Not since 1994 and South Tweed’s Ruth McRae (1991-92, 94), has a lady won three titles at the Black Douglas at South Tweed Sports Club.
Last week that all changed, with Cabramatta’s Karen Murphy defeating Lynsey Armitage (Helens-vale) to add to her previous wins (2005, 2009).
With one game to play in the post sectionals, it seemed all over for Karen Murphy, but her 16-shot win in her last match, coupled with Julie Keegan’s 18-shot loss, had the Cabramatta ace through to the semi-finals the next morning, where she led all the way to defeat Rebecca Quail (Invermay) 25-12.
In contrast, Lynsey Armitage had won six straight over her sectional and post-sectional games but then struck trouble early in her semi-final against Beth Quinlan.
Down 0-12 at one stage, she took the match in dramatic fashion when, holding one at 23-24, Quinlan looked to knock up a short bowl with her last, but ended up moving the kitty to further advantage Armitage, giving her two shots and game.
In the final, from 5-4 ahead early, Murphy had stretched it to 18-5 and pushing for victory.
Murphy wasn’t allowing Armitage to settle into any kind of routine as, each time Armitage held shot or shots, it seemed inevitable that Murphy had a draw or weighted shot to counter.
Armitage battled on and, at 22-11 with Murphy moving in for the kill holding two, played two great bowls to grab back three , to be within 8 shots at 14-22.
The momentary thought that Armitage may be embarking on a repeat comeback performance was dashed at the next, where Murphy again had two shots close.
Armitage fell short with her last, leaving Murphy the chance to draw and win and she nailed it with a lovely close draw to win 25-14.
