May 2013

May 2013

BATTLE OF THE

SEXES

NATASHA JONES

QUEEN OF

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Volume 36/ Issue No. 8

14

Photo: David Allen

13

06

10

CONTENTS 06 Junior State Champs

14 Goodna Reborn

Queensland’s top junior bowlers battled it out for state title glory at the 2013 championships at Bribie Island.

More than two years after Queensland’s floods devastated Goodna, the Ipswich club is back and better than ever.

10 Operation Save Mundubbera

18 District Sides Preview

A group of big-hearted Ferny Grove volunteers are on a mission to salvage flood-stricken Mundubbera Bowls Club.

Who will be the winners and losers at this year’s District Sides Championships on the Sunshine Coast?

13 World Cup 2013

20 State Champs Preview

Former Northern Irish international Jeremy Henry has grabbed back-to-back World Cup crowns for Australia.

Hundreds of bowlers will do battle for state titles this month, we take a look at the top contenders.

4 | queensland bowler

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From the Chair

with Ron Chambers

State Juniors Congratulations to the club officials, greenkeepers, umpires and volunteers who did a great job running the State Junior Championships at Bribie Island, Solander Lake, and Bongaree Bowls Clubs.

4

Also many thanks to the BQ umpires, selectors and match committee, and the media department on their reporting and pictures from the event. It added to the spectacle of the occasion.

While the championships were a learning experience for some young bowlers and a chance to lift their games for others, there were many games where spectators and senior bowlers were impressed and humbled by the very high standard of bowls on show from the juniors.

Players of the Series were Coolangatta’s Braidan Leese and local girl Natasha Jones, with the Bribie sensation steam rolling her way to gold in all four disciplines. Natasha is going to be a force to be reckoned with in Queensland bowls in the future.

Australian Sides

The Australian Sides Championships will be held in Bendigo at the end of April, going into May, and both Queensland men and women have strong teams. The men are hoping to win back-toback tournaments, while the women are hoping to repeat their performance of 2011 and once again bring home the shield.

Bowls Australia Meeting

A consultative body conference will also be held at Bendigo during the Australian Sides tournament, with both BQ CEO Keith Fullerton and myself in attendance for Queensland.

We hope to learn more about what’s coming up next in bowls in Australia, with a new strategic plan for the next five years to be discussed.

6

The next two months are busy ones on the bowls calendar, with Queensland’s District Sides and State Championships to be played on the Sunshine Coast.

The BQ directors and I hope to catch up with some of you there.

As your chairman, I also have the pleasure of attending the 50th anniversary celebrations of Proserpine Bowls Club, in between my return from Bendigo and attending the second week of the State Championships on the Sunshine Coast.

It’s always a pleasure to be invited to country clubs and see how well they are performing.

your say Dear Editor,

I am a 42-year-old male and yesterday cancelled my bowls membership and stowed my bowls indefinitely.

I have been playing bowls for four years now and wanted to up the anti from a social bowler and play club competition.

Having bought the club shirt and approved BA shorts, I turned up at 9am Sunday morning to play a B grade singles game and was kicked off the green due to not wearing white shorts.

To the gentlemen who live, eat and breath bowls, take a moment to consider me.

I have kids at school (homework, assignments, netball practise, band practice, kids sports on weekends, sleepovers), I run a small contracting business and sometimes even find the time to mow the lawn or spend time with the missus.

My leisure time is valuable to me, and to be treated with distain because of the colour of my shorts is appalling.

If this sport insists young men dress like old men then little wonder young men steer well clear.

Lance Carbines Is Lance right? Should competitions below Pennants have a more relaxed dress code, if clothing is neat and approved? Lance explains below. - Editor Lance says:

My parents owned and operated a small bowls shop called Lawn Bowls Supplies (formally Bowls in Beenleigh) until my father Chris died last year. I was their mobile service for a year on the Sunshine Coast, servicing clubs from Maryborough to Caboolture.

I pestered mates to play bowls and was told “I’m not old enough yet” and “I’m not dressing like my grandad”. One day, I was visiting a progressive Sunshine Coast club when a group of lads came in for a beer and asked what was going on outside? I said “Bowls” to which they laughed and said “Bowls is played by oldies in whites, not all these people dressed normally...”

And there was the key, in my eyes, to the future of the game, modern clothing and styles from approved suppliers.

After we closed the bowls shop I moved to Mackay for construction work and became a social bowler.

I understand that to a degree I brought my current predicament upon myself, because I thought most clubs had adopted more relaxed attire guidelines.

(In fact, clubs have their own by-laws about dress code for club championships, pinned on the notice board.)

However, no one spoke to me about this in person and in the game I marked the previous day, a bowler wore a sponsor’s shirt not a club shirt.

The idiosyncrasy of enforcing laws where the colour shorts you wear can get you disqualified from competing in a Club Championship should be changed.

Editor: Wayne Griffin Reporters: Naomi Cescotto Christine Robertson

Editorial: Queensland Bowler PO Box 476, Alderley, Qld 4051 Phone: (07) 3355 9988 Fax: (07) 3855 0010 Email: news@bowls-queensland.org

Published by: Bowls Queensland

Advertising: Wayne Griffin Phone: (07) 3355 9988

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Fax: (07) 3855 0010 Email: advert@bowls-queensland.org Subscriptions: To subscribe, fill out the form on page 34 and post it, together with a cheque for $26.80 (inc gst) to: Queensland Bowler Subscriptions PO Box 476, Alderley, Qld 4051.

queensland bowler | 5

“

It’s probably the best way I could end my junior career and I’m really looking forward to the future.

To be honest, words can’t describe what I am feeling having won all four titles.

I guess the closest way to describe the feeling would be to say I am ecstatic and extremely happy.

School’s Out

Tash gives rivals a lesson in lawn bowls

It may have been Natasha Jones’ last Queensland Junior State Championships, but she certainly made it one she will never forget.

Playing on home turf at Bribie Island Bowls Club, the young gun created Queensland bowling history as the firstever bowler to win all four Queensland junior state titles in the same year.

Jones, who turns 18 in July, now plans to take a year off to focus entirely on her bowls in the hope to continue to play for both Queensland and Australia.

“It’s probably the best way I could end my junior career and I’m really looking forward to the future,” Jones said of her clean sweep at State Champs.

“To be honest, words can’t describe what I am feeling having won all four titles.

“I guess the closest way to describe the feeling would be to say I am ecstatic and extremely happy.”

Her first win of the championships was in the girls four where Jones skipped her side of April Wilson, Connie-Leigh Rixon, and Rikki-Lee Kemp to victory over Christine Muller, Emma Rowbotham, Ashley Wheeler and Kali Visentin 17-12.

Less than 48 hours after winning the fours title, Jones was snatching her second title of the competition with pairs partner April Wilson.

In action against Rikki-lee Kemp 6 | queensland bowler

Jones and Wilson defeated Breannan Killick and Kelly Sands, 33-7.

Jones’ Midas touch continued in the triples, with her gun outfit of Wilson and

Kemp going through the round robin competition undefeated to secure a third title.

Runners-up Rowbotham, Wheeler and Visentin gave the champs a run for their money in their post-sectional match-up 22-18, before Taleah Putney’s outfit of Tiffany Murray and Michaela BaileyNelson almost ended Jones’ dream run in a do-or-die decider.

Putney matched Jones almost blow-forblow throughout the game, with just one shot separating the sides heading into the final end.

With a state title on the line, Murray landed her bowl just inches from the jack.

Wilson’s first attempt fell short, but the Gold Coast girl made good with her next, pushing up her first bowl to steal shot.

But Rikki-Lee Kemp was the real star of the show. The Bundaberg ace sat her first bowl on Wilson to make it two in the head.

