Previous Matilda Trophy finalists Brenda Turner and Claire Horne were beaten semi-finalists on this occasion before Sue Hill and Jill Davidson provided one of the closest contests of the day.

Jill came back from a 9-12 deficit (games played to 13) to draw level at 12-all before Sue secured the trophy and coveted pink beret on the deciding end. As runner-up, Jill’s beret shade was black.

The main competition produced plenty more skilful pitching of boules as Chris Booth, Dave Lister, John Dalton and Howard Jameson proceeded to the semi-finals at the expense of John Cliff, Paul Gostridge, Claire Horne and Roger Stead.

Dave and John Dalton took early leads in the semis against Howard and Chris and, despite fightbacks by both opponents, emerged comfortable winners.

For twenty minutes the final was a cat-and-mouse affair as the score crept to 7-all. John continued to play a tight game but Dave was always able to counter, showing impeccable judgement of pace and distance to deny John further points.

Dave Lister is therefore the 2026 Singles champion.

An afternoon of true sportsmanship with magnanimity from the vanquished and humility from the victors. And tea and cakes in the Pavilion for all.