Young Champ to Defend Title in Womens Singles

In a nail-biting semifinal this afternoon, defending champion Kirsten Griffin edged out Linda Ralph (Pakuranga) 21-20 for a shot at the women’s singles title in The Trusts NZ Open 2013.  Coming back from a 7-15 deficit in the tenth end at Henderson Bowls in Auckland, Griffin played carefully and strategically to draw even on 17 in the 18^th end, and then picked up the remaining points to finish with a two-point win on the 25^th and final end.

“It was a really tough game, but I was thinking of the final last year where I was down earlier on and came back,” Griffin said.  “I’m still a bit amazed I’m back in the final to defend my title, but it won’t be any easier this time.”

The 22-year-old New Zealand Development Squad member will play local bowler Karen de Jongh (Carlton Cornwall) for the honours on Friday, November 15 at 11:30am, after de Jongh beat Margaret Gurney (Kensington) 21-6 in a somewhat one-sided semifinal match.  De Jongh is a well-respected bowler that has won her share of titles, including the National Club Championships Women’s Triples title this year.