Putney’s side had two close thirds, but in the shot of the match, Kemp took both bowls out, leaving her own in their place.

With the pressure on, Putney tried to draw the shot, but her radar was off and Jones’ side clinched the match and the title, 24-20.

Continued ► v36/8

“They’ve been playing some great bowls and Rikki really saved us in that last end, it could have gone either way,” Jones said of her triples teammate.

These friends turned into foes the following day when a singles title was up for grabs and Kemp and Jones faced off in the grand final.

“It’s always hard playing against people you know, especially if they are in your team, because you are such great friends that you don’t want to play against them, let alone beat them,” Jones said.

The 17-year-old said she couldn’t have achieved what she has without the support of her family, friends, boyfriend, coach and club.

“ ”

Heading into the singles grand final, Jones was feeling the pressure.

“I knew I definitely wanted to win the singles as it was the only state title I’d never won before,” she said.

With a home crowd behind her, Jones said she might have had a bit of an advantage over Kemp. But neither girl was prepared for a blustery downpour mid-match.

“It was a pretty tough game. When it rained, the green changed a bit and I think we both found that a bit difficult, but I think I handled it better in the end,” Jones said.

It’s always hard playing against people you know, especially if they’re in your team, because you are such great friends that you don’t want to play against them, let alone beat them.

Kemp said she struggled to deal with the conditions during the final.

“I think we both played really well, but it was a hard game, especially when it rained because the green changed and I found that difficult. I went down after the rain,” she said.

Jones won 25-9, but the girls are still friends, with the pair making a pact prior to hitting the green, that whoever lost would be happy for the other person.

“It’s their support I am truly grateful for, without it, I could not have achieved what I have,” she said.

GIRLS FOURS

April Wilson, ConnieLeigh Rixon, RikkiLee Kemp, Natasha Jones def Christine Muller, Emma Rowbotham, Kali Visentin, Ashley Wheeler, 20-12 GIRLS TRIPLES

April Wison, Rikki-Lee Kemp, Natasha Jones def Emma Rowbotham, Ashley Wheeler, Kali Visentin, 24-20 GIRLS PAIRS

April Wilson, Natasha Jones def Breannan Killick, Kelly Sands, 33-7 GIRLS SINGLES

Natasha Jones def Rikki-Lee Kemp 25-9

Glimpses of greatness They may be some of Queensland’s youngest players, but the Under 15’s know how to put on a show.

For some it was their first Junior State Championships and they delivered not just a win, but a glimpse into what might be the start of some illustrious bowling careers.

No stranger to the State Championships, Cleveland’s Jacob Nelson enjoyed a comfortable win over Algester ace Mitchell Mears in the boys’ singles decider, 25-9.

The boys were neck-and-neck in the early ends, but Nelson picked up the pace mid-way through the match, keeping Mears scoreless for 11 of the final 15 ends.

In the girls’ under-15 final, Capalaba’s Sophie Young took out 2011 winner and title favourite Taleah Putney (Gayndah) for the win, 25-19.

It was Young’s first championship, but certainly not her last.

“I was just looking to compete...I never dreamed I would actually win,” she said.

“At the start it was very nerve wracking, but as you go through the games you get more confident. Now I have a taste of success, I want to compete in all the big competitions now.”

Having only picked up a bowl less than a year ago, Young shows promise as a future star of the game and she hopes her win will help inspire other girls to give bowling a go.

“At the start I thought bowls was an old man’s sport, but now I know that it’s great for all ages.

I hope that my win will make my friends join up and play, because I am the only girl in my club.”

In the Under-15 Combined Pairs, skip Alex Harman and lead Sean Gillis took the title after an exciting battle.

Harman, playing in his first state championship, said the duo dropped just one game during the round-robin competition, and only by one point.

“I’m not sure I want to come back next year, when you win a state title in your first championships, it might be nice to go out on top,” 14-year-old Harman joked after winning.

But it wasn’t an easy final, with the pair only getting the upper hand for the first time in the 13th end, 11-10.

In the first half of the game, runner ups Nathan Earle and Mitchum Sowden set the pace, but Harman and Gillis fought back to win 18-13.

BOYS UNDER 15 SINGLES

Jacob Nelson def Mitchell Mears 25-9

GIRLS UNDER 15 SINGLES

Sophie Young def Taleah Putney 25-19 UNDER 15 COMBINED PAIRS

Sean Gillis, Alex Harman def Nathan Earle, Mitchum Sowden 18-13

Golden girls: Rikki-Lee Kemp, Natasha Jones, Connie-Leigh Rixon, April Wilson v36/8

queensland bowler | 7

Singles King He may not have had a clean sweep like Natasha Jones, but Brendan Wilson is just as proud of his two titles at the 2013 Junior State Championships.

At just 16, he still has next year to aim for the four titles in one championship.

“What Tash (Natasha Jones) did was amazing and I congratulate her for that,” he said.

“I’ve still got next year hopefully to add my name to that list of people that have won all four state titles in one year.”

Wilson said he was “over the moon” to win two titles, especially singles.

“Winning just the triples I still would have been happy, but to win the singles is more than I could ever imagine,” he said.

“I’d like to say thank-you to my mum and dad for all their support over the years to get me where I am now, plus a big thank-you to Bill Cornehls and Brett Wilkie for their support during and leading up to State Championships.”

Not even the elements could stop Wilson in his singles final against Hayden Vogler.

He stormed ahead for a 20-3 lead as the rain poured down, before wrapping up the game 25-10 in 21 ends.

“It was fine and the sun was shining and then everything went dark and it started raining, which levelled the field between Hayden (Vogler) and I, and that’s when Hayden started to mount a bit of a comeback,” Wilson said.

But Vogler admitted that he just couldn’t keep up with Wilson on the day.

“Brendan was on fire, I just couldn’t compete with his bowls,” Vogler said of his opponent.

It was the second taste of victory for the Tweed Heads local in less than 24 hours, with Wilson, Daniel Keogh and Nic Gosley (s) claiming triples glory when they defeated Paul Kajewski, Nathan Wilson and Cohen Litfin (s) 28-14.

It was Gosley’s first open title and he couldn’t speak highly enough of his teammates.

“I was really happy to get the win,” Gosley said.

“We’ve been playing pretty well together and we managed to get over the line in the end. The boys were great, they had to carry me a bit.”

Dawn Lanham presents Braidan Leese with the Ray Lanham Player of the Championship trophy

SHOWMAN LEESE PULLS THE CROWD

Braidan Leese was another junior who took home two titles in 2013, after triumphantly winning both pairs and fours.

Leese, who was also awarded the Ray Lanham Player of the Championship shield, skipped his fours outfit of Joel Andersen, Mitchell Styles and Hayden Hohnke to victory against Mitchell Mears, Dean McCarthy, Jamie Dwyer and Hayden Vogler, 23-16, in what has been described as a “sensational” game of bowls.

Queensland women’s selector Pamela Maitland said she would go a long way to see another game like the boys’ fours final.

“I’ve been watching bowls since I was 10-years-old and I’m 72 now and this is the best game I’ve ever witnessed,” she said.

In the pairs, Leese along with Dalby’s Stephen Savage defeated Paul Kajewski and Jamie Dwyer, 29-12.

With nine State Junior Championship titles under his belt since he started competing (after 2013 State Champs it’s now 11 titles), it was no wonder Leese was quietly confident heading into the 2013 Championships.

“I was pretty confident in the ability of my teams going into the competition,” he said.

