Medal start for Seniors in Cyprus

Dec 9

*The South Africans picked up a silver and bronze on Friday.*

It was a case of so close to gold for the South African men’s side in Cyprus on Friday.

In fact, it could’ve been a very different picture but for two ends at the Atlantic Senior Fours - one for the men’s fours side and one for the ladies quartet. The Athena Beach Hotel was very, very nearly draped in South African gold.

In the first game of the day, South Africa’s men had a convincing 23-11 win against Wales to set up a final against England B, who defeated USA A 16-6.

It was a fitting result for the quartet skipped by Kenny Kyriacou. His side lost just a single game before the last four match up.

The gold medal match was a tense encounter as the weather turned and the sun disappeared behind the clouds.

Unfortunately, the men’s fours side - led well up front by Francois Koen - lost on the final end to England after being in front heading into the final few ends.

In the Ladies semi-finals, it was another case of heartbreak for those South Africans watching on as England pulled off a one shot victory on an extra end against the SA ladies.

Sue Tarr’s side were nearly unbeatable before this knockout fixture as they lost just a single match in the round robin matches.

The mixed teams failed in their quest to add to the medal tally albeit in unusual conditions as bad weather forced the event indoors.

MIXED FOURS TEAMS

Skip: Kenny Kyriacou (BGN) Skip: Sue Tarr (BGN)

Third: John Connellan (PNB) Third: Gianni Gatti (JBA)

Second: Pam Cole-Cook (KBA) Second: Francois Koen (BGN)

Lead: Glenda Matthews (PNB) Lead: Nan Roos (EDN)