Phil Dunn, SMLBC member, recently competed in the U.S. National Open in singles, pairs, and rinks. Each of the three events was held over two days, and Phil's experiences are detailed below.

In singles, Phil opened on the first day by winning three out of four games, enabling him to return the next day. Unfortunately, in a second-day match, Canadian Brian Murphy narrowly defeated Phil by a narrow margin - Murphy made a terrific shot, pushing the jack back to his own three back bowls and pulling ahead in dramatic fashion. It was a close-fought match, but, unfortunately, the result was a loss for Phil. In spite of that, Phil chalked it up as a learning experience.

For the next day of competition, Phil joined three other bowlers to participate in the rinks portion of the tournament. With Phil playing vice, the team won the first game and lost the second. For the third game, Phil was offered (and took) the role of skip. The decision turned out to be a terrific one - in the last end, with the score tied, Phil bowled a terrific shot that took the jack away from the opposition and ultimately ended up being the winning shot. That victory allowed the rinks team to return on day two of the rinks competition. Unfortunately, Phil's team was eliminated by a team led by Jack Behling, a lawn bowling hall of fame member.

The last two days of the competition featured pairs, in which Phil paired with Loren Dion. They escaped the first day with several close victories and no losses, ensuring their place in day two. Despite playing some excellent teams, Phil and Loren persisted, drawing to the jack and withstanding drives from their skilled competition. Phil and Loren continued their winning ways, putting them into the finals against fellow SMLBC bowler Brian Davies (originally from Scotland), and his partner. In an exciting match, Phil and Loren claimed victory and the title of U.S. National Pairs Champions.

It was also the first time in history that the United States swept the event, with Americans winning the singles, pairs, and rinks competitions.

It's quite an accomplishment, and SMLBC is extremely proud of Phil, both in terms of his competitive ability and his competitive spirit! SMLBC is also thrilled and proud to have one member of the pairs second-place team, Brian Davies, as a club member. Both men serve as excellent representatives of SMLBC and the sport at large. Congratulations!