BOYS SINGLES

Brendan Wilson def Hayden Vogler, 25-10 BOYS PAIRS

Stephan Savage, Braidan Leese Paul Kajewski, Jamie Dwyer, 29-12

def

BOYS TRIPLES

Brendan Wilson, Daniel Keogh, Nic Gosley def Paul Kajewski, Nathan Wilson, Cohen Litfin, 28-14 BOYS FOURS

Joel Andersen, Mitchell Styles, Hayden Hohnke, Braidan Leese def Mitchell Mears, Dean McCarthy, Jamie Dwyer, Hayden Vogler, 23-16

8 | queensland bowler

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Pictured (clockwise from above): Triples champs Daniel Keogh, Nic Gosley and Brendan Wilson; U-15 singles winner Jacob Nelson; Fours champions Hayden Honke, Braidan Leese, Mitchell Styles and Joel Andresen; Triples runners-up Kali Visentin, Emma Rowbotham and Ashley Wheeler; U-15 Singles runner-up Taleah Putney; Pairs runners-up Jamie Dwyer and Paul Kajewski; U-15 Combined Pairs winners Alex Harman and Sean Gillis; U-15 Singles champion Sophie Young.

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queensland bowler | 9

Men on a Mission Ferny Grove volunteers have taken on the challenge of rebuilding Mundubbera Bowls Club On a sunny April Sunday, close to 70 bowlers fill the greens at Ferny Grove Bowls Club.

The mood is light-hearted and jovial as experienced and barefoot bowlers line up side by side, all united by a common cause – to raise funds for the flood-striken Mundubbera Bowls Club.

Of the boisterous group, the two men that stand out as being probably most high in spirits on this relaxed day would be Roland (Roly) Puncheon and John O’Shea, the organisers of the event.

Fast-forward a week and Roly and John are still in high spirits, but in place of the pristine greens of Ferny Grove they’re facing the ruins of the Mundubbera Bowls Club.

The pair, joined by several others from the Ferny Grove, have travelled to Mundubbera to start the process of re-building the devastated country club house.

This is the first of many trips the group are planning to Mundubbera according to John.

“This weekend we are getting stuck into it and making a start on the ceilings,” he said.

“Next time we hope to get the wall sheets up. So we need chippies and plasterers to put their hand up to help out.”

Their clubs may be separated by hundreds of kilometres, but it’s clear these groups of bowlers thrown together via circumstances are destined to become lifelong friends.

And what got the ball rolling was a simple news article.

After reading about the plight of the uninsured Mundubbera Bowls Club in the March Issue of Queensland Bowler, Roly knew he had to do something to help.

He and John jumped in the car and travelled to the stricken club to view the damage first hand.

“I was shocked and I couldn’t help thinking, what would it be like if 10 feet of water went through Ferny Grove Bowls Club,” Roly said.

“Our aim is to get the club back to its former glory, but to start with we are just going to work on the bowls area which needs the walls and ceiling replaced and the floors cleaned.

Roland estimates this to cost around $2000 if they can get enough volunteers to do the bulk of the work.

Already with the success of the Ferny Grove Bring-a-Friend Day on April 21, they are well on the way to getting together the funds, but they still need more volunteers to assist.

Roly hopes the bowls community will rally together to help the bowlers of Mundubbera and has put the call out for a plasterer, electrician, carpenter and plumber along with 10 -12 labourers (aka

volunteers) to put their hand up to help out.

Although the club is in ruins, the greens are close to being back and running with the first games starting on May 16, when the Mundubbera Bowls Club hosts the President’s Cup. Mundubbera clubman Harold Linskit travelled to Ferny Grove on April 21, to take part in the fundraiser along with his wife Marge, and fellow bowlers Bev Stafford and Kevin Zipf.

Harold said all the bowlers at Mundubbera were touched by what Roly, John and the other members of Ferny Grove were doing to help get them back on their feet.

“It’s really fantastic, we are a small club, battling all the time, but we enjoy our bowls and that’s the main thing,” he said.

For those who missed the Social Bowls Day and the first trip to Mundubbera, don’t despair, you can still be part of this amazing display of comradeship.

Volunteers are needed for future rebuilding trips and donations to the Save Mundubbera Bowls Club Fund are always welcome.

To volunteer or to make a donation, contact Roly on 0403 990 783.

Men on a mission - Ferny Grove Bowls Club volunteers: Back Row: Graeme Jamieson, Roly Puncheon, John Krogh, Eddie Bloom and John O’Shea. Front Row: John Lindsay, Warren (Wazza) McDougall 10 | queensland bowler

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Top of the world

World Cup Champs Jo Edwards & Jeremy Henry.

Henry and Edwards win at Warilla

Australia’s Jeremy Henry has claimed back-to-back World Cup titles after defeating New Zealand’s Tony Grantham 10-5, 5-8, 5-0 on his home turf at Warillla Bowls Club.

“It feels fantastic to win two in a row, especially here in front of my own crowd, my own club, me working here, fantastic,” Henry said following his win.

Despite going through the tournament undefeated, Henry had a tough section, winning his opening match with Norfolk Island’s Ryan Dixon by just one shot, followed by a tie-break fight back against Scot Graeme Archer.

The former Northern Irish international went on to win his semi-final against Malta’s Leonard Callus, 4-10, 12-1. 5-0.

Meanwhile, fellow Australian rep Karen Murphy was forced to settle for bronze for a second year running, after being defeated by New Zealander Jo Edwards in the semi-finals.

Unfortunately, the former Queensland star had to withdraw during sectionals when his father died unexpectedly.

Photo: David Allen

ss sW ro N AcD & L Q

The 2013 World Cup saw bowlers from 25 countries compete over nine days, from April 9-17.

Australia had two chances to secure the men’s crown, with Henry back to defend his title, while 2005 champion Mark Casey booked entry into the event via the Australian Indoor Championships.

Affordable independent retirement

The world singles champ was looking a hot contender for her first World Cup title following a round three victory over defending champion Alison Merrien.

But it was eventual winner Edwards who was her undoing in the semi-final, defeating Murphy 9-7, 9-7.

Edwards went on to be crowned the 2013 World Cup champion after defeating Guernsey’s Merrien 3-8, 8-3, 3-2 in the grand final.

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“I feel really at home coming to Warilla. The supporters here are unbelievable,” Edwards said.

“It’s been a helluva run. It’s the only time I play indoors. I love the greens here, I love the club and just feel relaxed, so I think that shows out on the green.” v36/8

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queensland bowler | 13

WE’RE ALL GOODNA The heart of a community is pumping again after a $2.4 million rebuild of Goodna Bowls Club.

Secretary-treasurer and new club life member Cathie Wilmington said it was a proud moment.

“It was very depressing for the whole community to lose its hub and the members are feeling a lot beatter now,” Wilmington said.

“Some of them helped build the old clubhouse 20 years ago and to see all their hard work washed away in the floods, water over the roof and one of the greens badly damaged, it was heart breaking.

“Lots of government representatives and community groups have worked very hard to get this new clubhouse up and running and we’re all very proud of the result.”

The keys to the new clubhouse were handed over in February but the official opening was Sunday April 14.

Ipswich City Council Mayor Paul Pisasale was guest of honour, since his council organised $1.2 million to get the project off the ground, matched by $1.2 million from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Goodna Bowls Club members are back on the greens while waiting for the council to finalise their new lease.

It’s been a harrowing two years since losing their original clubhouse, with heartless thieves compounding the misery by breaking into their temporary demountable clubhouse and stealing beer, and even stealing tools out of the greenkeeper’s shed especially donated to Goodna from nearby bowls clubs to help them get back on their feet.

Cathie, formerly at Ipswich United Services Bowls Club and at Goodna since 2004, said her new club had made her a life member because of her efforts after the floods, including her determination to round up all the people who ultimately put the new package together, including Mayor Pisasale, State MP Jo-Ann Miller,

Federal MP Bernie Ripoll, Ipswich deputy mayor Victor Attwood and councillors Paul Tully and David Morrison.

