Nightmare in Victoria

AMY Monkhouse's dream of landing one of the biggest prizes in international bowls turned into a nightmare in the Australia Open.

The Tollbar BEC teacher and Kent's Sian Gordon yesterday crashed out in the semi-finals of pairs championship at Shepparton Park in Victoria.

Having won five matches to qualify, Gordon and Monkhouse added another four victories over world-class opposition at the knockout stage, and were confident they could make the final.

But they found Kate Carriage and Rebecca Quail in top form and were never at the races as the Aussie duo charged to a convincing 10-2, 12-4 straight sets victory.

Before she flew to Australia, Monkhouse skipped a Louth quartet through to the final stages of the National Indoor Mixed Fours Championship, which started in Northampton yesterday.

But a hoped-for substitute could not be found.

"Unfortunately, we had to withdraw from the event," said Monkhouse. "Alan (Dent) and Tony (Musson) are disappointed, and I feel sorry for the Blackpool team we beat in the area final. But it can't be helped."

Musson was in action in last night in Northampton, where he received good support from John Welsh, Harry Putland and club treasurer Barry Robinson in the semi-finals of the National Men's Over 60 Fours Championship.

Taking an 18-10 lead after 16 ends, the Louth quartet pressed home to a fine 22-13 victory, and will take one one of two northern teams, Featherstone or Shildon, in the final today.