FEBRUARY 2023

HIGH PERFORMANCE YOUTH ACADEMY LAUNCHES IN QLD

CONTENTS

8 – Junior State Championships 2023 20 – Stella Palmer’s Training

Off

7

21 DEVELOPMENT

Joan Brotherton discusses improperly delivered jacks & dead ends

Editor: Jo Grey

Reporters/Photographers: Kelsey Cottrell

Sue Busch

Editorial Assistant: Dee Ayre

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club news

CHALLENGE

Maryborough’s Social Bowls Kombi Challenge

34 COACHING

Alan Thorp discusses weight and delivery

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Bowls Queensland Patron: Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland

Junior Singles Champions Thomas Brehmer, Mia Haylock, Stella Palmer, Cody Gerick & Steven Bird-Monk

Photo: Sue Busch

2023 QLD STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS VENUE ANNOUNCED

Bowls Queensland is pleased to announce that this year’s State Championships Finals will be held at the Coolum Beach Bowls Club on the Sunshine Coast.

Held from May 8-21, 2023, this event will feature $50,000 in prize money. Coolum Beach Bowls Club will host all the finals of each event and the bulk of sectional/post sectional play. Bowls Queensland would like to thank the Sunshine Coast Council for their support of this event to be held in the Sunshine Coast Region. Sectional play will be held at various clubs in the Sunshine Coast. Winners of all events (except Over 60 pairs) will advance to the Australian Championships in October 2023. Entries are open, visit: www.bowlsqld.org/events/statechampionships/ for more details.

2023 JUNIOR STATE SQUAD ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to the new 2023 Junior State Squad that was announced in Bundaberg on January, 20.

From the President

with BQ’s Peter Williamson

From the board, staff and committees we wish all the bowls fraternity a Happy New Year.

The year began with the Junior State Championships held at Bundaberg. There are not enough words to describe the outstanding performances by the players, at times under the most horrendous condition imaginable and in particular during some finals.

The addition of the Under 12 competition proved popular to players with positive feedback from the parents. A squad of eight girls and eight boys was selected from players in the championships and named, enabling the selectors to put together sides for interstate and the Nationals events.

Jack Chirgwin - Glasshouse, Sam Collier - Broadbeach, Todd Brain - Algester Front L-R: Lily Vardy - Tweed Heads, Lacey GerickKawana, Corinne Stallan - Cooktown, Dekota Brindle - Hamilton, Holly Anderson - Cunnamulla, Sophie Allan - Helensvale, Keira PowellTweed Heads & Stella Palmer - Roma

QUEENSLAND MAROON ARM BOWLERS

The Maroon Arm Bowlers National Bowling Arm Sides Championship team returned home triumphant from Western Australia with a silver medal, missing out on the gold medal by just 1 shot. The State Arm Bowlers Pairs and Singles Championships will be held at Club Musgrave from April 28 to May 2, 2023. Please contact Peter Hutchinson at 0431198318 or pocmhutch@gmail.com

A talk by Lynsey Clarke, Christina Pavlov and Alan Thorp on a Coaching Academy for selected players from ages 15 to 30 was well received by those present. Players selected will be notified.

The Bowls Queensland Returning Officer is once again processing nominations for the ensuing Annual General Meeting to be held in March and I am sure the districts will have a number of worthwhile applicants on their ballot forms.

The board is well underway with a new strategic plan which should be finished in time to be presented at the March Council meeting.

Back L-R: Wyatt Martin - Gayndah, Trent Brehmer - Algester, Travis Pearce - Kenilworth, Hayden Leslie - Enoggera, Riley Gerick - Belmont,

Peter Williamson

CEO REPORT

with BQ’s Brett Wilkie

Another exciting year of bowls has commenced with the QLD Junior State Championships completed and summer competitions underway. All the best to districts, clubs and members across the State for the year ahead.

BQ Board and AGM

Nominations closed on January 27 for the role of President and two Board Directors on the Bowls QLD Board. Details of nominations received will be in the March Bowler and the Bowls QLD AGM will be held on Wednesday, March 22.

ACEIT Partnership

Bowls Queensland is pleased to announce that ACEIT has agreed to continue their partnership with Bowls Queensland for another term. ACEIT has been providing BQ with high quality apparel and service since 2019. We value our relationship and look forward to working with ACEIT to fit out our representative players, board, committees and staff.

2023 Junior State Championships

Well done to all juniors in this event on their performance and sportsmanship displayed, this was a real credit to themselves, parents/carers, coaches and everyone else involved. Numbers were up 13% this year which was great to see and the introduction of the Under 12 Open Singles was well received.

Thank you to the parents/carers/family/coaches/ clubs and districts who supported the juniors to attend this event. Thank you to Des Kemp, Chair of the Burnett Bowls Club and Bundaberg District Junior Liaison for his assistance along with volunteers and staff from the Burnett, Across The Waves and Bundaberg Bowls Clubs. Well done to our Match Committee and BQ Staff for co-ordinating and running this event, also to BQ’s Umpire and Selection Committee for their time and effort at these championships. Congratulations to the eight girls and eight boys selected in the 2023 QLD Junior Squad (see page 5).

Thank you to the Bundaberg Regional Council, Arcon Metals Recycling, West Bundaberg Pharmacy and Macadamias Australia for their sponsorship of this event. All six days were live streamed, thank you to Robbie Allan, Brian Marshall and Bruce Kirk for providing this service.

QLD Youth Academy

This new initiative was announced during January and included a presentation by Bowls Australia QLD Pathways Coach Lynsey Clarke to participants, coaches and support crew at the QLD Junior State Championships. Well done to Lynsey and the BQ Coaching Committee who are working together to introduce this new program to our rising stars of the sport in QLD. Coaching Committee Co-ordinator Alan Thorp and Selection Committee Co-ordinator Christina Pavlov also did a presentation at the QLD Junior State Championships entitled Coaching Pathways, which was well received.

Bowls QLD Event Hosting

Expressions of Interest are open for any clubs interested in nominating to host the following Bowls QLD events: 2023 State Champion of Club Champion Finals Series; 2023 State Pennant Finals; 2023 8-a-Side Mixed Event; 2023 State District Mixed Pairs and 2024 Junior State Championships. Expressions close on February 13.

2023 State Championships

The 2023 State Championships Finals, with $50,000 prize money, will be held at Coolum Beach Bowls Club on the Sunshine Coast from May 8-21, 2023. Bowls Queensland would like to thank the Sunshine Coast Council and the Coolum Beach Bowls Club for their support of this event to be held in the Sunshine Coast Region.

2023 District Sides Championships

The 2023 District Sides Championships will be held at Coolum Beach, Club Kawana, Club Maroochy, The Waves Caloundra and Tewantin Noosa Bowls Clubs from May 3-6, 2023.

Wilkie

Inaugural High Performance Youth Academy launched

The start of a new year in the bowls world brings anticipation and excitement about what lies ahead. This year, a new initiative will give our next generation of Queensland talent a little something extra for to strive for.

Launched on February 1, the Bowls Queensland High Performance Youth Academy will offer a new platform for the development of identified talent between the ages of 15 and 30, selected from across the State. With the aim of capturing and retaining young bowlers from an early age, the Youth Academy offers the opportunity to be part of a structured training environment and squad that will be mentored, supported and managed by experienced coaches, who are passionate about inspiring learning, growth, achievement and excellence.

