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MIRAFLORES OPEN BOWLS COMPETITION - 2009

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 Fuengirola during the week did not spill one drop at Miraflores.   We must be blessed.  As  Derek remarked, maybe we have a new Member!! An excellent entry, although slightly down on last year, no doubt due to the economic climate resulted in some superb bowling with some of the favourites being eliminated in the first rounds. This meant that everyone felt they had a chance to win the money prizes put up by Futura Hearing Centres who have sponsored us for the past  three years.

 
The Miraflores Open this year ran from Saturday 14th November to Sunday 22nd 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). 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.

Many of the Singles games went to a 20-20 scores, not surprisingly as bowling here on the coast is of an excellent standard. The Pairs games played in sets is always different and many of these went to the last 3 end play off. 

Finals day dawned,  once again with perfect weather, and in the morning  Brian Todd with  Lennie and Amber Dineen  played against Mike Detheridge and Paul and Jan Brown.   The match was of a high quality bowling but the score did not reflect the game and Mike´s team conceded after only 16 ends when the score reached 17-5. In the afternoon again Paul and Jan Brown played against Tony Frowd and Diane Chambers in the Pairs.Tony & Di won the first set convincingly, with Paul & Jan winning the 2nd, with one set each this went into a 3 end play off. The players kept the many spectators cheering every shot with Paul and Jan just winning the very closely fought match on the last extra end. 

Both singles games were cliff hangers and with the finalists John Sullivan playing Joe Stamper, and Jackie Knight against Barbara Land once again the spectators were on the edge of their seats with some superb play. As stated many of the singles games had gone to 20-20 and the men´s game was no different. The lads matched each other shot for shot until Joe finally drew the winner for his first Miraflores Open title. 

The Ladies played “catch up” with Jackie going into a commanding 14-6 lead and the crowd began to think “this wont take long”. However, Barbara had other ideas and pulled right back, winning the last eight ends  with a score of 21-14 a magnificent achievement. 

At the presentation Derek Shemmings thanked all the players, Markers and Umpires, including the three new Umpires recently qualified from Miraflores.  Carla from Futura Hearing Centres then helped with the draw for the prizes donated by local businesses. And we have to thank very much the Restaurants from  Miraflores, Mijas Playa , Los Porches ,  Vista del Mar,  Papaguayos at Elviria, Costa Salmon, McKenna the Butcher and two pairs of designer sunglasses from Multi-Optica of Marbella. 

The star prize donated by the Miraflores Bowls Club  was 1 nights full board for 4 people in 2 double rooms at the 5 star Beatriz Palace Hotel in Fuengirola. One of the conditions for winning a prize from the draw is that the contestant must be at the Finals Day and Russell Beverage had his name drawn for a prize but was not in attendance and therefore not eligible. The star prize was later won by his wife Renee, we understand that the couple will be celebrating their 40^th wedding anniversary in January and will use the prize as a lovely way to celebrate.  Good luck to them. 

Once again  many thanks to everyone who took part and all those who helped, not forgetting Carol and Grant who kept everyone fed and watered throughout the week.

Finally, special thanks again to Futura Hearing Centres and all the sponsors above for their generosity.   

In the Mixed Triples, Brian Todd with Lennie & Amber Dineen were victorious over Mike Detheridge, Paul Brown & Jan Brown.

Mixed Triples Winners (From L to R): Carla (Futura Hearing Centres-sponsor) Lennie, Brian & Amber.

Paul  & Jan Brown were successful in the Mixed Pairs competition, beating Tony Frowd & Di Chambers in the final.

Mixed Pairs Winners: (From L to R): Paul, Carla (Futura) & Jan.

The Ladies Singles was won by Barbara Land from Mijas against our own regular autumn visitor Jackie Knight, runner-up for the second time.

Men's & Ladie's Singles Winners (From L to R): Joe Stamper, Barbara Land & Carla (Futura).
 

Derek (Club President) presents flowers to our sponsor Carla from Futura Hearing Centres.

To see what happened in February 2009 click here, and to see what happened in November 2008 click here