The 2023 Jarden Open 242 Mixed Pairs showcased ‘unbowlieveable’ talent, captivating spectators with thrilling matches and surprising outcomes. As Auckland basked in the sunshine on the first day, 96 teams from the upper North Island converged at Howick, East Tāmaki, and Carton Cornwall bowling clubs, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive two-day event.
The condensed two-day event heightened the intensity, with only the top 16 qualifying teams advancing to the knockout rounds on day two. The remaining teams participated in the Consolation event, completed just in time before the weather turned.
Notable duos like Wendy Jensen and Lee Warburton, Mike Bradshaw and Janine Young displayed exceptional skills, delivering unexpected scorelines in the early rounds.
In a broadcasted quarterfinal match, the seasoned pair of Mike Galloway and Lisa Prideaux faced off against Bradshaw and Young in a thrilling encounter. Despite exchanged shots, the consistent performance of Galloway and Prideaux secured their victory. On the other side of the draw, Clara Bowman and Brett Christie caused an upset by defeating the experienced duo Caroline Dubois and Colin Haysham from New Lynn with a scoreline of 15-10.
The semi-finals featured exciting clashes between favourites. Jensen and Warburton, despite impressive bowls, struggled against the Galloway Prideaux duo, ultimately falling 19-10. The TV rink witnessed another gripping match, with Jeanine Browne and Billy Fulton narrowly defeating the Carlton Cornwall pair with a score of 12-11.
The Final showcased the undeniable prowess of Galloway and Prideaux, who dominated with remarkable consistency. Facing off against Browne and Fulton, they secured a convincing victory with a scoreline of 17-4, cementing their status as the 2023 Jarden Open 242 Mixed Pairs champions.
The event’s growth and success were attributed to the participants, host clubs, volunteers, green and grounds staff, and dedicated umpires. As the curtain falls on the 2023 Jarden Open 242 Mixed Pairs, we extend our gratitude to everyone involved, expressing hope for the event’s continued growth as a premier fixture on bowling enthusiasts’ calendars.
Heartfelt thanks are expressed to Jarden for their continued partnership, contributing to the success of yet another remarkable event. For those curious about Jarden, further information can be found on Jarden’s website
Special gratitude is extended to The Stream Shop for their exceptional coverage of the final day. The three televised matches are available on the Bowls Auckland YouTube channel offering enthusiasts a chance to relive the excitement.
For those eager to delve into the full results, click here.
