HONOURS were shared between two of York IBC’s upcoming talents who were locked in a brace of battles.
Emily Clarke and Hayley Macdonald met two days in succession in the under-25s singles final and then in the ladies singles showdown.
Macdonald got off to a good start in the U25s opener, leading 9-2 and 14-6, though Clarke took five of the following six ends for an 18-15 lead.
However, Macdonald remained composed, notching two singles and a two, followed by two more singles, to win 21-15.
But the following night the tables were turned in the ladies’ showdown.
The match continued in the same vein as the U25s’ final with little between the two and holder Clarke having a 9-8 advantage.
A four – the first out of the two matches – put Macdonald in front. And, after conceding a two, four shots gathered by Macdonald over the next two ends yielded her a 16-11 advantage and the prospect of a trophy double.
Again, Clarke’s determination came through as she powered back to trim the deficit to 18-16.
The next end proved crucial. Clarke laid three shots and despite playing the last wood with just a little bit too much weight, it fortunately rested on her own jack to collect four shots and put her in command.
Clarke then prevailed on the next end when she picked up a single to finish 21-18 and retain her ladies’ crown.
The U18s’ final was contested by Neal Macdonald and Jack Woodworth, who wonthe Alan Scott trophy at the club’s presentation ceremony for the most improved player of the year.
Macdonald settled into the final first and held a 10-3 advantage before Woodworth came back to take a 13-12 lead.
But Macdonald regained the lead with a two, followed by four singles, before a final single enabled him to close out the final as the 21-16 victory.
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