The High-Performance Youth Academy will be a fantastic stepping stone for those developing players within the sport of bowls who have ambition to move through the pathway structure, in to the Queensland Pathways Squad and State Squads and potentially on to higher Australian Squad honours. The Youth Academy Program concept has been designed, and will be led, by one of Queensland’s most decorated, successful and respected representatives, and Bowls Australia Queensland Pathways Coach, Lynsey Clarke.

Clarke, who herself came through the Queensland ranks as a representative Junior, Under 25, and then Open Level athlete before taking to the international stage, is excited about the opportunity to play a key role in nurturing the Next Generation of young Queenslanders on their own unique journeys.

“I feel really grateful to have come through a strong development program in our State when I started showing some ability as a junior,” Clarke said.

“I was able to learn from some amazing coaches and mentors who provided me with such a solid foundation in the sport – not just skills wise, but more importantly with those life values that have led me so well throughout my lengthy international bowls career,” she said.

“That’s what we want to offer these young Queenslanders. The impact of a great coach and learning environment can’t be underestimated, so I’m really excited about what the future can hold for our Academy Squad members down the track. I envisage they will become fantastic ambassadors of the mighty maroon shirt.”

Clarke will work closely with Bowls Queensland Coaching Coordinator, Alan Thorp (and his committee), to develop and deliver the content and ensure a comprehensive, educational and motivational Program is provided to the incoming 2023 Academy Squad.

“This Academy is such a positive step in the right direction for youth development and the growth of our sport in Queensland,” Thorp said. “Our State Coaching Committee is looking forward to working with Lynsey in the delivery of this program,” he said.

The inaugural Bowls Queensland High Performance Youth Academy Squad for 2023 will be announced on the BQ website, Facebook page and Queensland Bowler magazine.

Bowls Queensland President Peter Williamson and CEO Brett Wilkie are also excited about the potential of what this program could deliver over the long term for the State.

Bowls Queensland’s aim and strong desire is to improve the pathways and performances of Queensland representatives, with the BQ Board believing this new academy would be a direct contribution to a high-performance program.

Chrissy Pavlov, Lynsey Clarke & Alan Thorp

JUNIOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

By Kelsey Cottrell

The Queensland State Junior Championships is a much anticipated event on the state calendar.

Not only do these young stars count down the days leading up, but their family, friends, coaches and club mates get excited to see all the enthusiastic kids take to the greens for a great week of bowls.

One of many great things about these championships is that boys and girls from all over Queensland, some travelling great distances to be there, can join forces in the open format.

Kicking off on Sunday, January 15 with the U18 Open Fours Sectionals, the standard started high and remained high throughout the competition, despite heavy rain. Highlights were watching the Gerick family Lacey (Kawana), Riley (Belmont Services) and Cody (Belmont Services) team up with Travis Pearce from Kenilworth and take the greens by storm to win their section, followed by Algester brothers Thomas and Trent Brehmer who joined Todd Brain, also from Algester, and Jack Chirgwin (Glasshouse) hot on their heels throughout the day to set their places in the gold medal match due to take place on Tuesday, January 17. Nudging forward were Roma’s Stella Palmer, Sophie Allan (Helensvale), Oliver Corken (Thuringowa City) and Hayden Oster from Kandanga, who claimed their spot in the bronze medal match against local girl Phoebie Russell (Burnett), Logan Hughes (Solander Lakes), local boy Christian McLellan (Burnett) and Hayden Leslie (Enoggera).

Monday was a full day of U18 Open Pairs and U15 Open Pairs sectional play, followed by finals day for the U18 Open Fours and Pairs on Tuesday, which saw lots of juniors were going home extremely happy, but also extremely wet! A day of rain didn’t make it easy for anyone, but the juniors were resilient and still played amazing bowls on the first of three finals days of the 2023 State Junior Championships.

U18 OPEN FOURS

The fours gold medal was a family affair with Team Gerick who took on Team Chirgwin with the Brehmer brothers.

Silver U18 Fours L-R: Thomas Brehmer (Algester), Trent Brehmer (Algester), Todd Brain (Algester) & Jack Chirgwin (Glasshouse)

Gold U18 Fours L-R: Lacey Gerick (Kawana), Travis Pearce (Kenilworth), Riley Gerick (Belmont Services) & Cody Gerick (Belmont Services) with BQ President Peter Williamson

Bronze U18 Fours L-R: Oliver Corken (Thuringowa City), Sophie Allan (Helensvale), Stella Palmer (Roma) & Hayden Oster (Kandanga)

Beware of the wounded bowler they say; young Thomas had his left arm in a cast but still had an entertaining leads battle with the sole girl in today’s fours final, Lacey Gerick from Club Kawana.

It was a remarkable comeback for team Gerick having trailed the entire match; whilst the margin was not huge it took a lot of fight in testing conditions to play those crucial bowls at the right time, in particular to force the match into an extra end.

Congratulations to our Fours bronze medallists Oliver Corken, Sophie Allan, Stella Palmer and Hayden Oster.

U18 OPEN FOURS FINAL RESULTS

Gold/Silver: L Gerick, T Pearce, R Gerick & C

S Palmer, S Allan, O Corken &

Gold Open Pairs U18 Todd Brain (Algester) & Jack Chirgwin (Glasshouse) with BQ President Peter Williamson

Silver Open Pairs U18 L-R: Hayden Leslie (Enoggera) & Hayden Oster (Kandanga)

Bronze Open Pairs U18 Samuel Collier (Broadbeach) & Travis Pearce (Kenilworth)

Gerick def T Brehmer, T Brehmer, T Brain & J Chirgwin 16-15.

Bronze:

J Oster def P Russell, L Hughes, C McLellan & H Leslie 22-12.

U18 OPEN PAIRS

The U18 Open Pairs final had a rain delay but once the rain eased the finalists were back at it. The rain break was an opportunity to compete in a different way by playing pool against each other at the Burnett Bowls Club.

Once play resumed, Todd Brain and Jack Chirgwin had a busy day contesting two finals and this time they were in the winners’ circle. They had a narrow 5 shot win over the Hayden duo, Hayden Leslie and skipped by Hayden Oster. Bronze medals went to Travis Pearce and Sam Collier (Broadbeach) after they defeated Sophie Allan and Stella Palmer.

U18 OPEN PAIRS FINAL RESULTS

Gold/Silver: Todd Brain/Jack Chirgwin def Hayden Leslie/Hayden Oster 21-16.

Bronze: Travis Pearce/Samuel Collier def Sophie Allan/Stella Palmer 24-9.

U15 OPEN PAIRS

While the excitement of the U18 matches was capturing some of the spectators’ attention, the U15 Open Pairs finals were taking place on neighbouring rinks.

The semi-finals provided a clear indication of what was to come in the medal matches, when Cooper Sutton (Pilaba) and Bryce Jarrett (Pialba) took the stage defeating Shae Daly and Cade Daly (both from Paradise Point) by 40 shots. Latrell Lawton (Charleville) and Jamieson Morgan (Burnett) were also on fire defeating Phoebe Russell (Burnett) and Mia Haylock (Roma) by 20 shots.

In the gold medal match, Lawton and Jamieson lifted the trophy after defeating Jarrett and Sutton in the final, whilst an all girls team of Phoebie Russell and Mia Haylock took home bronze.

