Steenkamp and Leaity square up for final

A victory for Keith Lowe in the quarters, only to be knocked out in the semi-final

Bev Mc Kirdy got knocked out in Sunday’s quarter - finals

A victory in Sunday’s quarter-finals for Elaine Alberts

A defeat in the quarter-finals knocked Sharon Nicoll out of the running

The quarter and semi-finals of the Zululand Mixed Pairs were played at the Empangeni Bowling Club on Sunday during which spectators were treated to bowls of an extremely high standard. Although three of the four quarter-finals resulted in fairly comfortable victories, the bowls was always competitive and held interest throughout. Keith Lowe and Elaine Alberts (R/B) beat Bruce Henley and Bev McKirdy (eSh) 29-5, Dion Leaity and Joey Evans (R/B) had a surprisingly easy 32-10 win over Miskiet Ferreira and Sharon Nicoll (EBC), Barry Mutlow and Lettie Eybers (RBY) beat clubmates Tish Cresswell-George and Dirk Norval 27-18 and Yvonne Steenkamp and Mike Kay-Hards (EBC), after being held to peels 13 after 19 ends by John Viljoen and Dione Beneke (R/B), won a close game 16-14. In the first semi-final, Steenkamp made the early running and by the 11th end had opened up an 11 shot lead (15-6) and, although Lowe fought back to 16-10, Steenkamp ran away with it to emerge a convincing 25-14 winner. The second semi-final was, however, a different kettle of fish. After six ends, Mutlow led 9-2, but over the next five ends Leaity scored 2-3-1-2-1 to take the lead at 11-9. Mutlow came back to peel and once again it was anyone’s game. Leaity then scored 3-1, but Mutlow replied with a five to take the lead 16-15 after 15 ends. Once again the lead changed hands when Leaity picked up two shots, but Mutlow did likewise with a two, followed by a one to lead 19-17. Finishing with a flourish, however, Leaity scored 1-4-2 to win an excellent game 24-19.

Upcoming
The final between Leaity and Steenkamp will take place this Saturday 27 February at the Richards Bay Bowling Club, with play commencing at 1.30pm.