The name "P. Beattie" will appear in the "green book" for the first time next year. Pauline claimed her 11th National Ladies title number in Richhill today, when along with her mum May and aunt Rachel she overcame Gladys Peel from East Antrim to win the Ladies Triples. This means that Pauline has won all 4 Ladies titles. (The Ladies Fours were replaced with triples in 2006-07).
The St. Mark's triple did not get it easy against their East Antrim opponents. In the 12 end final the locals opened with 2 in the first end, but the East Antrim triple took control scoring a 4 and 2 singles over the next 2 ends. Pauline got a single back in end 5 but lost a further 3 in the next end to trail 9-3 the half way stage. However the locals hauled themselves level with a 2 and 4 on the next 2 ends. The East Antrim triple went back in front on the next end scoring a single on end 9, but Beattie counted with a 2 on the 10th end to lead by 1 with 2 ends left. East Antrim put themelves in the driving seat by scoring 3 on the penultimate end, but the local triple squared the match with a 2 in the last end. This led to a nervy tie end. Pauline drew the shot with her first bowl, but failed to consolidate with her second, leaving the East Antrim skip having to draw with 6 inches of the jack to win. However her bowl fell short.
All the results from today's finals at Richhill:
Ladies Triples: P. Beattie (Armagh) 14 G. Peel (East Antrim) 13 (after tie end)
National Triples: C. McHugh (Mid Ulster) 13 D. Walker (North East) 12 (after tie end)
National Fours: G. McCabe (Oriel) 5 A. Corrigan (South Down) 7
National Pairs: U. McKeeman (North East) 14 K. McCullagh (North West)7
Ladies Pairs: I. Duncan (Donegal) 13 L. Carelton (Monaghan) 12
Over 55 Pairs: G. Bell (Donegal) 13 S. Hughes (Monaghan) 12
Open Singles: G. McCabe (Oriel) 16 L. McHugh (Mid Ulster) 4
Junior Singles: T. Crawford (North Belfast) 17 S. Shields (Mid Antrim) 10
Ladies Singles: C. Scott 13 (Western) I. Eldon 7 (South Tyrone)