Community groups also responded to the call, including the Freemasons, who donated $44,000 to repair sunshades over the greens, replace the water bubblers and club furniture and keep the club running during the knockdownrebuild and from the RACQ, a donation of $28,900 to replace machinery, including a mower.

Foundation members still active in the club, including Stan and Cathie Briscoe, Barry Rissman and Brian Josey, now aged in their 80s, are delighted to see Goodna reborn.

Bowls Queensland representatives, director of finance Des O’Neal and Cunningham district president Frank Sautor also attended the grand re-opening.

The new-look Goodna Bowls plans to run its traditional Winter Pairs in July and Jacaranda Bowls Carnival in October.

Cathie Willmington (second from the left) leads the cheers, flanked by local politicians - Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale, Cr Paul Tully, State MP Jo-Ann Miller & federal MP Bernie Ripoll 14 | queensland bowler

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autumn WINTER

13

For stockists freecall 1800 001 399 or www.breakaway.com.au

STAGE SET FOR A

SMASHING MONTH OF BOWLS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST The biggest events on Queensland’s bowling calendar are about to kick off on the Sunshine Coast, with over 1000 bowlers ready to compete in two action-packed weeks of lawn bowls.

On May 8 bowlers from across Queensland will descend on the coast to battle it our for bragging rights at the 2013 District Sides Championships. Over four days they will go head-to-head, with the ultimate winner taking home the coveted Division 1 title.

No sooner will the state’s top district be decided, than hundreds of bowler will lock horns at the prestigious 2013 Queensland State Championships.

Over 10 days they will do battle at clubs up and down the Sunshine Coast to decide Queensland’s male and female singles, pairs, triples and fours champions.

And for the first time ever the men’s and women’s singles champs will play-off in a battle of the sexes clash, with the winner not only crowned Queensland’s ultimate singles champ, but also bagging an amazing $6000 holiday to the Cook Islands.

So, who will be the winners and losers? Read on to find out ►

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queensland bowler | 17

pionships r’s District Sides Cham e the edge at this yea hav l wil o wh t .bu ry.. t at glo Everyone is in with a sho

T C I R T DIS GOLD COAST TWEED

They have dominated the Districts Sides Championships for years and in 2013 Gold Coast Tweed’s men are hoping to add another Queensland title to their trophy cabinet.

Of the 63 District Sides Championships held to date, the Goldie boys have won the Harry Wright Memorial Shield 30 times (three as South Coast).

In the last decade, the only team to cause an upset is Brisbane North, who have won the title just twice in that time.

So what makes this district shine so much more than others? Is there something in the water on the Gold Coast that breeds better bowlers?

Bowls Queensland High Performance Manager Bill Cornehls said preparation for events gives players every opportunity to perform on the green.

“Individuals in the Gold Coast Tweed teams are dominant in the competition because they prepare for the competition they play,” he said.

“There is no doubting the dominance of Gold Coast Tweed in District Sides Championships for a long time.

“They certainly have some great players in their ranks, but what it comes down to is that Gold Coast players are exposed to 18 | queensland bowler

more competitions, therefore they get strong match play, which assists to prepare for the District Sides Championships and other big events.”

However, despite their impressive record, a quick look over the team sheet may leave some districts thinking that Gold Coast Tweed are ripe for the picking in 2013.

Without a doubt the Gold Coast will still field one of the strongest teams in the tournament.

But for a side that could once name a staggering number of Queensland and Australia reps in its ranks, this year’s outfit is looking a little short on star power.

Anthony Kiepe, Nathan Rice, Sean Baker, Anthony Fantini, Darren Mullens and Mark Thatcher are just six of the big names from 2012 who are absent from this year’s line-up.

Other Gold Coast stars such as Brett Wilkie and Kelvin Kerkow haven’t featured in the side for a few years.

Big names still abound, with Neville Jenkins, Paul Girdler, Des Cann Jr and Ryan Bester set to skip some top teams.

But it’s unlikely this year’s crop will have rivals waking in a cold sweat, the way some of their predecessors might have.

In the six years the women’s competition has been running, the Gold Coast girls have finished first or second on all but one occassion, in 2011.

They have won the Val Woodward Perpetual Shield three times and been runner up twice.

Boasting one of the most impressive lineups in the women’s competition, the Goldie girls are hot favourites for this year’s championship.

The 2013 Districts Sides may be hosted on the Sunshine Coast, but the Gold Coasters aren’t about to let the home turf advantage stand in the way of yet another title.

WOMEN’S COMP

While Gold Coast Tweed has dominated the women’s competition, there are certainly some districts that keep popping up as contenders.

Gateway is a side to watch, having won the championship twice and been runner-up twice since 2007.

Despite having missed out in 2011 and 2012, Gateway has put forward a strong team in 2013.

But their section puts them up against favourites Gold Coast Tweed and Sunshine Coast A, so making Division 1 will be a tough task.

Other sides to watch out for in Section A are Mackay and Brisbane North, both of which feature some class top players, including former Queensland state reps.

Read ► v36/8

Section B powerhouse, Brisbane, have been runners up for two years in a row and are hoping 2013 is the year they finally take the title.

The 2013 District Sides Championships will be held at clubs across the Sunshine Coast from May 8-11 and will be followed by the 2013 State Championships from May 13-23.

While they are hot favourites to top their section and reach Division 1 play-offs, they’ll face some stiff competition from Downs, Cunningham and Tropical Far North, while playing on home turf might make Sunshine Coast B a contender.

However, the dark horse for Section B would have to be Bundaberg/Port Curtis, with some strong players including Gail Crompton and twins Cassandra and Bolivia Millerick (pictured below). (Pictured left: North West Qld’s Damien McGee)

SUNSHINE COAST

SIDES MEN’S COMP

Gold Coast Tweed are expected to make Division 1 again this year, but there are one or two sides in Section A that may just give the defending champs a run for their money.

Mackay, Gateway and Cunningham will all field strong teams with a chance of toppling the mighty Gold Coast for a surprise upset.

Cunningham boasts 2012 State Singles champ Jamie Smith, while Gateway has experience behind the wheel in the form of Kerry Flint and Trevor Broadbent.

In Section B, the teams most likely to progress further and possibly take the championship include home side Sunshine Coast A and Brisbane North.

The Sunny Coast boys are always tough customers and this year they will be playing on home turf.

As host district they will get two bites at the apple, with an A and B side in both the men’s and women’s competition.

But, despite having twice the playerpower on the greens, the home side will have an uphill battle to take a title from this year’s competition.

By all accounts the Sunny Coast A girls are in with a very good shot at District Sides glory.

Top class players such as Margaret O’Rourke, Liza Burgess, Jane Bush, Marilyn Emerton and Louise Witton will make the hosts difficult to beat.

Add to that their knowledge of the greens, home town support and sleeping in their own beds every night (the value of this shouldn’t be underestimated) and Sunshine Coast A are certainly contenders for the women’s title.

Most likely it will come down to a battle for supremacy with the Gold Coast girls or Brisbane.

The Sunshine Coast men, however, may find it more difficult, with District Sides powerhouses Gold Coast Tweed and Brisbane North almost certain to dominate the competition.

However, 2012 runners up, Brisbane North, may just be that little bit hungrier with a score to settle following last year’s defeat.

Again, home advantage will help the Sunny Coast boys, and they’ve got some vastly experienced players, like Fred Diamond, Col Pritchard, Allan Newman, Lou Dalakis, Lee Fitzhenry and John Thain.

Other teams to watch out for in this section include Caboolture and Fraser Coast, who have the potential to cause some upsets.

