2008 Island Magic Touch Triples
Neil Selby, Chris Pinel and Keith Boleat retained their Island Triples trophy at today’s Magic Touch championship!
In a gripping final the holders, having taken a 9-0 lead looked odds on winners; however Joan and Dennis Le Mercier and Tony Allchurch had other ideas. They steadily worked their way back into the game to 7-9 before Neil, Chris and Keith gained another point to move to within 3 points of victory. The teams gained point for point to reach 11 all. Neil, Chris and Keith gained the one on the next end but failed to find the 13th (and winning) point. This they had to work for in one more end before finally taking the trophy with a 13-11 win.
To reach the final, having won all 5 of their group games, they played Gill and Richard Fowler and Mike Thompson who were teamed up for the first time. They in turn had won 3 of their 5 group games. Their first win over Mick Cotillard, Darren Le Brun and Ray McGrath of 13-0 secured them the semi final place with a superior points difference of +19 to the +5 of Mick, Darren and Ray who also won 3.
Gill, Richard and Mike took the lead in the semi final to 5-0 but a 4 on the next end closed the gap. Neil, Chris and Keith pulled ahead to 9-6 before Gill, Richard and Mike took 4 points to snatch back the lead (10-9). However the more experienced trio then closed out the game to move into the final 13-10.
Joan, Dennis and Tony won 4 of their 5 group games losing only to Jeanne and Ken Le Brun and Lois Onesti along the way. They met Niall and Mary Fennessy and Tony Morton who also won 4 of 5 – their one loss to the eventual winners. Joan, Dennis and Tony gaining the opening points, this game was closely poised all through with both sides edging ahead at times. From 11 all it was Joan, Dennis and Tony who took the win of 13-11.
Many thanks to the management of Samares Manor for hosting the competition in their beautiful grounds.