In the first of the ‘Just’ World Open Pairs semi-finals Ellen Falkner MBE and Greg Harlow will write their own page in the history books after their 4-9, 8-3, 2-0 win over Simon Skelton and Mike Stepney today which sees them through to the final on Monday 19th January.
It’s been well documented that defending champion Harlow has top ladies bowling stalwart Falkner MBE substituting for his regular partner Nicky Brett who had to withdraw from the event after breaking his ‘bowling’ wrist in December. Falkner has stepped up to the plate in the previous two rounds against her male opponents and yesterday was no exception as she helped her former City of Ely colleague to stay in contention to retain the title.
Falkner also struck a blow for the distaff side of the sport wherein she will become the first ever female to participate in the final of this World Open Pairs.
Their semi-final though was a game of two halves though. In the opening set, they only scored on two ends and lost the set 9-4 with an end to spare.
However they overturned that scoreline in the second set, only dropping three singles over eight of the nine ends played to win 8-3 and taking the match to an exciting climax, which went right to the very last bowl before they set up their tilt at the title. 2-1.
“Ellen had been the perfect lead” admitted Harlow. “She’s given me 100% effort and encouragement and always left me with bowls in the head to work around. She’s left me very little to do”.
RESULTS
“JUST” World Open Pairs Semi Final
Ellen Falkner MBE & Greg Harlow (Eng) bt Simon Skelton (Eng) & Mike Stepney (Scot) 4-9, 8-3, 2-0
Reported by Anne Dunwoodie