Having said that, some of the top teams have been known to start their celebrations a little prematurely and that may well affect their game at the pointy end of the competition.

The Brisbane North side also boasts some top class talent, including Kurt Brown, Alex Murtagh, Steven Tong, Michael Breen, Aaron Hewson, Robert Wild and 2012 Gold Coast rep Sean Baker.

v36/8

Sunshine Coast is hoping to shine at the 2013 District Sides Championships.

But these guys have been around for a while and couldn’t pull it off in the past.

Could 2013 be their year? It’s hard to know, but they probably wouldn’t get short odds.

queensland bowler | 19

STATE CHA Rice ready to fry Smith After not being able to defend his 2011 State Champs title in 2012 due to international commitments, Nathan Rice (Helensvale) is back in 2013 and ready to take on defending champ Jamie Smith (Wynnum/Manly) to reclaim the crown.

Fellow Helensvale bowler and another international who missed out on competing in 2012, Brett Wilkie will also be looking to make his mark in 2013, but there will be plenty of contenders in the men’s singles championship.

Rowe, West Toowomba’s Tracy Foster, Broadbeach’s Charlie Harkness, Musgrave Hill’s Rosie Lovelock, Tweed Head’s Kristy Thatcher and Sue Brady from Mareeba.

Fours sections set to sizzle There is set to be some hotly contested battles during sectionals in the men’s state fours championships in 2013.

2012 runner-up Robert Wild (Pine Rivers) will be chasing the title along with 2010 champion Jamie Anderson (Capalaba).

All five are expected to top their sections, but with a field of 129 players, there are bound to be some dark horses that may spring some surprise upsets this year.

In Section 22, the battle to watch will be between Queensland players Brendon Egan (Capalaba) and Anthony Fantini (Helensvale).

While other bowlers expected to reach post-sectionals include Des Cann Jnr (Helensvale), Kurt Brown (Pine Rivers), Ryan Bester (Broadbeach), Eric Copeland (Kawana), Robert Wild (Pine Rivers), Dean McWhinney (South Tweed) and Sean Baker (Hamilton).

Across the entire draw there is a slew of national, state, Premier League and Super Challenge players.

Jones hoping to keep up with competition After her clean sweep of the 2013 State Junior Championships, Bribie Island’s Natasha Jones is one to watch in the women’s singles championship.

She may have the youth, but Jones will be up against a whole lot of experienced players, including former champions Jenny Blundell (2012), Ann-Maree Peart (2011), Lyn Cuthbertson (2009) and Gail Waitai (2005/10).

With close to 100 women in the draw, competition will be fierce, with othe to watch including Helensvale’s Pam 20 | queensland bowler

All eyes will be on section four where star skips Des Cann Jnr, Neville Jenkins and Robert Wild, will battle it out.

All three have form in this event, with Wild, Jenkins and Cann winning the fours title in 2007, 2009 and 2010 respectively, although none were skip of their side.

Section eight will also be a great watch for spectators, featuring 2012 runner-up skip Dean McWhinney’s four of Joey Mills, Damien McGee, and Graeme Shillington taking on Steven Tong’s young gun side of Sam White, Sean Ingham and Sean Baker.

Meanwhile, Ryan Bester’s reigning champs remain unchanged and are likely contenders for the title in 2013, while another four to keep an eye out for is Kurt Brown’s side of Paul Jopson, Ken Luck and Paul Girdler.

► v36/8

AMPS 2013 In the women’s fours, the 2012 champions under skip Jane Bush are back again in 2013 and are expected to easily progress through to post-sectionals.

However, they may have their work cut out with 2012 Ladies Team Challenge winners Louise Witton, Brenda Balchin, Liza Burgess and Marilyn Clayton also keen to get their hands on more silverware.

It’ll be tough for top trios Witton, Burgess and Clayton are also the reigning state triples champions, so we know they’ve got the goods to go all the way, but they’ll need to be on their toes to ensure they are not knocked out in sectionals when they go up against Lauren Wilson, Yvonne Lovelock and Charlie Harkness.

And if they do progress further in the competition, there are plenty of other triples keen to get their hands on the title, including Patty Elliott’s trio of Rosanne Lovelock and Ann Russell, Samatha WIlison’s side of Natasha Jones and Kiani Andersen, and Pam Rowe’s formidable outfit of Kristy Thatcher and Sue McKenzie.

In the men’s triples championship there are going to be some great sectional match-ups, with talented bowlers scattered throughout the draw.

2012 champions Garry Cummins, Peter Baker and Damien McGee are going to have stiff competition from Australian rep Brett Wilkie’s side of Graeme Shillington and Dean McWhinney.

In section four, teams to watch as they battle for supremacy will be Ryan Bester’s Broadbeach team of Chris McKibben and Sean Ingham, and Sean Baker’s triple of Braidan Leese and Steven Tong.

Section eight will also feature a great competition, with skips Robbie Wild and Jamie Anderson going head-to-head.

One star-studded triple that is expected to easily progress through their section is Nathan

Rice’s all-Queensland rep side of Anthony Fantini and Anthony Keipe.

Pairs jam-packed with talent The two Seans (Baker and Ingham) are again paired up for 2013, hoping to retain their 2012 titles, but there are plenty of other formidable forces to be reckoned with in 2013.

In section five there will be a major showdown, with Brett Wilkie and Des Cann Jnr taking on Ryan Bester and Chris McKibben, with either pair having the ability to take the title, if they can get past sectionals.

Other dynamic duos to keep an eye out for in finals include Steven Tong and Lee Fitzhenry, Kurt Brown and Paul Jopson, Jamie Smith and Judd Percy, Nathan Rice and Anthony Fantini, Brent Cheyne and Brendon Egan, and Robert Wild and Aaron Hewson.

In the Women’s Pairs, 2012 Champions Patty Elliott and Ann Russell are back in 2013, as are runners-up Jan Curran and Jacqui Warner-Taylor, but there are plenty of other contenders.

Ones to watch include Rosie and Yvonne Lovelock, Tracy Foster and Sue Brady, Jane Bush and Maree Gibbs, Susan Bond and Kerrie Wilson, Louise Witton and Pam Rowe, and Bundaberg twins Bolivia and Cassandra Millerick.

In the Over 60s Pairs, duo Kath Wastell and Jewel Smith-Franklin were foes in 2012 where they both reached the finals, facing off against each other, but 2013 will see the two pair up and become a formidable force.

Others who are likely to keep them on their toes come post-sectionals include Mary Geary and Margaret O’Rourke, Leigh Fortington and Carole Williams and Bev Parker and Betty Andrewartha.

In the men’s Over 60s Pairs Neville Jenkins and Nigel Smith are aiming for the hat-trick, having taken the title in 2011 and 2012.

But equally hungry for the title are a number of other contenders including Brenden Hoey and Phil Brandon, Ken Luck and Jack Horne, Bob Dobinson and John Fern, and Kerry Flint and Lindsay Ponting.

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queensland bowler | 21

Battle of the sexes

Men or women...who really are the best bowlers?

Singles Hoodoo The last time a woman won back-to-back singles titles at Queensland’s State Championships was in 1956.

Since 1955 reigning champion D Cole lifted her second singles trophy, no other woman has been able to break the hoodoo and win consecutive titles.

In fact, it seems winning backto-back titles is a rarity in the women’s singles competition, with only a handful of women achieving the feat since the championships started in 1931.

G Johnson won the title in 1950 and again in 1952 (there was no championships held in 1951) and Alison Gold is the only woman to have a trifecta, winning from 1933-1935.

Can Jenny Blundell break the 57 year hoodoo and join the ranks of the very few to have consecutive titles in 2013?