OFFICIALS AT THE WELCOMING CEREMONY

President, Mayor Jack Dempsey - Bundaberg Regional Council, Julie McInallyBundaberg District Ladies Section President and Stephen Bennett MP - Burnett Electorate

Silver Open Pairs U15 Bryce Jarrett (Pialba) & Cooper Sutton (Pialba)

Bronze Open Pairs U15 Phoebie Russell (Burnett) & Mia Haylock (Roma)

Gold Open Pairs U15 Jamieson Morgan (Burnett) & Latrell Lawton (Charleville) with BQ President Peter Williamson

L-R: Linda Morish & Jim See - BQ Match Committee, Des Kemp - Burnett BC Chair, Tom Smith MPBundaberg Electorate, Peter Williamson - BQ President, John Kemp - Bundaberg District Men’s Section

U15 OPEN PAIRS FINAL RESULTS

Gold/Silver: Latrell Lawton/Jamieson Morgan def Cooper Sutton/Bryce Jarrett 15-12.

Bronze: Phoebe Russell/Mia Haylock def Shae Daly/Cade Daly 16-15.

U18 OPEN TRIPLES

The Open Triples event was completed following two knockout rounds on Wednesday, January 18. It was a triple treat after double gold was already in the bag for Lacey, Riley and Cody Gerick after winning the Open Fours then teaming up again to win gold in the Junior Triples Championship.

The three siblings were creating history together and fast becoming hot favourites to win gold in the their respective Singles Championships which were due to kick off the next day at clubs in the Burnett region.

The triples final panned out much the same as the Gerick’s fours victory; trailing in the match until the completion of the 13th end, before picking up

a handy four shots to go into the penultimate end leading by one. More great shots were played in the final two ends and the game was in the balance right up until the last bowl was played.

A final attempt from Pialba’s Bryce Jarrett, needing to trail the jack a metre to score three for his teammates Keira Powell (Tweed Heads) and Lucas Evans (Kawana) to snatch back the gold, sailed past the jack by the smallest of margins handing the Gerick trio a 3 shot victory.

The experience of Cody Gerick was shining through these championships having already represented Queensland at the 2022 Junior Nationals; and now his younger siblings Lacey and Riley are putting their best foot forward to join their big brother in the maroon colours later this year.

Spectators and competitors were wondering if they would see brothers taking each other on in the singles final, but there were plenty more quality junior players who were future stars. Bronze was won by Todd Brain (Algester), Jack Chirgwin (Glasshouse) & Hayden Leslie (Enoggera).

U18 OPEN TRIPLES FINAL RESULTS

Gold/Silver: L Gerick, R Gerick, C Gerick def L Evans, K Powell, B Jarrett 13-10.

Bronze: T Brain, J Chirgwin, H Leslie def H Flood, R Pollock, R Paterson 21-2.

Silver U18 Triples winners L-R: Lucas Evans (Kawana), Keira Powell (Tweed Heads) & Bryce Jarrett (Pialba)

Bronze U18 Triples winners L-R: Todd Brain (Algester), Jack Chirgwin (Glasshouse) & Hayden Leslie (Enoggera)

Gold U18 Triples winners L-R: Cody Gerick (Belmont Services), Lacey Gerick (Kawana) & Riley Gerick (Belmont Services) with BQ President Peter Williamson

sINGLES

The 2023 State Junior Championships concluded in Bundaberg with remarkable finals contested between our State’s brightest young stars.

Before Bowls Queensland selectors made their final deliberations over the State Squads for upcoming representative events, they witnessed finals of the State U18 Boys and Girls Singles, State U15 Boys and Girls Singles and the inaugural U12 Open Singles.

After the fours, pairs and triples had been played earlier this week there were a few clear-cut favourites to reign supreme in the U18 singles categories, and they were all from the same family!

The Gerick family had already created history these championships and it was a fitting end for Cody Gerick, the oldest of the siblings to walk away with the coveted U18 Boys Singles gold, his third gold medal of the week. He triumphed over Kandanga’s Hayden Oster in a whirlwind final, 21 shots to 17.

Medallists Boys Singles U18 L-R: Hayden Oster (silver) - Kandanga, Cody Gerick (gold) - Belmont Services, Riley Gerick (bronze) - Belmont Services

Gold Boys Singles U18

Cody Gerick (right) with BQ President Peter Williamson

Silver Boys Singles U18 Hayden Oster (right) with BQ President Peter Williamson

Bronze Boys Singles U18 Riley Gerick (right) with BQ President Peter Williamson

Perhaps the most memorable victory will be the semi-final where Cody defeated his younger brother Riley by just one shot. Now that’s some bragging rights!

In the girls U18 Singles Roma’s Stella Palmer defeated Dekota Brindle from Hamilton 21-15. Stella, who features in this issue on pages 20-21, said she felt really privileged and proud to have won the U18 Singles title. “It was one of my goals and it also goes to show that with sustained training, comes results,” Stella said. “I really need to thank my dad for the consistent coaching he gave me leading up to the big event, and I think a big thanks needs to go Bowls Queensland for always putting up a great juniors’ competition. It was a great week and I loved every moment of it. I can’t wait for what lays ahead this coming year!”

Stella’s dad David said that Stella has put a lot of work into training and it is great to see her efforts have been rewarded with achieving a gold medal. In the playoff for bronze, it was the green shirts on the green with the two Sophies from Helensvale vying for bronze. After a riveting game, Sophie Allan got the better of her Helensvale team-mate Sophie Kiepe 21-19.

Gold Girls Singles U18

Stella Palmer (right) with BQ President Peter Williamson

Silver Girls Singles U18

Dekota Brindle (right) with BQ President Peter Williamson

Bronze Girls Singles U18

Sophie Allan (right) with BQ President Peter Williamson

Medallists Girls Singles U18 L-R: Sophie Allan (bronze) - Helensvale, Stella Palmer (gold) - Roma, Dekota Brindle (silver) - Hamilton

Another name that kept popping up these championships was our eventual winner of the Boys U15 Singles Thomas Brehmer, who had already claimed silver for the U18 Open Fours in this contest. Thomas broke his arm before the competition by falling off his scooter the Monday before leaving for the State Championships and straight away he said, “but it’s OK, it’s my left arm,” as he bowls with his right arm. Thomas is a little bit pleased he can’t write at school as he actually writes left handed. He was more worried about being able to play in the championships than anything else. Thomas didn’t feel that the broken arm affected his game at all. He was going to play in the Triples as well, but his mum pulled him out because she thought it might be too busy a week for him with the broken arm, but in hindsight he wished he had played in the Triples as well.

Paradise Point’s Ben Harrison, who is one of the club’s young superstars and was featured in the Queensland Bowler in the August 2021 issue, pages 16-17. Ben, who claimed the silver medal, starred in the heartwarming ABC’s YouTube Clip You’re Never too Old to Inspire, was encouraged to play bowls by Paradise

Medallists Singles Boys U15 L-R: Ben Harrison (silver) - Paradise Point, Thomas Brehmer (gold) - Algester, Cooper Sutton (bronze) - Pialba

Gold Singles Boys U15 Thomas Brehmer (right) with BQ’s Kerry Green

Silver Singles Boys U15 Ben Harrison (left) with BQ’s Kerry Green

Bronze Singles Boys U15 Cooper Sutton (left) with BQ’s Kerry Green

Point’s Mick Thorne from the age of seven after he was kicking a football on the green. Recognising that reprimanding Ben might create a negative perception of bowls in the future, Mick invited Ben to play bowls. Ben has been enjoying rolling up and learning more each week, which has led to his bowls success.

