Michael Burke
The first round of the 2017 Major Pairs started on Saturday at the Mullumbimby Bowling Club.
The five matches of the round were played in hot and windy conditions which proved testing for everyone.
The defending champions Leigh Rickert and Richie Northcott saw off the early challenge from Ben Leeson and Gary Porter to prevail 27–16.
Abraham and Merv Esau took the lead on the tenth end and ran out 23–18 winners over Geoff Flick and Terry Fenwick, while Mike Nicholls and Michael Burke defeated a gallant Jamie Ewin and Andrew Moroney 23–15.
Troy Creighton and Bernie O’Hearn won a see-sawing affair 22–18 over Phill Brassington and Allan Bartlett, while Dave Moor and Jeff Morgan powered home over Bob Rose and Glen Abbot, 27–13.
The first round continues next weekend.