Wrockwardine Wood Open Finals Day 2016 Report

Quarter final action
After conceding five single chalks to Dave Rhodes(Newport), Elliott McGuiness(The George & Castlefields) responded with the highest break of the day to lead 14-5 and following a two end pause in his scoring, then went on to run out winning 21-07.
In a game where holding the jack proved to be the key to success, Tom Roden(Sir John Bayley) turned a 2-6 deficit into 13-7 lead only for Darren Plenderleith(Greville) to level at 13-13, however from 17-17, it was Tom that held it again and went onto to force his way through 21-17.
Matt Fellows(Florence) opened up a strong 12-4 lead before James Seville(Moseley) hit back to almost level the game at 12-13 and 15-16 but his momentum stalled as Matt went on to win 21-16.
Pre finals day, bookies favourite, Mike Beer(Castlefields) turned a 4 chalk deficit in to a 4 chalk lead as he went 4-8 down to 14-10 up over Kevin Handley(Windmill) and was able to maintain his advantage as the scores went onto 17-13, 19-15 and ended 21-16.

Semi final action
From 3-3, Elliot McGuiness edged his way to lead Tom Roden 9-7 that quickly turned into 16-7 and 18-10 before Tom wrestled possession of the jack and forged up to trail 17-19. The final alternating winning six ends proved decisive that saw Elliot book his ticket to the final 21-19.
Meanwhile, Matt Fellowes and Mike Beer were playing out a tight game where the scores went 3-3 & 7-7. However, from leading 12-10, Matt took full advantage of Mike enduring a run of poor luck as Matt took the last six ends of their game to run out 21-10.

Final action
Despite the near freezing conditions the final was watched by in excess of 35 intrepid spectators who were treated to some very tight ends matched by sharp shooting striking that saw 27yr old Matt Fellows open a 7-3(8ends) lead over his 3yrs younger co finalist, Elliot McGuiness utilising various 25 metre round pegging marks that would help him maintain albeit a slim lead as the scores moved forward to 8-7(12), 11-10(18) & 14-13(22). And then Matt went to edge 20-14(26) before left handed Elliot, preferring a longer 35 metre straight mark took three consecutive ends before allowing Matt a yard to get in and score the championship winning chalk 21-17(30ends)

Finals Day bonus prize of £50 was won by Elliott McGuiness for his highest break of 14 chalks.

Delighted 2016 Champion, Matt Fellows was quick to thank competition organiser, Stuart Rutter who in turn thanked the green keepers along with club members, spectators and entrants and sponsors Country Garden Roses and The Wrekin Housing Trust.

Scores:

Last 16
Kevin Hocknull 11-21 Elliot McGuiness, Dave Rhodes 21-14 Glyn Picknell, Darren Plenderleith 21-16 Adam Penlington, Tom Roden 21-15 Paul Reeves, James Seville 21-11 Phil King, Matt Fellows 21-09 Aimee Allcock, Kevin Handley 21-17 Jolyon Partridge, Nick Wyer 09-21 Mike Beer.