Burnside Pairs: Australians take home Division 1 and 2 titles
The concluding day of the 2023 Burnside Pairs proved to be sensational as the Right at Home Emerging Jackaroo duo of Cohen Litfin and Nathan Black claimed the illustrious Division 1 crown, while Cody Packer and Aaron Teys ensured they would carry some silverware across the Tasman with the Division 2 title.
Litfin and Black were still yet to suffer a blemish heading into the final day’s play and maintained that record through their post sectional pool with an 18-10 victory over Andy McLean and Brent McEwan to book passage into the semifinals.
The pair would face off against Jamie Hill and Mike Bradshaw for a spot in the decider and were able to clinch a tight contest 11-8, ensuring a shot at the trophy.
Black and Litfin’s opponents in the decider were Richard Hocking and Barry Williams, who accounted for Jackaroos Kylie Whitehead and Dawn Hayman in the semifinals by eight shots.
The decider went back and forth but the Australians found the momentum to possess a three-shot buffer with an end to play.
That margin proved to be more than enough as the pair claimed a 12-10 win to cap off a magnificent week that they will never forget.
Hayman and Whitehead’s semifinal performance ensured them equal third in the top division, while Jessie Cottell and Kate Matthews were unable to progress outside of the section.
In the second division, Packer and Teys commenced their morning with a scintillating 20-8 victory against Alvin Gardiner and Phil Austin to ensure top spot in their section.
The semifinal against Adam Ballie and Anthony Ouellet was far from routine but the pair were able to secure a finals berth with a 12-11 win after a pulsating contest.
In the decider the pair were able to gain a significant lead after an electrifying start against Sanjhe Prasad and Mike Mehlhopt, shaking hands with ends in hand to secure a 10-shot victory and the title.
View the results HERE
