Yvonne and Mike are the champions

The experience of lead Mike Kay-Hards quickly swung the victory in their favour

A tough final for Deon Leaity

After the heavy rain that fell on Friday, the elements relented somewhat when the final of the Zululand Mixed Pairs competition was played at the Richards Bay Bowling Club on Saturday afternoon. It is more than likely, however, that Dion Leaity and Joey Evans of Richards Bay felt somewhat aggrieved that the weather gods had not seen fit to wash out play, thus enabling them to fight another day. Coming up against the vastly experienced Empangeni Bowling Club combination of Yvonne Steenkamp and Mike Kay-Hards, it was always going to be a tough ask and, with Kay-Hards having an immaculate day at lead and Steenkamp putting the finishing touches, it proved to be a bridge too far for the Richards Bay pair who, despite giving their all, were treated to a bowling lesson. Scoring a single on the opening end, Leaity led for the first and last time in a game that only lasted 19 ends. Steenkamp immediately responded with 4-1-5-1 to lead 11-1 after five ends. Another five on the seventh end saw Steenkamp surge ahead 16-2 and the game appeared to be over as a contest. Although Leaity gave his supporters a glimmer of hope when he scored three shots on the next end, it proved to be his last hurrah and, with Steenkamp picking up yet another five shots on the 16th end, the game ended with two ends to play and Steenkamp and Kay-Hards the 2010 champions on a score of 31-9.

Break
Due to the playing of the inter-provincials, which will be reported on in two weeks time, local bowls will be taking a short break, enabling clubs to proceed with their domestic programmes.