TV star Pialba’s Cooper Sutton (see page 24 in this issue), whose main ambition for the sport is to “go all the way to the World Bowls Tournaments,” claimed bronze after defeating Broadbeach’s Xavier Parkinson in a thrilling 21-18 match. The best thing about the U15 event is we will get to watch these future champions get better and better over the next three years or more.

What a big day the Tuesday was for all the supporters back in Roma who would’ve been on the edge of their seat watching their two golden girls compete with the best juniors in the State. While Stella was taking out gold in the U18 Girls Singles, their other charge, Mia Haylock was busy winning gold in the U15s. She had a battle with Tilah Mason, winning in a nail biter 21-20. Local girl Phoebie Russell, who had the full support

Gold Singles Girls U15 Mia Haylock (right) with Cr Vince Habermann –Bundaberg Regional Council

Silver Singles Girls U15

Tilah Mason (left) with BQ President Peter Williamson

Bronze Singles Girls U15

Phoebie Russell (left) with BQ President Peter Williamson

Medallists Singles Girls U15 L-R: Phoebie Russell (bronze) - Burnett, Mia Haylock (gold) - Roma, Tilah Mason (silver) - The Albert

of her club, main host club Burnett Bowls Club, defeated Logan Hughes (Solander Lakes) in another tight match 21-18 to claim the bronze on home soil.

The inaugural U12 Open Singles was a huge success with the smallest of superstars taking to the greens in what would be the most exciting event in their bowls journeys to-date.

Gold medallist Steven Bird-Monk has grown up around the bowling green and is the number one supporter of the Burleigh Waterdragons in the Queensland Premier League. The little pocket rocket literally jumped for joy when he drew a toucher to win the game, a brilliant moment from across the six days of competition. Steven’s mum, Ali, commented on the week and said it was an amazing week of bowls and friendships. “This mumma and dad are still beaming with pride,” she said.

Tara’s Joshua Smith took home a silver medal and Keala Nukunuku from Beenleigh won bronze after defeating Miles’ Dallas Brown 21-6.

Gold Singles Open U12 Steven BirdMonk (centre) with Des Kemp (left) & BQ President Peter Williamson

Silver Singles Open U12 Joshua Smith (centre) with Des Kemp (left) & BQ President Peter Williamson

Bronze Singles Open U12 Keala Nukunuku (centre) with Des Kemp (left) & BQ President Peter Williamson

Medallists Open Singles U12 L-R: Keala Nukunuku (bronze) - Beenleigh, Steven Bird-Monk (gold) - Burleigh Heads, Joshua Smith (silver) - Tara

Bowls Queensland would like to congratulate all the competitors and thank each and everyone of them for their entertaining bowls, but more importantly for their wonderful sportsmanship shown toward each other. Thanks to sponsors Burnett Bowls Club West Bundaberg, Macadamias Australia, Across The Waves Bowls Club, Arcon Metals Recycling, Bundaberg Bowls Club, Bundaberg Regional Council & West Bundaberg Pharmacy for their support.

SINGLES FINAL RESULTS

U12 Open

Gold/Silver: Steven Bird-Monk def Joshua Smith 21-14

Bronze: Keala Nukunuku def Dallas Brown 21-6

U15 Boys

Gold/Silver: Thomas Brehmer def Ben Harrison 21-8

Bronze: Cooper Sutton def Xavier Parkinson 21-18

Thank you to Sue Busch for the photos.

U15 Girls

Gold/Silver: Mia Haylock def Tilah Mason 21-20

Bronze: Phoebie Russell def Logan Hughes 21-18

U18 Girls

Gold/Silver: Stella Palmer def Dekota Brindle 21-15

Bronze: Sophie Allan def Sophie Kiepe 21-19

U18 Boys

Gold/Silver: Cody Gerick def Hayden Oster 21-17

Bronze: Riley Gerick def Lachlan Moore 21-6

BOWLS IS A MENTAL AND DYNAMIC GAME SAYS JUNIOR STATE CHAMPION STELLA PALMER

There is no doubt that Stella Palmer from Roma Bowls Club has made her mark in the world of junior bowls. Her achievements in 2022 and more recently at the 2023 Junior State Championships have cemented her place in bowls.

Stella and Reid Grant were runners up in the 2022 Secondary Schools’ Cup, representing Roma State High School. Stella also competed in the Qld vs NSW Test Series U18s in October. However, the icing on Stella’s 2022 bowling cake was winning two personal golds in the National U18 Championships: a pairs gold with Chloe Runge and a fours gold with Sophie Kiepe, Dekota Brindle and Corinne Stallan.

Stella’s introduction to bowls was through her parents. “I originally started playing bowls at five years old, just randomly picking up the bowl and throwing it down the green. There were no greens hurt in this process,” she laughed.

“When I was about 13, I started playing competitive carnivals in Charleville. At this point, I was still playing rugby and doing State athletics but then bowls began weaving into my daily routine.”

Stella remembers her first experience playing in the Junior Qld State Championships in Caloundra when she was 13. Although she didn’t get selected that year, she made many long-lasting memories and friendships and was determined to get selected the next time she competed.

Stella’s training pattern depends on any upcoming events. “If there’s a major event happening, I’ll train up to four or five times a week and sometimes on the weekend. Although, if there are no events, I’ll keep the training down to a minimum and train once or twice that week so I can focus more on schooling,” she said.

“I don’t play any other sports or work, just because the workload can be slightly overwhelming (I found this out the hard way, ha-ha!). So I, along with my parent’s guidance, made the decision that school and bowls were going to be my main priorities.”

Mature beyond her years, Stella realised that higher level bowls involves much more than just rolling a bowl down the green and hoping it goes to where you want it to.

“Bowls is very much a mental and dynamic game that requires a lot of practice, as I’m sure most people realise.”

Stella shared that the most frequently asked questions from her friends is why she chooses to play lawn bowls and what keeps her motivated.

“It’s about me being passionate about the sport and the drive I have to someday wear the green and yellow and represent Australia. My belief and trusting in my hard work, as well as staying committed makes me feel like I’m getting a step closer every day to achieving my goal,” she said.

Stella is the first to recognise that it takes more than just passion and determination to win medals and she very much appreciates her back-up team. She would like to thank the people who have helped her along her journey. Stella would firstly like to thank her parents.

National Fours U18 Champions 2022 L-R: Corinne Stallon, Sophie Kiepe, Dekota Brindle & Stella Palmer

Runners-up in the 2022 Secondary Schools Cup L-R: Reid Grant & Stella Palmer

“Thanks mum and dad! From when I first started picking up a bowl to now, you have both been my number one supporters. Thanks to mum for cheering on the sidelines and to dad for coaching me and giving me the skills I have today. Without you I wouldn’t be where I am now.”

Secondly, Stella is very excited to begin working with mentor Lynsey Clarke in 2023.

