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MIRAFLORES OPEN BOWLS COMPETITION - 2008

Sponsored by: FUTURA HEARING CENTRES

THIS YEAR SEES ANOTHER LARGE ENTRY DESPITE THE CREDIT CRUNCH!

This year the Miraflores Open had no rain to spoil the party, with the sun shining bright every day. Even the deluge in Marbella and Fuengirola during the week did not spill one drop at Miraflores.   We must be blessed.  As  Derek remarked, maybe we have a new Member!!

 
The Miraflores Open this year ran from Saturday 15th November to Tuesday 23rd November and attracted a large number of entries in the 4 categories that were included (Ladies Singles, Gents Singles, Mixed Pairs & Mixed Triples). Competitors came from the whole Costa del Sol and from the U.K. (including Jersey). In fact 177 games were played throughout the tournament. The number of competitors in action meant that for the first few days of the competition all 16 rinks and both greens were in use with play switching to the West green as the competitions reached the last 16. We were also delighted to welcome a large number of spectators on finals day despite the overnight rain and grey conditions.

Both Greens full for the Mixed Triples Competition.

This year the club was delighted that the competition was again sponsored by FUTURA HEARING CENTRES who provided the cash prizes for all the finalists together with flowers for the Ladies and wine for the Men.

 In addition there was the usual Score Card Draw which is a tradition at the Miraflores Open giving everyone who takes part a chance of winning prizes donated by local businesses, but the rules state that the person has to be in attendance on Finals day if their name is drawn from the hat and there were a number of people who missed out because they were not there. The top prize of a 37" Flat Screen television was donated by Banco Halifax Espana (visit www.halifax.es ). Los Porches and Mijas Playa gave dinners for 2 at their restaurants and 1.car.1 gave a weeks car hire in the U.K. Banco Halifax Espana also included a separate draw  for a hamper of wine and chocolates. During the day a large ham donated by McKenna the butcher from Los Jarales was raffled for our Charity and this raised the magnificent sum of €420. 

Winner of the TV in the Scorecard Draw: Rob Robinson with Nick Greatrex of Banco Halifax Hispania.

Winners of the Hamper Draw: Tony & Barbara Land with Nick & representatives of Banco Halifax Hispania.

The quality of the competition was exceptional with several of the singles games going to 20-20 scores. The pairs competition where matches were played in 2 sets with a play-off of three ends in the event of a tie resulted in a very large number of matches being decided by play-offs.

Finals day at the Miraflores Open on the 25th November proved to be a "stunner". 

Mike Detheridge played newcomer to the coast Joe Stamper in a nail biting match.   Joe was always just that little bit ahead, but Mike,  as he does, rallied on the last two ends to win the match 21-19 and in the view of many, this was probably the best Singles match played at our "Open". 

On the next rink the Ladies, Mary Potter and Diane Chambers where having a similar game and with Mary again just in front all the way, she stalled at 20-17.   After 3 ends it was 20-20 but Mary played a perfect bowl to sit on the Jack for a 21-20 victory.   The large crowd of spectators loved it. 

Singles winners: Mary Potter & Mike Detheridge with Carla our sponsor from Futura Hearing Centres.

Singles Runner's-up: Joe Stamper & Diane Chambers with Carla.

The Triples in the morning between Tony Frowd, Mike Detheridge and Diane Chambers against Alan Turner, Dorrian Ives and Brian Todd was also a great game with the latter coming from behind to win with a score of 20-16. 

Triples winners (From L to R): Brian Todd, Dorrien Ives, Carla (Futura) & Alan Turner.

Triples Runner-up (From L to R): Tony Frowd, Mike Detheridge, Carla (Futura) & Diane Chambers.

In the Pairs between Alan Turner and Susan Walker, against Angie Knight and David Hunter again a cliff hanger with one set all, going into the tie break.  Three ends of concentration, with Angie and David being triumphant over their opponents.

Mixed Pairs winners: Davie Hunter, Carla (Futura) & Angie Knight. 

Mixed Pairs Runner-up: Alan Turner, Carla (Futura) & Sue Walker.

In his closing remarks Derek Shemmings (President) thanked all the participants for their contribution and made special mention of the commitment of three Miraflores members: Dennis & Wendy Wood & Michael Bone for carrying out umpiring duties and organising markers.  There was also a special thank you to all the markers who had "volunteered" without whom the singles matches would not be possible and an "apology" for those who had been disappointed, by not being called upon! Last but not least, thanks were given to  Carol and Grant for keeping us all so well fed and watered during the whole 10 days.
 
In all a wonderful week of fun and entertainment and we look forward to the next one in February 2009
 

To see what happened in 2007 click here