Or will there be a new champion to hold that trophy aloft?

If 2012 State Champions Jamie Smith and Jenny Blundell went head-to-head in a game – who would win?

For the first time in 2013, it will be a battle of the sexes as the men’s and women’s champion battle it out in the Cook Islands Carnival Challenge for a chance to win a $6000 dream holiday for two.

Reigning men’s champ Jamie Smith thinks it would be an interesting situation to be in, having just won a title, then having to basically defend it.

“I think our game could go down the line or it could be a blowout, it just depends on who picks the green up and who executes under pressure better,” he said.

“Anyone can beat anyone in bowls and gender is totally irrelevant. Sure, men might have a bigger field and more competitions, but I think if the women played what we did, they would just be as good, if not better.

“Jenny, being the ladies champ would certainly be out to knock my block off, so I would relish the chance.”

Blundell believes it would be a tough match-up and she would have to play her absolute best.

The winner of this year’s inaugural Cook Island Carnival Challenge will take their place at the Cook Islands Bowls Carnival to be held from July 26-August 4.

The prize includes two places on an escorted tour including airfares, accommodation, sight-seeing and of course bowls!

22 | queensland bowler

Jenny said the challenge would just add an extra element to the championships and make it more exciting.

“I am sure the Cook Islands Carnival Challenge will create extra interest in the championships,” she said.

“Who wouldn’t want the chance to win a free trip? Bring on the Battle of the Sexes!”

But with a strong field of contenders, both reigning champs will have to bring their A-Game to have a chance at competing in the Cook Islands Challenge Carnival.

Jamie said every year at states it’s extremely difficult to get through sectionals and 2013 is going to be no different.

“The draw that I have, it is going to be pretty tough to scrape through any of the sections,” he said.

“In singles, I am capable of beating anyone, so if I click, I’d like to reach the end, but I’ll have to go through the likes of Brett Wilkie, Nathan Rice and Kurt Brown, so whoever gets through, it will be well deserved.”

Blundell wouldn’t even take a guess at who would be a likely winner as “there are too many good bowlers to single out”.

“Looking through the draw, any one of 40 or more ladies could win,” she said.

“But it would be nice to be the first winner back-to-back since 1956.”

Whoever wins through to the 2013 Cook Islands Carnival Challenge, one thing is certain – it’s going to be a fantastic game to watch and one not to miss at Tewantin Noosa on Saturday, May18.

v36/8

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queensland bowler | 25

(FIG. 1)

Q A: &

READER QUESTIONS ANSWERED

with

joan brotherton

This month we continue our Q&A series, answering some of the most common questions asked by Queensland Bowler readers. Always remember, you should contact your club or district umpire panel for an official response to any umpiring concerns you may have. They are always more than happy to help. ► WHERE ARE THE FOLLOWING:

Players at the mat end of the rink who are not delivering a bowl should stand at least 1 metre behind the mat. 36.1.1

(A)

FRONT DITCH? (fig. 4)

(B)

REAR DITCH? (fig. 5)

(C)

FACE OF THE BANK?

Players at the head end of the rink and who are not controlling play should stand:

(a) Front ditch: the ditch at the end of the green which is directly in front of the player when they stand on the mat. 1.3.8.1

- Behind the jack if they are members of the team which is in possession of the rink. Law 36.1.2.1

(b) Rear ditch: the ditch at the end of the green which is directly behind a player when they stand on the mat. 1.3.8.2

- Behind the jack and away from the head if they are members of the team which is not in possession of the rink. Law 36.1.2.2

(c) Face of the bank: the surface of the bank from the surface of the ditch up to the top of any surround or edging. 1.3.9

► IN RELATION TO THE RINK OF PLAY WHERE SHOULD THE PLAYERS BE POSITIONED? 26 | queensland bowler

- On the surrounds of the green if the jack is in the ditch. Law 36.1.2.3 - Well clear of the head if it is not possible to stand on the surrounds. Law 36.1.2.4 ► WHEN SHOULD A TOUCHER BE MARKED? (fig. 2)

A toucher should be marked with chalk/ spray by a member of the team that delivered the bowl or the marker as soon as it comes to rest. Law 25.1 If, in the opinion of either skip or opponent or the marker, a toucher comes to rest in a position in which marking it would be likely to move the bowl or alter the head, the bowl should not be marked but nominated as a toucher instead. Law 25.2

► A BOWL COMES TO REST ON THE EDGE OF THE DITCH LEANING ON THE JACK WHICH IS IN THE DITCH. IS THIS BOWL A TOUCHER? (fig.1) No. No bowl will be a toucher if it plays onto, or comes into contact with, the jack when the jack is in the ditch. Law 24.3 v36/8

► THE CONTROLLING BODY HAS SET CONDITIONS OF PLAY THAT NO DEAD ENDS ARE ALLOWED AND THE JACK MUST BE RESPOTTED AND THESE HAVE BEEN PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THERE IS A BOWL ON THE SPOT WHERE THE JACK NEEDS TO GO, WHERE WOULD YOU POSITION THE JACK IN THIS CASE? 15.5.6 If any of the spots mentioned in laws 15.5.2, 15.5.3 and 15.5.4 are partly or completely covered by a bowl, the jack should be placed as close as possible to the covered spot, in line with that spot and the corresponding spot at the opposite end of the rink, without touching a bowl.

► AS AN UMPIRE YOU ARE CALLED TO MAKE A DECISION ON A BOWL NEAR THE BOUNDARY LINE AND YOU DECIDE THAT THE BOWL IS DEAD. ONE OF THE SKIPS IS NOT HAPPY WITH YOUR DECISION. CAN THE UMPIRE’S DECISION BE CHALLENGED? No. The umpire’s decision is final in all circumstances except those relating to the meaning or interpretation of a law, in which case there will be a right of appeal to the Controlling Body. Law 56.2.6

► A PLAYER PLAYS ANOTHER PLAYER’S BOWL INSTEAD OF THEIR OWN. WHAT HAPPENS? If a player plays another player’s bowl instead of their own, the other player’s bowl should be replaced with the player’s own bowl. Law 47.2.1

If the bowl which was replaced was marked or nominated as a toucher, the player’s own bowl should be marked or nominated as a toucher. Law 47.2.2

► A DEAD END HAS TO BE REPLAYED AND IT IS AGREED THAT IT BE PLAYED IN THE SAME DIRECTION. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN REGARDING THE BOWLS? If the bowls need to be transferred to the opposite end of the rink before the end is replayed, they should be carried up the rink to avoid distracting players on neighbouring rinks. (This also applies if a player decides not to play their last bowl, it must be carried up the rink). Law 31.2. v36/8

► A SKIP DECIDES NOT TO PLAY HIS/HER LAST BOWL. CAN HE/SHE MAKE THAT DECISION? Yes. It is not compulsory for the last player to play in any end to deliver the final bowl of the end, but the player should tell the opposing skip or opponent in singles of the decision not to deliver the final bowl before the process of deciding the number of shots scored starts (as described in law 40.1). This decision is final. Law 42.

