Round 3 - 8th August
The first of the semi-finals was between Rod Wright and two times titleholder (2016 & 2018), Darrin Ede.
Whilst Rod claimed first blood (a 4 pointer) in the match which promised some very good bowls, Darrin took the following 6 ends to lead 8 to 4 after 7 ends. The trend continued with Darrin opening the lead to 16 to 8 after 16 ends.
Rod was obviously not happy about this deficit (or Darrin lost focus) taking the next five ends to level the score at 16 each after 20 ends. Rod was on a roll (at least he might have thought) pushing ahead to hold a slim margin of 2 shots after 25 ends of 21 to 19.
The next 11 ends were a battle with both contenders taking half the ends. However, it was Darrin that was able to capitalise the most, closing out the match 31 to 27 after 36 ends.
This win provides Darrin a window for a 3rd Thorby Major Singles title, and chance to join a very elite cadre within the WPH Sports Club.
The other semi-final was between Geoff McIntosh and Ross Fitzpatrick (2019 Champion).
The early stage of this match was very close as evidenced by the low scoring. After 9 ends, Ross led 8 to 7.
Geoff then held Ross out for 7 ends, building a lead to Geoff of 17 to 8 after 16 ends. Geoff continued this great form, building to a lead of 26 to 12 after 23 ends.
Despite Ross' efforts, Geoff maintained his form to clinch the victory 31 to 21 after 31 ends.
This will be Geoff's second appearance in the Thorby Major Single final (played in the 2009 final against Don Yeates) after many attempts.
Congratulations to Darrin and Geoff, 2020 Thorby Major Singles finalists.
'He was too good. He always had at least one bowl in the head…'
Ross on Geoff's bowling
See the full draw and all results here: 2020 Men's Championships