TWO major shocks were recorded in the early rounds of the 37th York Open Bowls Tournament with both of last year's mixed pairs finalists being knocked out.

The mixed pairs started the tournament off in two sections across three venues with section 'B' at Clarence Gardens the scene of the surprise early exits.

Last year's winners, Shirley Stacey (Railway Inst) and Tex Stevens (Holgate) lost to last year's quarter finalists, Lynne Tattersall (Clarence Ladies) and Eddie Howcroft (Haxby Rd).

The game was evenly balanced after 13 ends with last year's champions leading 14-11, but Tattersall and Howcroft won the next five ends to ease home 22-14.

Last year's beaten finalists, Pat and Gordon Storey (York) also came to an abrupt end losing to Cath Stead (Minster Ladies) and Bob Howland (Nestl Rowntree). After ten ends the Storeys were leading by one shot 8-7, but a disastrous 11th end cost them six shots. However, the game was not over with Pat and Gordon retaliating with a four and three at the last two ends, but the recovery was too late at 18-16.

The Northern Ireland pairing of Matt and Irene Stevenson on their visit to York had a tremendous struggle to overcome R Crosby (South Shields) and Terry Wheatley (York) by just one shot 18-17.

The remaining second round matches held at Clarence were very evenly contested, most were decided by just one or two shots with some very exciting final ends.

The Sheriff of York, Coun Bob Scrase, got the tournament under way in ideal warm and dry conditions and in Section 'A', held at Glen Gardens there were no great shocks.

Anne Illingwood (Scarcroft Ladies) and Gary Bunce (Haxby Rd), winners in 2001 came through their earlier rounds with a hard-fought victory over Judy Abel (Shipton Ladies) and Bill Dillon (Nestl Rowntree) 16-13.

Good results were also achieved by Pat Foster (Shipton Ladies) and P Berry (Clifton) with wins over M Robinson (Scarcroft Ladies) and A Ford (Hall Road) and a further victory over P Mattinson (Bootham) and C Coates (York).

Completing the 'A' section at West Bank Park, Margaret Smith (Wigginton) and Colin Sharpley (West Park) had two excellent wins over S Grantham and B Gray (Shipton) and P Walker (Clarence Ladies) and Ralph Tiplady (Hall Road).

Updated: 10:54 Tuesday, July 27, 2004