“And, of course, thirdly I want to thank Bowls Queensland for the support and opportunities so far,” Stella said. “They have put a lot of spark and fun into the State Junior Squad, and they have made my journey as a Queensland bowler really enjoyable and less daunting.”

Stella said the Bowls Queensland camps were highlights in her journey. “I’ve developed strong friendships and cheeky memories and honestly, I think of everyone as my extended bowls family!” You can tell Stella is speaking from the heart when asked how she would encourage young bowlers to play this sport. “You’re able to be outside, make friends and are challenged in several different ways. I would love to see more young bowlers on the green and hope that by my story being out there, it will encourage more players to give it a go. It has been a very rewarding journey for me so far.”

We can only wonder what the future is going to bring for Stella. What we can bet on, though, is that she will give everything she competes in her best shot and continue to enjoy her chosen sport along the way.

Development with Nick Twining

Making the most of your calendar

Making the most of key dates in the calendar is a convenient way to achieve growth and ensure the quieter or wetter months of the year are more sustainable. If these key dates are planned properly, they can be quite fruitful for our clubs. Check your calendar for the common State public holidays and reflect on and emphasise the elements listed in previous articles on the SWOT principle analysis.

Also take note of key sporting dates; please keep an open mind with this, though it won’t appeal to everyone, there is a market for it now. These start with cricket in November, to tennis in January, NBA, NFL, AFL, NRL, English Premier League and world football events, The Champions League, Formula 1, V8 Supercars, boxing, UFC and non-mainstream sports.

Things like The Superbowl, The FA Cup, The Stanley Cup and NBA Finals series are a great way to grow social membership. Social members don’t need to bowl, but spending money helps support the viability of our businesses.

Please broadcast bowls events. I have walked into numerous clubs to find replays of old NRL games, when bowls was on live. This is no way for a bowls club to promote its own game. As a general guide, LIVE sports only on your TVs, knowing the result vs getting hooked into waiting for a result keeps people in our clubs and bars for longer. Wet weather also puts a dampener on our clubs (excuse the pun). We know it’s coming, but how prepared are we? Every year in the North we run into issues with stock not getting through due to the highway being cut.

My suggestion is to always have a plan B. At the time of writing, Townsville & Mackay had copped a lot of rain, which caused flooding and a major disturbance to businesses. My hat goes off to the people cleaning up, your resilience is a great credit to your clubs!

As always, your QLD RBM team is only ever a phone call away, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local RBM if you need us. Thank you and I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Stella in action at the recent Junior State Championships

BELMONT SERVICES JUNIOR BOWLS CLINIC

It may have been a coincidence that the 2023 Queensland Junior State Bowls Championships commenced in the same week that Belmont Services Bowls Club conducted a Junior Bowls Clinic - but was it actually an omen of what may be ahead for the Belmont Juniors!

The management of Belmont, like many other clubs in the State, had noted with concern that the bowling cohort in the club was not only getting smaller with each passing year, but also older. Contrasting that overall position, was that in recent years the club’s winning Pennants First Division team had been blessed with some very talented juniors. The contrast is even starker when you add that those same juniors also helped the club win the 2020 State Pennant title.

With this in mind, the club management decided that more effort was required, in close cooperation with the Belmont Ladies Bowls Club, to promote our great game with the youth in the local area by conducting a Junior Bowls Clinic. The club’s Member’s Services Sub-Committee got to work with planning the clinic and marshalling resources needed from both the ladies and men’s sections.

Over a two-day period in January, children from the surrounding area in south Brisbane were invited to participate in a free clinic to learn about and play lawn bowls at the Belmont Services Bowls Club. The clinic attracted about 20 children from age seven to 16.

Kane Nelson (himself a recent graduate of Belmont’s junior ranks) participated in the opening session of the clinic and shared his experiences in playing lawn bowls and the very positive impact it has already had. The children’s enthusiasm and energy over the two days was infectious and instantly the members of the club knew they had made the right decision to see if our game could attract and hold the attention of the next generation. The mother of young Molly (7) and Connor (8) said that after the first day of the clinic they were practicing that night on their home carpet in preparation for the second day. The feedback received by the Belmont Club from the parents and guardians confirmed the success of the clinic. Many people expressed the hope that more clinics and a Junior Bowls Program would be developed at the club.

“The club management team was impressed with the response to the clinic and is keen to see it blossom into a strong junior bowls program here at Belmont,” said Club President, Trevor Mitchell.

“We are hoping to secure grant funding to underpin the program and, in particular, to ensure the girls and boys who participate have full access to state-of-the-art equipment, coaching and training aids to develop their skills,” he said.

“We know that these young girls and boys can develop into champion bowlers of the future. We have seen it first-hand here at our club. However, we also recognise that there are many levels of participation in lawn

bowls and there is a huge amount of fun and enjoyment across all levels ahead for these young bowlers. It is wonderful to see the children from the clinic embark on that fantastic journey.”

“In years to come, it may be young girls and boys from the Belmont Junior Bowls Program that join others in attending the new Bowls Queensland High Performance Youth Academy. Keep an eye out for them,” Belmont Ladies Club President, Glenys Pollock said.

Contributed by Paul Turner

Kane Nelson in a Q&A during the Junior Bowls Clinic

Juniors being coached during the clinic

Belmont Services Bowls Club President, Trevor Mitchell

“BOWLS NOT JUST FOR OLD PEOPLE,” SAYS COOPER SUTTON

At the age of 12, Cooper Sutton is Pialba’s very own TV star. Cooper featured on Channel 7’s Today show last year after the Junior State Championships, where he won the bronze medal in the Fours event, and was also interviewed on ABC radio.

Cooper started playing bowls at the age of eight, a couple of years after he saw a bowls club next to where he went for swimming lessons and was curious to see what the men were doing. Since then, Cooper has had a training session and roll up with his idol, Barrie Lester; played in Pialba’s Men’s Classic Fours; played in Maryborough’s Classic Fours with his mum where his team won and has continued to play in multiple events, including the Australian Open Junior Pairs. “Recently, I played in B grade pairs with my Dad at Pialba and we won. I felt proud!” Cooper said.

Cooper won a scholarship at Fraser Coast Anglican College in Hervey Bay where he will be taught how to set goals with his schoolwork and bowls. “I get to play lawn bowls with my Dad, which is really, really cool,” Cooper said.

Unfortunately, Cooper’s experience as a beginner bowler hasn’t always been positive. “When I first started playing bowls, there were a couple of grumpy bowlers who weren’t very nice to me when I was learning,” he said.” But I got through it because I love bowls.” Cooper would like to encourage young bowlers by letting them know that bowls isn’t only “an old person’s sport”. “Bowls isn’t just for old people, go out there and give it a shot and who knows, you might just like it!”

“At the first bowls club I joined when I was 10, I taught a boy with one arm to play lawn bowls. He got the hang of it quite fast,” Cooper recalls.

While Cooper can be seen at the bowls club every week, he manages to find the time for other hobbies. “I do mountain biking, fishing and at school I play handball with my mates. I also do two hours a week of Taekwon-Do and play the keyboard in a rock band.”

Cooper claimed the U15 Singles bronze medal and the silver medal with his teammates in the U15 Open Pairs at the 2023 Junior State Championships.

Cooper’s goal is to keep on playing and improving his game enough to reach the World Bowls Tournaments and he would like to thank everyone who has helped him get this far.

