37th time lucky for 45s champs

Perseverance finally paid off for Greymouth card sharps Tui Bromley and Graham Scully, when they triumphed in the New Zealand 45s Championship, on Saturday.
Describing themselves as “perennial qualifiers” they were sixth last year, fourth two years ago, and each has been trying for the coveted trophy since the tournament began 37 years ago.
On Saturday, they finished on top of a field of 50 pairs, 20 of whom qualified for post-section play. The Greymouth pair beat Westport couple Marty and Marg Byrne in the final.
Des Skates and Dave Galloway took third prize, Jill Thomas and Yvonne Grant were fourth, and Barbara Collett and Ted Hitchins fifth.
The plate was won by Charlie Cook and Mike Dunn, who came from 0-3 down to beat Paul Madgwick and Dean Martin in the final.
NZ 45s organiser Ian Innes said the field of 100 players was a good one considering the effect natural attrition was having on the 45s playing population.
“Once again we have to thank DB for sponsoring the championships. They have been staunch and loyal supporters of the event, and we are grateful to them for that.”