 21). Grafton District Services came home with in 5th with Vera Hall and Sue Jacquin’s score totalling 81 points and Margin of 22.

The ‘just missed out’ prize hot on the heels of the winners went to Glenda Ritchie and Yvonne Eckhardt visitors to our District.       

Round 1 winners were Gillian Wakefield (Iluka) and Marianne Jenner (Yamba). 

Round 2 went to Grafton’s Jo Pugh and Meryl Buckley.

Round 3 caused a few headaches for the scorers as the winners scores could not be separated so the Prizemoney was shared by Jan Jeans (visitor) and Helen Atkinson and team Julie Coulter and Val Terry (Yamba).

To make this day possible we rely on the generosity of sponsors, and we are fortunate to have our loyal sponsors Yamba Bowling and Recreation Club along with McDonalds Yamba, joined this year by Palm Lake Resort. Please accept our heartfelt thanks as without you we couldn’t have a successful Tournament.

Not forgetting all those Members who generously donated raffle prizes and also Debbie May Flowers who is one of our loyal supporters.

And then there are the workers – Cheryl and her team had a lot of work on their plates – setting up the previous evening and then an early start to provide us all with morning tea. Clearing up again and preparing for lunch – then more serving and clearing up, but handling their workload with efficiency and, as always, cheerfulness. Many thanks from all of us for your effort.

Thanks to our Norfolk Bistro for a lovely lunch and to the staff member Steve who helped out organising the raffle tickets. And to Karen Watts for representing the Club at our presentations.

And a huge thanks again to our scorer and controlling body Bob – a mammoth job undertaken with your usual efficiency. And to Dave assisting Bob and also tending to the needs of the players on the greens – ably assisted by Maz.  You guys are legends.

Also, our umpires for the day – Neville Hillyard, Robyn McPherson and Don Plummer. Thank you for your time.

And to match committee Wendy and Kaye, treasurer Julie, and secretary Joan – all of whom had a hand in the seamless running of the day; your hard work really paid off.  Thanks so much.

And lastly thanks to all the players, members and visitors – we hope you enjoyed your day – you all come back now in 2022.

On Shot