In action at the Junior State Championships

Dad Mark with son Cooper Sutton after winning the Pialba B Grade Pairs

Cooper accepting his silver medal from BQ President Peter Williamson for the U15 Open Pairs at the 2023 Junior State Championships

Laws on dead end due to improperly delivered jack & weather conditions

Special welcome to all members and I hope that you had a wonderful, safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year and are looking forward to a successful 2023 and joining with all your friends on the green and at the club.

Early January saw the start of the 2023 Premier League Qld and the 2023 Junior State Championships followed by the GR8 Bowls Challenge and Q7s Qld 2023 in February. Most clubs and districts will also be commencing their competitions and all players are wished the best. Enjoy your games and ensure you have read the Conditions of Play for each competition.

I have had a request to go through the laws in detail for the following situation:

If the jack is improperly delivered by each player and the end is then declared dead, what is the correct procedure:

Laws 5.3 (page 21) – The start of play:

• 5.3.1 In any game, the start of play is the delivery of the jack by the first player to play in the first end.

• 5.3.2 In any end, the start of play is the delivery of the jack by the first player to play in that end.

Law 5.4 (page 21) – Play in other ends:

In all ends after the first, apart from in an extra end, the winner of the previous scoring end must place the mat and then deliver the jack and the first bowl.

Law 10 – Improper delivery of the jack:

• 10.3 If the jack is improperly delivered once by each player in any end, it must not be delivered again in that end. Instead, it must be centred with the nearest point of the jack to the mat line being 2 metres from the front ditch, and the mat must be placed as described in law 6.1.1 by the first player to play.

Note: the first player of the previous winning end must place the mat.

The above laws cover the start of play in the first and other ends with the delivery of the jack by the first player (Lead) of the winner of the previous scoring end. However, if during the playing of the game an end, and it can be any end, is declared dead the following laws cover the situation and it can also happen if the jack has been improperly delivered once by each player as stated in law 10.3.

Law 10.4

If the jack is improperly delivered once by each player and the end is then declared dead, law 20.3 will apply.

Law 20 (page 35) – Dead End:

• 20.1 A dead end is not counted as a completed end even if all the bowls required to be played have been played.

• 20.2 A dead end must be replayed in the same direction unless the skips or opponents in singles agree to play it in the opposite direction. (If the jack and bowls need to be transferred to the opposite end of the rink before the end is replayed, they must be transferred in a way which avoids distracting players on neighboring rinks).

• 20.3 If the skips or opponents in singles or the umpire declare an end dead, the first to play in that end must also play first when the end is replayed.

Weather Conditions

An important issue at this time of the year are the rules on weather conditions affecting play and these can vary throughout the State. Umpires or officials have the very hard decision to make but the safety of players, officials and spectators should remain the paramount consideration.

The Bowls Queensland Extreme Weather Policy can be found on the BQ website under About>Governance>Policies. I recommend that all umpires, officials, clubs have a copy of the policy. Another important reminder is the need to remain hydrated and drink plenty of water. It is important to maintain blood volume, regulate body temperature and lubricate your joints. Water should be available at all clubs, so please drink as much water as you can during the game.

A reminder to all members that if you wish to become National Markers, Measurers, Umpires or are due for re-accreditation, please contact your District Umpire Committee who will assist you with further information about your application. Also, it is important that your blue card is up to date.

charges are available at queenslandcountry.bank. Applicants for a Pension

account must be at least 65 years of age, or in receipt of an aged pension from Centrelink or the Department of Veteran Affairs. This information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the information you should consider the relevant TMD, whether it is right for you and seek your own advice. Queensland Country

533.

Umpire with Joan Brotherton

Being investigated by the OLGR: What are the disclosure obligations?

As bowls clubs prepare for the new year, they may face investigation by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) assessing compliance with Queensland’s liquor and gaming legislation. This article explains the rights and obligations of bowls clubs and staff when approached by the OLGR for a compliance investigation interview.

Power to Investigate

The OLGR, under the Liquor Act 1992 (Qld) and the Gaming Machine Act 1991 (Qld), has the authority to evaluate whether bowls clubs are adhering to Queensland’s liquor and gaming laws. One of the ways they can do this is by conducting interviews with club staff and representatives. To protect the club’s interests and be prepared for any potential investigation, it’s crucial that bowls clubs document and keep detailed statements from staff and individuals directly involved in any significant incident as soon as possible.

When the OLGR chooses to investigate an incident, the investigator may reach out to

relevant individuals to schedule an interview at a mutually agreed upon time and location. The person being interviewed has the right to have a support person or legal representative present during the interview, and the OLGR must provide sufficient time for the individual to arrange this. The support person is not allowed to answer questions on behalf of the interviewee.

Disclosure Obligations

During an investigation, the OLGR inspectors may request the interviewee to provide their name, address, age, and proof of identification. The interviewee is required to answer all questions asked by the investigator, as long as the investigator reasonably believes the person has relevant information related to the enforcement of the Liquor and Gaming Acts. The only exception to this is if the person has a ‘reasonable excuse’, such as that answering the question could lead to self-incrimination. However, a corporate body cannot utilise that as a ‘reasonable excuse’. As of 1 July 2022, the maximum penalty for not answering a question

during an OLGR investigation is $14,375 under the Liquor Act or $28,750 under the Gaming Act. Under the Penalties and Sentences Act, those maximum penalties can be multiplied by five for a corporate body such as a club.

It is advisable for bowls clubs to have a designated, knowledgeable individual or team available to handle interactions with the OLGR inspectors or police in case they visit the premises. This enables the bowls club to work with the authorities while safeguarding its own interests, however once an investigation begins, it is preferable to have only one point of contact for the club.

Should you be interviewed by the OLGR, the Mullins Hospitality and Commercial Litigation teams can help your bowls club with its obligations when it comes to your disclosure obligations and/or acting as your legal representative.

Please contact me, Matt Bradford at (07) 3224 0353, for any further assistance.

WHAT’S YOUR CLUB BEEN DOING?

Diggers Memorial celebrates 50 years

Diggers Memorial Bowls Club has celebrated its 50th anniversary with an open fours carnival. Past servicemen formed the Diggers Memorial Bowls Club in 1972 and built their first bowls green using their own labour at the club’s current location in Rockhampton. The club continues to respect these servicemen’s memory, as well as the memories of current returned services members through various Remembrance Services and bowls events.

To celebrate this momentous event, Diggers Memorial Bowls Club held the Bendigo Bank 50-Year-Jubilee Open Fours Carnival in November, 2022. The Calliope and District Bendigo Community Bank very generously sponsored the carnival with a donation of $10,000 towards prize money. This is Bendigo Bank’s first sponsorship of Diggers Memorial Bowls Club and the club greatly appreciates this support, which has significantly enhanced participation in the sport.

Twenty-six teams entered the carnival from a wide area of Queensland (Longreach to Bundaberg) representing 15 individual clubs. Only one team, Suzanne Kington’s team, came through the two days of

bowling undefeated, albeit winning one game by only 1 shot and another by 2 shots.

John Wessling, Branch Manager of Calliope and District Bendigo Community Bank, paid tribute to those who organised the carnival and did a lot of hard work which went into the successful two days. John’s team couldn’t quite get into the prize money and we will not reveal where his team finished, but he had a great weekend.

Many thanks to John and the Calliope and District Bendigo Community Bank for their support.

