Report by Alex Smith:
For the first time in club history, Sturt’s Open Pairs championship has kicked off with sectional play. After much consideration, potential World Cup inspiration and the primary objective of finishing club tournaments before the Redevelopment begins, the Tournament Committee selected two dates being Sundays 27 September & 11 October for eager Sturters to nominate.
Day 1 saw Sections 1-4 compete in three 12 end shootouts with the top two from each section, decided by wins and then shots up, advancing to the knockout rounds.
Section 1
The top section comprised of Riddle & Welsh, Paschke & Stuart, Koch J & Morgan (version Terry), and Catterall & Haines which saw a bold mix of experience, headlined of course by the two Life Members, both sporting new rocks for the season. It would be Catterall & Haines (+11 shots) who would top the group without tasting defeat, prevailing by 13-12 in game two over Riddle & Welsh (+6) who would rebound from their 1 shot loss by inflicting the same to Stuart & Paschke (0) in game three to ensure qualification.
Section 2
The Silver section was no slouch, with 2022 & 2023’s back-to-back champions Weeks & Young, joined by State Over 60’s Mixed Pairs Quarter finalists Lymn & Saunders and rounding out the section were Esdale & Mansfield and the always colourful Ruttens.
Weeks & Young would open the day with a strong victory 21-5 over Karen & Fiona, before grinding out two more wins by 2 & 3 shots to progress on top with a +21. The fight for the second qualifying place was well and truly up for grabs with Esdale & Mansfield (-4) getting the job done in games two and three. A statistical tip of the hat to the Rutten pair who lost all 3 games by 2 shots to win Day 1’s unofficial consistency award.
Section 3
The combinations of Morgan (of the Thomas variety) & Life member Paul Teesdale, De Jong & Semmler and Hounslow & Perry were joined by one half of 2025’s Champion Pair Harrison and his new partner Flanagan.
Morgan & PTS started hot on Rink 5, taking game one 31-6, while in the neighbouring match up despite an absolute bomb to go from 2 down to 5 up on end 10 from Dirk De Jong, Harrison & Flanagan prevailed 19-10 to set up a vital game two against Mad Dog & Teesa.
Ultimately Harrison & Flanagan (+37) would go 3 from 3 with clear wins in games two & three. Hounslow & Perry took a close fought game two victory 10-7 however the second qualification spot would go to Morgan & Teesdale (+27).
Section 4
The final section of Day 1 was due to feature Moore & Trenorden J, Hammond & Skurray, the Brothers Ettridge and Potter & Short however a withdrawal from the latter pair meant the remaining combatants each received a 9-0 result with the same forfeit rules as Bowls SA State events in place.
A 12-10 game one barnstormer saw the reigning Women’s Club Champion Hammond and the always smiling Skurray top the Ettridges in a match where the quality of bowls was only topped by the comradery on display. This result would ultimately be enough for J’s of Jackie and Janine (+2) to progress behind Greens Manager Moore & Division 3 South GF MVP Trenorden (+25) who were undefeated for the day.
Day 2 rolls up in a fortnight with 3 pairs of past champions seeking to return to glory amidst a throng of eager challengers. Go Sturt.