Game 1
The championship started with a tough game against a team from Dapto citz skipped by John Cahill at Windang bowling club on a green starting at about 14 seconds & speeding up to around 16 seconds by game end. There was nothing in this game until the last quarter of the game, we managed to pull away by the number of bowls in the head & a magnificent saving draw shop by Greg when down 4. All played well but a special mention for Neil Cropp on consistent lead bowls.
Game 2
This game looked very difficult against a Warilla side skipped by young talent, James Webster. The boys played brilliant bowls in this game with the opposition declaring after 18 ends.
Game 3
At Albion Park on a 15 second green against Bulli skipped by Rob Halsey. Once again we skipped away to a 8 shot lead with 4 ends remaining However a narrow on shot by Rob hit a short bowl & careered into the head taking our bowls out & dropping a 5. This required a lot of concentration to finish the remainder of the game well. Harry Johnston was magnificent in this game.
Game 4
The QUARTER FINAL was still at Albion Park, however the main green which was running about 17 secs. We played a team skipped by Russell Jack from Warilla. A great showing by all including a great game by Bob Wilson allowed us to run away with an easy win, not playing the last 4 ends. Semi Final the serious games started against a representative side from Windang skipped by Dennis Skinner. Once again we gelled strongly as a team & managed an easy win, not playing the last 4 ends.
THE FINAL
Sunday heralded the final against a very strong side from Thirroul. Ted Clarke, John Ritchie, John Hills & Matt Sargeant on a green running about 14 seconds. We started very strongly by converting a few early ends to skip away to a 9-1 lead. Things changed totally around with Matt converting a number of ends with the score leveling at 9 all. It was to & fro for a few ends however Thirroul managed to skip away to a 23-14 lead with 4 ends remaining. Even though we played over the opponents Matt was devastating wit his last bowl delivering an array of drives & onshots ending up with optimum results. All seemed lost. With nothing but pride & a zone title on the line we, rallied strongly putting bowls in the head & scoring a 2 & 1 on the next 2 ends. This still left a deficit of 6 to equal Thirroul who started to show sign of failing under the pressure. The next end we scored a good 3 after Matt’s last bowl just slipped through the head.
3 to draw & 4 to win still seemed an enormous task on the last end. With the aid of a very parochial crowd Neil started with 2 good shots from lead. Ted failed for Thirroul & Harry continued to place more good shots. With John Ritchie & John Hills cutting us down to 2 with the skips bowls remaining. Matt failed with his 1st bowl. Greg managed to draw another shot leaving us with 3 shots & Matt with 1 bowl left. He is an explosive & very accurate driver so he lined up to destroy the head. This shot was slightly wide & fortunately edged 1 of their short bowls leaving us with a draw with 1 bowl remaining. Greg drew with his last bowl on a slightly tighter line however managed to stay in the head for an exciting 4 to win the game 24 to 23. The largely pro RSL crowd were jubilant & the RSL had new champions. Over the 6 games all played very solid bowls with an emotional hug after the game.

Last Thursday we had a visit from North Queensland traveling Bowlers. Everyone had a great day of bowls followed by a great high tea supplyed by TOPNOSH BYARONG BISTRO. Thankyou to all involved.

This weekend Pennants start for the Men. Please check if you have been selected and where your are playing.

This Sunday is the first round of the Mens Major Singles.