15 Years for Ruth at Gracemere

Contributed by Ken Day

Contributed by Ros Newman

Outgoing Gracemere Ladies Bowls Club Secretary, Ruth Sorrensen (right), has served the club and its members for more than 15 years. Members presented Ruth with a lovely gift to say thank you.

Winners L-R: Gary Kington, Suzanne Kington, Althea Vaughan & John Quinn

Maryborough’s Kombi Social Bowls Challenge

Towards the end of last year, experienced and new players got together at Maryborough Bowls Club (MBC) for the Annual Kombi Challenge between Maryborough’s Recreation Vehicle Home Base (RVHB) and Maryborough Bowls Club. This annual social day is a competitive, yet friendly, event that involves bowlers from RVHB and MBC competing for the Kombi Trophy. The trophy represents the original Recreational Vehicle (Kombi van) on an old style bowl mounted on Black Bean timber.

Thank you to everyone for a truly great day and special thanks to our volunteers (you know who you are). Final results: MBC 164 and RVHB 151.

Contributed by Bill Wells

Pomona’s Keith turns 90!

Congratulations to Pomona Life Member Keith Muir who celebrated his 90th birthday at the end of last year with bowlers and friends at the club.

Keith joined the Pomona Bowling Club after moving from Imbil in 1964 and has been a competitive bowler until recently. Keith’s name features on the men’s honour boards more than 40 times and he has won the District Champion of Champions numerous times in all disciplines. Keith’s bowling ambition was to win all champion disciplines in a single year, a goal he achieved.

Keith reached the Queensland Singles top eight and also trialled for the State team in 1995. Keith is the club’s Patron, has filled all club committee positions and has been the club chairman, vice chairman, green’s director and men’s delegate. He is always an avid supporter of members who play in club competitions and away from home. Members would like to thank Keith for all the time he has generously donated to the club.

Des Blazley from RVHB presenting the Kombi Trophy to Maryborough Club Chairman Laurie Genrich

L-R: Skip Brian Jackson, Samantha & Bill Wells (novices)

Contributed by Judith Muir

Kandanga Country Club Men’s Invitation Fours

The annual Men’s Invitation Fours at the Kandanga Country Club on the third weekend in November is a popular event, with players coming from many other clubs to participate in a great weekend of bowls in this very picturesque setting. Some of the players take advantage of being able to bring their caravans to camp at the club for the weekend.

After a weekend of fierce competition, the winners were Graeme Kath, Shane Rideout, Brian Havell and Damien Rideout. Runners-up were Steve Kefer, Doug Bomwell, Kerry Mitchell and Dave French and third place went to Magic Johnson, Alan Jones, Tony Williams and Mike Roy.

This event is always a weekend of superb men’s bowls, camaraderie and wonderful hospitality provided by Julie, Garry and the team at the Kandanga Country Club. We sincerely thank the sponsors and look forward to hosting the event again next year.

Rocky’s Jack turns 95!

Rockhampton Bowls Club’s oldest member, Jack Robinson, celebrated his 95th birthday in November last year. Jack joined the club in November 2003 and not only does he continue to play bowls, but he also still puts them on, or very close to, the kitty. He still plays his famous on-shot to take out the opposition’s bowl.

Jack joined the Rockhampton Bowls Club from Diggers Bowls Club where he had been a member since 1997. He has often spoken about how he learned to play bowls and how he often stopped off for a practice on the way home from golf. During his time at the club, Jack has served as one of the organisers of Saturday afternoon bowls and as a selector. May you continue to enjoy your bowls, Jack!

Contributed by Phil Robinson

Contributed by Lorraine Emery

Winners L-R: Shane Rideout, Brian Havell, Damien Rideout & Graeme Kath

Runners-up L-R: Steve Kefer, Doug Bomwell, Kerry Mitchell & Dave French

Third L-R: Magic Johnson, Alan Jones, Tony Williams & Mike Roy

50 Years Membership for Ray at Coolangatta

Coolangatta Bowls Club recently celebrated a 50-year membership milestone with Ray Meehan.

Ray and his late wife, Barbara, have three children, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Ray’s eyes light up when talking about his family, who visit him every fortnight.

Ray retired from Ansett Australia at age 62 after 33 years and was presented with a new set of black bowls with the Ansett insignia. One of Ray’s mates from the airline encouraged him to play bowls at South Tweed Bowls Club, which he did for about three years before joining Barbara at Coolangatta Bowls Club in November 1972. Sadly Barbara, who also bowled and was the club’s ladies’ secretary, passed away in 2016.

After joining the club, Ray soon became involved in volunteering and in 1973, his first job was to sell raffle tickets. He became the bowls coordinator in the 1980s and president in 1990/91, 1991/92 and 1997/98. He won the club’s premier event, the Bonanza in 1976, and joined his teammates to become Triples Champions in 1978/79, 1979/80 and 1984/85 and Fours Champions in 1978/79, 1979/80, 1989/90, 1991/92 and 2005/06. Ray also took over from Gary Shadforth to run the successful ‘Saturday at Cooly’.

After being honoured with Life Membership at the club, in 2010 Ray received an award from the Australian Sports Commission for his dedication to the sport as well as a commendation from the Queensland Government for his voluntary service to bowls.

Ray still resides in the house he shared with Barbara for more than 60 years, now with his son Allan and beloved 10-year-old Great Dane cross, Zoe (more like a mini horse to some). Ray is often at the club, catching up with club members, always friendly and welcoming. He’s seen a lot of changes over the years but says he “just loves the club as it has such a great atmosphere”.

The club members would like to thank Ray for the support he has given to the club and its members during his 50 years.

RIP Noel from Woodgate

It is with a heavy heart and a great deal of sadness Woodgate Bowls Club announces the passing of their much loved and respected member, Noel Loder.

Noel recently made the hard decision to hang up his bowling arm and call it stumps on his bowls journey due to his failing health.

Noel was a true gentleman and a great ambassador for the game of bowls, members from the club have said they will miss him terribly.

Contributed by Pam Bews

Club Chairman John Rossiter presenting Ray Meehan with a plaque acknowledging his 50 years at the club

L-R: Club Chairman John Rossiter with Ray Meehan cutting his cake

Contributed by Lesley Christensen

Junior Duo Reach Burnett’s B Grade Pairs Final

Brothers, Marley Peters (12) and Zedd Peters (14) reached the final of the Burnett Bowls Club’s B Grade Pairs by defeating some of the club’s experienced players on their way through. However, they met their match in the final going down to Josh Gott and Brendan Whalley 29-15.

The final was evenly matched in the first nine ends as the scores were locked together at 9-all, with Marley and Zedd both playing some great draw bowls. Josh and Brendan then lengthened the ends and scored 16 unanswered shots over the next four ends to lead 22-8. This proved to be a match winning lead and too much of a break for the two young guns to pull back.

Congratulations to Josh and Brendan for winning their first ever B Grade Pairs Final and well done to Marley and Zedd for reaching the final at such a young age.

Woombye’s Double Celebration

Woombye Bowls Club’s Division

Five brought home the winners pennant flag on the club’s 75th anniversary, which was cause for a double celebration.

Congratulations to Russell Seth

To be able to play lawn bowls at age 93 is outstanding, but to be selected to play your first game of Pennants for your club is going to another level.

