Kaye Mason and Wendy Ballantyne are the 2017 Yamba Women’s Bowling Club Pairs Champions, having won a tough battle in the final last Thursday against Sonia Graham and Robyn McPherson. Played in difficult conditions, it was a game which could have gone either way throughout, with first one team then the other gaining the ascendency. Kaye and Sonia played lovely draw bowls, and Robyn also drew well and came up with some crucial on shots, skilfully punching out her opponents’ bowls more than once. Wendy also played some important draw bowls or wrested bowls out for extra shots. But Kaye was the clear player of the match with her consistency and terrific weight control, frequently converting for her team when down in the head. While the contest was even, the difference proved to be that Kaye and Wendy managed more multiples, and except for the 10th end when they dropped a 4, restricted Sonia and Robyn to singles. Coming back into the game after a 4-9 deficit, Sonia and Robyn got it back to 9 all on the 10th, but then Kaye and Wendy spurred into action, and led 16-11 on 16 ends. They were then prepared to protect their lead, conceding singles on the two final ends for a 3 shot win, 16-13. Both teams are to be congratulated on a worthy, quality final. In the semi-finals on Tuesday 17, each of the finalists had comfortable wins. Sonia and Robyn were always in control of their game, and defeated a gallant Pam Conley and Ros Dickson 15-6. Kaye and Wendy had more of a struggle against Lorraine Asbury and Denise Burey, with the score at 8-7 on 11 ends, but they withstood their opponents’ charge and a 5 on the next end gave them the momentum and they went on to win 18-9. Well played to all who entered this demanding Championship.