Drama as Hilden win their own open rinks tournament

Steven Kirkwood started the final well, but Salisbury’s Terry Crawford came back and with two ends left appeared to have the prize money in his pocket with a lead of 18-12.

But, Hilden picked up a four to give themselves a chance and after Maurice Kirkwood had killed the next head by taking the jack off they were lying at the last end.

Was it one or two shots? After an agonising wait a measure awarded two shots and a tie end had to be played.

Hilden lead, Jim Watson, played two great shots, one a toucher, and the jack was only inches from the ditch.

Hilden did get a touching bowl in the ditch but the jack would not go. In the end they had done enough to win.

An absorbing final and an absorbing game throughout.

Details: semi-finals: S. Kirkwood Hilden 18, F. Thompson Shaftesbury 8; T. Crawford Salisbury 20, A. Roberts Lurgan 19.

Final: J. Watson, R. Keag, M. Kirkwood, S. Kirkwood Hilden 19, A. Robinson, D. Robinson, G. Eaton, T. Crawford Salisbury 18.

At the supper following the event the awards were presented and Hilden president, Raymond Gourley, had a word of thanks for several people.

The umpire each night, Alex Miskelly, the secretary and treasurer, Colin and Joan Montgomery and the greenkeeper, Howard McMullan, whose work on the green brought several favourable comments from competitors.

The president had a special word of thanks for Joe and Ann Keenan, not only for their help at the tournament but for their work in the maintenance of the property.