Sport
9 August, 2024
Tournament attracts big field
THIRTY-two teams travelled to Warrnambool last weekend to enjoy the annual indoor bowls two-day tournament.
Visitors travelled from Mildura, Mt Gambier, Ballarat, Ballan, Bacchus Marsh, Hamilton, Colac, Geelong, Waaia and Melbourne to compete against Warrnambool and Heytesbury clubs.
Saturday saw 32 teams of four compete, with five teams winning all of their four games.
Shots up were used to separate the teams, with the Frankston team of Bob and Hermiese Constable and Christine Cook, along with Allansford’s Andrew Lackie, coming out on top with four wins and 57 shots up.
Second place went to locals George Draffen, Jacinta Marney, Sue Kerr and Debbie Keane with four wins and 44 shots up.
Sunday had 30 teams competing, with only two unbeaten teams.
Wannon Park’s Maureen Drennan, Ian Lake, Rex Harris and Karl Keegan won with four wins and 33 shots up.
The Dennington team of Les Lenehan, Frank Harney, Helen Harney and Yvonne Lenehan finished second with four wins and 17 shots up.
Monday was preliminary final night, with three teams earning the right to play off in their respective division’s grand finals.
In division one it was an all Allansford affair, with the Allansford Tigers team of James Ruddle (skip), Barb Draffen, Sue Kerr and Rita Mungean emerging victorious.
With players from both sides playing well, the difference on the night was the magnificent last bowl conversions by James.
Four shots on the last end by the Allansford Cats was only enough to reduce the margin to a one-shot victory to the Tigers.
The Port Fairy team of Gill Phillips (skip), Maurice Mahony, Colin Wilson and Des Phillips opened up a 10-shot lead after seven ends and was able to maintain a comfortable margin over the Allansford Cougars to book its spot in the division two grand final.
Division three was once again the close contest of the night.
The biggest margin at any stage for the entire 18 ends was a three shot lead either way, with Wannon Park Barkers out by three after seven ends, but Koroit Choppers up by three after 13 ends.
The Barkers, Dennis Brooks (s), Barney Fish, Brian Justin and Kim Brauer, were able to defend a two shot lead going in to the last end, with John Keane’s Choppers only able to get one on the last end.
Grand finals next week are: division one - Allansford Lions v Allansford Tigers; division two - Allansford Leopards v Port Fairy Seagulls and division three – Grangeburn v Wannon Park Barkers.
Games will start at 7.30pm next Monday, August 12 at the Warrnambool Stadium in Caramut Road.
Spectators are welcome, with no charge for entry.
