Defending champions Kelsey Cottrell, Anne Johns and Lynsey Armitage have tonight become the first team to reclaim their title at the Australian Open since the events inception.
With one of the nation’s most coveted prizes up for grabs, the pressure was on both sides from the outset, as the all-star outfit were matched by an equally impressive opposition in Commonwealth Game silver medallists Kay Moran, Julie Keegan and world number four Karen Murphy.
Armitage’s contingent looked dangerous early, as they took control of the match early with a 7-5 opening set before Murphy’s trio responded with a 10-6 second set to push the game into the tie-break.
The quality of the contenders was evident as both teams tussled to hit the lead.
Armitage edged her team on, adding to the margin with her last bowl of the opening end to jump to a 2-0 lead, but a measure on the penultimate end again saw the scores level.
In a blockbuster finish, the reigning titleholders clinched victory by 1 shot when Murphy’s toucher finished millimetres too long.
“It’s definitely a pretty special feeling to go back to back,” A proud Armitage said after her victory.
“Being the first team to do so is a pretty big honour and the girls played really well.
“We’ve got a great bond and great friendships so I think that helped us get over the line in this tough tie-break.
“We knew we were in for a tough time against Kaz, Julie and Kay, they’re a class outfit.
“We just plugged away but they got away from us a little bit in the second set, just a couple of shots that Kaz converted and I wasn’t able to get back for the girls.
“In the tie-break we knew it was anyone’s game and we had to start again but Kelso got us off to a great start.”
Armitage hopes of a second trophy remain alive in the singles, with the Commonwealth Games gold medallist looking to claim her maiden national singles title when she plays-off in the semi-final tomorrow afternoon.
“I’m not putting too much pressure on myself in the singles,” Armitage said.
“I came through the last chance qualifying actually to get through to this. Things are just going my way at the moment so it would be nice to keep that good fortune going.”
Click here for full results from the 2012 Australian Open.
