Second match of the day in the World Indoor Mixed Pairs was Robert Paxton and partner Ellen Ryan, from Australia. Ryan is returning to Potters Resort as the Reigning Under 25 Champion and will be defending her title later in the Tournament here against Scotland’s Stewart Anderson and partner, Alison Merrien MBE from Guernsey. Set one was filled with simply superb bowls and it was 1-6 to Anderson & Merrien by the 4th end. Ryan and Paxton suddenly turned on the magic and scored 5 shots over the next three ends to force a set tie at 6 all.
The second set developed into edge of the seat bowls from all four players but it was Alison and Anderson who just seemed to have the edge as Anderson seemed to be walking on water with his last bowls on nearly every end. No matter what Paxton and Ryan did it was Merrien and Anderson that just seemed to defy everything. By end three they were 1,4 up, Paxton-Ryan took a single on end 5 but again it was Anderson doing the damamge as the next two ends saw him playing the best with his last bowl and he took two more singles to go 2,6 up leaving Paxton and Ryan a mountain to climb. They only managed a two so it is set and match to Anderson and Merrien who progress through to meet Darren Burnett and Rebecca Field in the first of the Mixed Pairs Semi Finals on Sunday 21st.
As a surprise presentation Ellen Ryan of Australia was presented with her Young Player of the Year Award trophy after the match rinkside by CEO of the World Bowls Tour Richard Maddieson. This award was announced at the recent WBT Gala Dinner and Awards night at Potters Resort where Ellen was announced as the winner of that category. WBT said that it was pleasing that they able to give the award to a very young player from their overseas countries and that Ellen deserved it thoroughly.