SOUTH PACIFIC FOURS & PAIRS
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John Green clinched a record-equalling ninth South Pacific title by anchoring his fours team to victory over Chris Green on finals day at Warilla.
Taren Point-based Green and partners Peter Freestone (Terrigal), Barry Martin (Woonona) and Michael Clarke (Cabramatta) had an all-the-way 21-11 victory over Green and partners Jono Davis, Jamie Thelander and Dylan Skinner.
Davis, aged just 12 years, is the youngest player to reach a South Pacific final, while 15-year-old Skinner also made the singles quarter-finals.
John Green tied Shane Garvey with nine South Pacific titles after he claimed his third fours crown (also 2003 and 2011), to go with his pairs (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010) and singles (2010 and 2013) title victories.
"To win nine titles and equal Shane's mark is something I'm proud of," Green said.
"Growing up watching players like Billy Webber and Dennis Howe, you hope one day to play and maybe win a South Pacific title.
"This carnival means a lot to me and is one I love playing in.
"In the past 11 years, there's only been one year I haven't played on finals day.
"I'm really thankful to wife Rhona for her support in backing me to play every year.
"I keep telling her we'll go on a cruise the year after I have a bad one but that cruise will have to wait as I'll be back again next year."
Green's team won seven matches over four playing days and the skipper said every player made a significant contribution.
"Everyone played well; we played at a high standard in every match. I don't think there was a match we were in trouble in."
Green, Martin and Clarke played in the fours final in three of the past four carnivals for two wins and a runners-up finish.
Meanwhile, Aaron Teys and Mat McIntyre have celebrated their first pairs tournament together since their NSW juniors days by claiming the pairs crown.
The Warilla youngsters beat Figtree RSL's Brett Pieper and James Webster 25-19 in a final that was much closer than the scoreline indicated. Webster picked up four shots on the 20th end, and needed five on the last end to force an extra-end play-off.
He held three shots with two bowls to play before Teys shut down the comeback with a neat draw bowl.
"Aaron's one of my best mates. To come together as a pair after not playing together for four years and play the way we did was unbelievable," McIntyre said.