Russell Seth played his first game of bowls in October 2020 and since then has become a regular and enthusiastic player. Russell is often a player in winning teams and his cheery outlook on life is a credit to him.

Well done Russell!

Contributed by Eric Tomsene

L-R: Brendan Whalley, Josh Gott, Marley Peters & Zedd Peters

Contributed by Greg Keene

Contributed by Trish Hansen

Pialba’s Men’s Classic Fours Carnival

The fifth Classic Fours Carnival held at Pialba Bowls Club, Hervey Bay in November 2022 saw 30 teams with some of the best bowlers from across the State (and a few from NSW) vying for the $16,000 prize money on offer.

The Friday night Calcutta kicked the carnival off with a $10,295 pool for the first four past the post. Team Nelson with Jacob Nelson, Kane Nelson, Ryan Digby and John Newell sold for the highest price at $1,000. The eventual carnival winners were Riley Gerick, Cody Gerick, Ryan Burnett and Nick Cahill who sold for $600.

Armando Isgro of Airlie Beach with Urangan’s Russell Bramich, Mal MacLeod and Darren Redman led the field up to the last round only to be beaten by their opponents, allowing Team Cahill to leapfrog into first place and collect the $6,000 first prize. This loss relegated Armando down to fourth place.

Overall, it was an awesome carnival with two wellpresented grass greens running at 16/17 seconds. Pialba’s volunteers created the friendly family spirit of a welloiled machine supporting its yearly event.

Work is in progress for the next 2023 Tier 3 Bowls Australia Ranked Carnival to be held in November.

Contributed by John Walker

Winners L-R: Cody Gerick, Riley Gerick, Ryan Burnett & Nick Cahill with major sponsor Fraser Coast Motors Manager Daniel Foley

Runners-up L-R: Mick Tobin, Matt Tonkin, Cody Fehlberg, Ian McMah with FCMC Manager Daniel Foley

Third L-R: FCMC Manager Daniel Foley, John Newell, Jacob Nelson, Ryan Digby & Kane Nelson

Tully’s Classic Invitational Fours

Sixty-four bowlers from Townsville in the South to Cairns in the North arrived in Tully for a weekend to remember in November last year, when Tully Bowls Club staged its annual Classic Invitational Fours.

Elio Crema from Mareeba, now in his eighties, is a part of the furniture after attending this event from the first time Tully Club first staged it.

Congratulations to Team ‘Kiwi’: Kevin ‘Kiwi’ Deegan, Andre Buck, Peter Smith and Elio Crema on taking the winning spot. Just one point behind in second place was the team of

Ash White, Stan Richards, Ron Ford and Rod Bradley. Third place was team Ben Cribbin, Andrew ‘Red Dog’ Hansen, Geoff Ryder and Eddie Rick. This year, the club awarded fourth place to Alf Silliato, Alf Strano, David Leach and Michael Roots.

President Joan thanked those members and volunteers who gave their time to assist at this year’s event. When collecting their prizes, players commented on the weekend of bowls, saying it was one of their favourites and how much they enjoyed playing at Tully with their fellow bowlers.

L-R: Rod Bradley with winners Kevin Deegan, Andre Buck, Peter Smith & Elio Crema

L-R: Runners-up Rod Bradley, Stan Richards, Ash White & Ken Ford

L-R: Third place Ben Cribbin, Eddie Rick, Geoff Ryder & Andrew Hansen with Rod Bradley

Contributed by Rod Bradley

Coaching with BQ Coaching Committee

Controlling length and weight during delivery

By Alan Thorp

Welcome back, I hope that everyone had an enjoyable Christmas and you are now playing our wonderful game of lawn bowls. Travelling around the State as a member of the State Coaching Committee (SCC), myself and other members of the SCC are often confronted with the following statement from players: I have no worries or problems getting my grass or width but I struggle with my weight. Let’s have a look at this problem experienced by many bowlers:

The control of length or weight in the delivery Coaches have implied that this aspect of the game is the main problem for bowlers and one of the reasons many players (in all stages of learning) have difficulties. Generally, this is the case, as it is probably the harder of the two basic factors in bowls (line and length) to master.

Theory of elevation

This theory was used by many coaches in years gone by and is still engaged by some older coaches today. I was actually coached this way using the pendulum method of the arm. The theory is that if the bowl is held higher prior to delivery, the longer the pendulum action, and therefore more momentum (velocity) will be applied to the bowl at the time of release. I was also taught that the length of the step (if increased or decreased) would alter the length or weight applied to the bowl being delivered. We as coaches generally know this is not the case; however, everyone is an individual and this must be considered when coaching.

If you, or the person you are coaching, are experiencing difficulties with weight given to the delivery, consider the following:

• The speed of the delivery is a skill natural to each individual governed by a number of factors including their natural step and bowling style;

• If you are practicing, or coaching someone, you must have the ability through training (preferably in a game set situation) to adjust to varying conditions such as:

» the speed of the green

» different lengths of the jack placement

» the environmental factors on the day or during training.

Hard work, experience and many hours of practice will determine how proficient you will become, given that weight and length are such an important aspect of being a very consistent bowler.

Presenters and Assessors’ Workshop

Note: Forget the back swing, ignore it, let the weight control be made by the subconscious mind and memory of the delivery.

Delving deeper

Firstly, the momentum applied to the bowl at the point of delivery will determine how far it travels along its intended line before coming to rest. Therefore, the speed of the delivery action will automatically increase the length of the pendulum, which increases the momentum or speed at which the bowl leaves the hand at the point of delivery.

Secondly, or conversely, slowing the speed of the delivery will decrease the length of the pendulum action and the momentum of the bowl on delivery. Always remember we are talking about the speed at which the bowl leaves the hand at the point of delivery. Once the bowl leaves the hand, it starts to slow down because of environmental factors and friction. So, the velocity of a bowl is the speed at which it travels on its trajectory (direction) until it reaches the target or comes to rest.

Summary of length/weight

• Let the length/weight of the delivery be controlled subconsciously

• Never overstep or understep in a delivery for weight adjustment or control

• Forget about the back swing - it will happen automatically

• Develop a consistent delivery technique

• Practise, practise, practise. This will allow accurate adjustments of length by varying the speed of the delivery movement

• Use a coach where possible, and hopefully the correct weight/length will evolve, thus making you a more consistent and competent bowler

• Always have a good knowledge of the “pace of the green” prior to competition or practice

• When coaching a player on weight or length, always indicate the length required of each bowl, then suggest the increase or decrease of the next delivery. This will cement this factor into the memory bank and will help increase the players ability to “read the green” and make adjustments to the delivery of their bowls.

In the May issue of the Queensland Bowler magazine, I will write an article on the intended line (green/width) which, when paired with this article, will hopefully help bowlers to reach their goals.

UPCOMING COURSES

• Urangan BC, Selection Module Course 9/2/2023

Please contact Cath at Bowls Queensland at (07) 3354 0777 if your district would like to book any of the following courses: Introductory Coach Course, Club Coach Course, Re-accreditations or Skills Day (including armed bowlers).

Presenters & Assessors (P&As) from all over Queensland recently joined BQ coaches Alan Thorp and Dennis O’Toole for a workshop at Chermside Bowls Club. It was a good refresher for all who attended. If you would like a P&A to visit your club, please contact BQ.