(FIG. 2)

► WHEN DOES THE FOLLOWING BEGIN? (A) GAME (B) END (a) In any game, the start of play is the delivery of the jack by the first player to play in the first end. Law 18.3.1 (b) In any end, the start of play is the delivery of the jack by the first player to play in that end. Law 18.3.2 (FIG. 3) ► WHAT HAPPENS AT THE START OF EACH END REGARDING PLACING THE MAT? (fig. 3) Before the start of play in each end, the player to play first should place the centre line of the mat lengthwise along the centre line of the rink, with the mat line at least 2 metres from the rear ditch and at least 25 metres from the front ditch (for domestic play in Australia this shall be 23m). Law 19.1.1

(FIG. 4)

► WHERE SHOULD A PLAYER BE STANDING BEFORE DELIVERY? Before delivery a player should be standing on the mat with one foot fully on the mat. At the moment they deliver the jack or a bowl, the player should have all or part of one foot on or above the mat. Law 20.1 Before delivery a player using an approved wheelchair should have one wheel on the mat and, at the moment they deliver the jack or a bowl, the player should have all or part of one wheel on or above the mat. Law 20.2

(FIG. 5)

queensland bowler | 27

Mongrels win dogfight for Far North Qld’s Ivan Granich Shield After an auspicious representation of the Far North at last year’s State Pennant Finals, South Johnstone Mongrels have done it again, this time on home turf, successfully defending the annual Ivan Granich Shield recently.

Despite a dodgy start to the day with the weather, comfortable conditions prevailed and the South Johnstone greens vibrated with carry on from the challenging Innisfail, Babinda, Silkwood, Tully and Cardwell ‘The Phoenix” clubs.

“The green ran true, despite the previous rainfall slowing it down a bit and disrupting some players’ games, and both players and audience enjoyed the series and the final,” South Johnstone’s Peter Longford said.

“It was especially great to welcome Cardwell back, rising like the Phoenix after Cyclone Yasi, a top effort.”

Defending champs South Johnstone didn’t have it all their own way, losing to Innisfail in Round 3 at Silkwood, but reversing that result to win over Innisfail by 15 shots to retain the Shield.

Tully finished in third place after a reasonable run in the series, with a close win of eight shots over Silkwood, the “Quiet Achievers” who started the series gangbusters but faltered towards the finish.

Babinda didn’t live up to its usual promise, finding themselves in the playoff for fifth or sixth against Cardwell.

They reversed a previous loss to Cardwell with a win of 23 shots to leave “The Phoenix” with the wooden spoon.

Photo: Michael Hooker, Shane McInerney, Greg Batt, Shane Dunne, Sandra Granich, Louie Fedalto, Michael Roots, John Zaini, Kevin Foord

Marlin Coast Bowls Club Ph:4057 6931 Cnr Captain Cook Hwy & Trinity Beach Road,

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The Friendly Games

Mens & Ladies Singles, Mens & Ladies Pairs & Mixed Fours

Entries Close 29th July 2013 To nominate go to www.gbrmg.com.au

‘Concession For Early Nominations’ 28 | queensland bowler

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BOWLING WINTER WARMER

Awesome foursome on a roll by the bay

The 2013 Sunshine Coast Winter Bowls Carnival offers a feast of bowls to warm your bones, not to mention generous prize money.

Hervey Bay bowlers Cheryl McMillan, Margaret Spence, Carole Allan and Marjorie Johnson have their sights firmly set on playing in the 2013 Champion of Club Champions.

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Maroochy RSLsponsored 51st Winter Bowls Carnival offers a shorter format (12 - 16 ends) competition in all four disciplines.

It runs from Tuesday July 2 - Sunday July 14 and offers a total $16,400 in prize money, nominations to Sunshine Coast District Men’s Bowls Association.

Buderim Bowls Club will host the Prestige Mens Fours on the weekend of June 1-2, with a $6500 prize purse.

The Mooloolaba Accommodation Bowls Bonanza 2013 is sponsored by great places to stay, including Beachside Mooloolaba, The Peninsula Beachfront Resort and Dockside Mooloolaba.

It offers $30,000 in prize money, running from Wednesday June 12 to Sunday August 4.

There’s a full schedule of who plays what and when on the Winter Carnival website, as well as some good hints about places to stay amongst the sponsor’s names.

Pairs, triples and fours in a variety of combinations will be well catered for, with men’s, women’s, mixed, open and over-60s formats included.

See out the end of the financial year at Club Maroochy’s Winter Bowls Carnival Prelude, with $9600 in prizes.

The competition runs from Friday 21 June- Saturday 30 June.

Among the other daily challenges is the $1000 Frankie Wright Memorial Mixed Fours on June 21, Social Open Triples on Friday June 28 and the $1000 Mixed Pairs on June 30.

Caloundra City Bowls Carnival will be held from Monday July 15 - Friday July 26, hosted by Caloundra Bowls Club, Club Kawana and Pelican Waters Bowls Club.

Nomination fees, entry deadlines and conditions for competitions in the Sunshine Coast Winter Carnival can be found on the Carnival website. v36/8

Despite having never played together, the foursome from Hervey Bay Bowls Club, won their club championship fours in March and are ready to take on other winners from the Wide Bay Division.

It’s a long road to the state finals, but it’s looking promising after the group won the Wide Bay Division Ladies Bowling Association Open Fours.

“Not only was this the first time the ladies played together, but two players were new to the club,” Hervey Bay publicity officer Christine Spirritt said.

“The ladies section are now looking forward to some more good bowling.”

Pictured: Hervey Bay’s awesome foursome - Cheryl McMillan, Margaret Spence, Carole Allan and Marjorie Johnson.

Marlin Coast gearing up for magnificent Masters Games If you’re aged 35 or over and you’d like to play bowls on an international stage, there’s a window of opportunity between August 8-11 this year.

Cairns will host the inaugural Great Barrier Reef Masters Games, a blend of sports and social events, bringing together thousands of masters-aged men and women from across Australia, Oceania and South-East Asia.

Lawn bowls will be only one of the sports on offer, along with other popular masters sports like swimming, tennis, netball, golf, rugby union, hockey, soccer, athletics, basketball, cricket, softball, futsal and even dragon boating and beach volleyball.

Bowls will be played on all four days of the Games, at Marlin Coast Bowls Club at Trinity Beach, north of Cairns.

If you turn 35 in 2013, you’re eligible to play and can choose from men’s and women’s singles and pairs and a mixed fours format.

Entry fees are $15/player/event with a general Games contribution from all competitors of $65 (Earlybird, before June 12) or $85/player.

Conditions are on the Games website, www.gbrmg.com.au, or you can email info@ mastersgames.com.au or phone 07 5668 9888.

(Bowls inquiries to Stephen Lockey, Marlin Coast, email stephenlockey@gmail.com or mobile phone 0400 369 040.)

Organisers say they are certain the Cairns location will be a hit with visiting sports people from around Australia and overseas, with its iconic Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforest, and Masters Games always run a interesting and varied social programme.

The Marlin Coast Bowls Club itself is a hit with international visitors, with dozens of wallabies a common sight roaming alongside the greens.

“It’s a small not-for-profit club with no pokies, run entirely by volunteers, and we’re friendly and easygoing,” said Marlin Coast’s Geoff Schneeberger, one of the first to sign up for the Masters Games’ bowls programme.

“It’s really exciting to see an event the size of the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games coming to Marlin Coast Bowls Club and we’re looking forward to our host duties.” queensland bowler | 29

Point Lookout Bowls Club

Men’s Triples Reef and Beef Weekend Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June 2013 “Yes, here is our entry with $240 enclosed” Our Team is (full names please) Lead ……………………………………............................

Second ……………………………………........................

Skip ………………………………………..........................

Contact Name………………………………………...........

Home Club …………………………………………............

Phone………………………Mobile………………………..

NB: All nominations and entry fees in full must be received by 7/6/2013. Contact (07) 3409 8182 for enquiries

Please post form and payment to: The Manager, Point Lookout Bowls Club, PO Box 95, Point Lookout, Q 4183.

