THE bowls competitions at Wellington Bowling Club are nearing their conclusion. Mike Connor and Jay Merrell came up against one another at the weekend to see who would go through to the final of the Open Championship Singles.

Ernie Windsor kindly agreed to mark for the game. It was a fascinating and extremely close match from start to finish. There was bowling of the very highest standards by both players but it was Mike Connor who came through to win it in the end.

Early in the game it looked as though Jay had the winning of it. After 15 ends he was six shots in front on 14 – 8. Mike realised that he had to do something different so he began moving the mat up five or six metres and bowled a shorter jack.

He gradually began to catch up and by the 20th end the two were level on 14 shots each. After 25 ends they were still level at 19 all.

It all hung on the final end and it was Mike Connor who collected the two vital shots for victory by 21 shots to Jay's 19.

It was a match of the highest standards by both bowlers. Every end there were one or more bowls within inches of the jack on a green which was difficult because of the lack of rain this month.

Both players deserved much praise but Mike Connor, who is looking forward to his 88th birthday in November, deserved congratulating.

The second semi-final between Ian Hollingsworth and Mike Copping will take place later in the week so Mike will look forward to finding out who he will be playing.

The finals will all competitions will be held on the weekend of 13th and 14th September.