Stradbroke 10000 Carnival

Point Lookout BowLs CLuB 75 Dickson Way, PO Box 95, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island, 4183 Phone 07 3409 8182 Fax 07 3409 8608 email pointlookoutbowlsclub@hotmail.com

Open Mixed Fours

Open Pairs

19 - 20 August 2013

21 - 22 August 2013

$9,040

$7,500

Entry Form

Entry Form

Team must include one lady and one gent

Please print full Christian and surname, thank you

Prizes now $20,000

Invitation Singles 23 August 2013

$3,500 Entry Form

Please print full christian and surname, thank you

Lead...................................... Lead...................................... Player....................................

Club....................................... Club....................................... Club.......................................

Second.................................

Second.................................

Contact name......................

Club....................................... Club....................................... Phone no...............................

Third.....................................

Contact name......................

Club......................................

Phone no...............................

Club......................................

Entry fee $55.00 per player to be paid with nomination (this includes $10 Calcutta tickets). Covers green fees and includes lunch or dinner.

No refund after closing date

Skip......................................

Entry fee $45.00 per player to be paid with nomination. Covers green fees and includes lunch or dinner.

No refund after closing date

Email.....................................

Entry fee $45.00 per player to be paid with nomination. Covers green fees and includes lunch or dinner.

No refund after closing date

Closing Date Friday 16 August 2013

Queensland’s blind bowlers do us proud down south Recently I experienced one of the most rewarding and fulfilling weeks of my 20year bowling career.

I can say I was truly impressed by the level of sportsmanship and goodwill of the Queensland Blind Bowling Team, who I accompanied to Mooroolbark Bowls Club in Victoria for the Blind Bowlers Associations National Championships.

Around 130 players and officials participated in the event which was held from April 8 to 15.

The only concession blind bowlers get when they play is the use of directors to guide the bowler to their target area.

Queensland sent a contingent of 26 bowlers to the championships (13 bowlers and 13 directors). I was team manager.

And we came home with a swag of medals.

The team went above and beyond my expectations and all up we came back with eight gold, eight silver and four bronze, taking the title as the best performing state in Australia.

Well done to the team.

with

brett murphy

Queensland definitely made its mark and in more ways than one.

We were known not only for our great bowling, but our make-shift outdoor office, (aka smoking tent) where one could find me.

By the end of the week there was an official sign above the tent and game officials were even dropping off score sheets directly there instead of in the office.

But seriously, I couldn’t be prouder of the team and we had a fun week with plenty of stories to take home.

The dynamics of the team where fantastic and the bowlers not only played well, they truly epitomised what it means to be team players.

We also recently said good-bye to Bowls Queensland State Development Officer Steven Tong, we wish him well in his future endeavours.

We are in the process of recruiting a new development officer, but until then be patient, as it will just be me running the ship.

Now for some housekeeping.

Clubs should have finalised their All Schools Cup Challenge team by the end of April.

By this stage you should also have advised your district and the Bowls Queensland’s development team who your club representatives will be in 2013.

If you are yet to do this, please get this through as soon as possible.

Term 2 (May-July) will see winning schools play off to determine a district winner, with winners advancing to the state final to be held on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 of September 2013.

Remember at least one student per team must be a non-affiliated player (not a member of a bowls club) and the only exception to this rule will be if the non affiliated team member joins a bowls club and becomes an affiliated member during the course of the competition.

Players to bring home gold include Bryan Forster (B1 Mixed Pairs), Irene Crawley (B1 Mixed Pairs), Des Mackay (B2 Singles, B2 Mixed Pairs, B2 Pairs), Joy Forster (B2 Singles, B2 Mixed Pairs), Don Dias (B2 Pairs), Marion Morrison (B3 Singles, B3 Pairs), Christine Henry (B3 Pairs) and Sandra Cusk (B4 Pairs).

Joy Forster was also named Best Performing Female of the Championship and Des Mackay was named as Best Performing Male of the Championship.

Des also took out the Overall Player of the Championship.

Congratulations Des and Joy.

v36/8

Joy Forster and Bruce Jones enjoyed success at the national championships

queensland bowler | 31

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v36/8

Welcome to the Queensland Bowler May edition of Henselite’s Spot the Jack competition.

Simply put an X where you think the missing jack was located in this picture, fill in your details below and send this page to:

Queensland Bowler May Spot the Jack PO Box 476, Alderley 4051 The first correct entry drawn will receive a free set of Henselite bowls.

Winners can choose from a selection of bowls, colours and sizes.

Name........................................................................

Address.................................................................... .................................................................................

Entries must be received by May 31. Winner will be announced in the July issue. Multiple entries allowed.

Original entry forms only, no photocopies accepted.

State........................................Postcode..................

Daytime telephone.................................................... *email........................................................................

This month’s winner Congratulations to: Alan Watson from Everton Park You will receive a free set of Henselite bowls of your choice from a selection of bowls, colours and sizes. * By supplying your email address you agree to receive a copy of the next Henselite eNewsletter containing details of discounts, specials, new products and bowls information.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

v36/8

queensland bowler | 33

Kids could teach us a thing or two about bowls Recently I watched the Junior State Championships at Bribie Island Bowls Club and although I have attended these championships before, as a coach, I have never had the opportunity to sit and watch so many games without having to concentrate on coaching.

with

Mick Cherry

How lucky we were to witness the game played in its purest form!

Great skills were shown, leaving us older bowlers shaking our heads in disbelief when we realised that these players will improve even more, while we unfortunately will probably head in the other direction as we get older.

“”

These young players from all over the state reminded me of why we all started bowling in the first place.

There they were, competing at a championship, but at the same time really enjoying themselves, renewing or making new friendships, playing hard but also showing great sportsmanship.

Mature tactical skills and the ability to stay cool under pressure, along with very few loose bowls made for an intriguing contest, but still that great sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship prevailed.

There is nothing wrong with coaches developing somebody’s natural talent.

There is something seriously wrong with trying to change who a player is.

They were part of a sporting community that in many cases will lead to life long friendships.

One particularly memorable game was the final of the under 15 pairs, where the players, teammates and opposition alike, were all congratulating each other when a good shot was played.

I saw one player draw a very good shot and his opposition slapped him on the back in appreciation of his skill.

On the very next delivery the opposition played a little on shot and sat the previous bowl out for shot and his opposite number gave him a “high five”.

This went on all game and made the event not only fun for the players, but also a joy to watch.

During the under 18 finals there were similar displays of great sportsmanship.

Later that day I was fortunate to watch the final of the boys under 18 fours.

The game was played under lights, with a fair crowd of spectators in attendance.

There was absolutely no gamesmanship or trying to get the upper hand and it was a case of eight mates playing a great game.

It was probably one of the best games I have had the fortune to witness.

Unfortunately only one team could get the gold medals, but there were no losers in my book.

they struggled to keep up, all had a great time watching how these young guns play the game and all commented on the great attitudes and sense of sportsmanship shown by these players.

I’m sure there are many who would ask what this column is all about, what does it have to do with coaching?

There are already several pages of this month’s issue dedicated to the Junior State Championships.

As stated earlier, this tournament is probably the purest form of the game…it’s just bowls played for the sheer enjoyment of competition and the game.

No politics (fortunately they are generally too young to have to worry about that), no complaints, not too many worries and players who have not as yet had the “benefit” of coaches and administrators who try to change their natural game.

Just young athletes showing their abilities and their dedication to the game.

No psychologist, physiologists or any other type of “ologist” has tried to turn them into what they think players should be, it’s all just natural talent and enthusiasm.

There is nothing wrong with coaches developing somebody’s natural talent.

Then we came to the singles games, which were played at a breakneck pace.

There is something seriously wrong with trying to change who a player is, just have a look at our swimmers at the last Olympic Games.

The markers (all older bowlers) let the players set the pace and although at times

We should all be very proud of these young ambassadors of our game.

Players were not rushing, but making their decisions very quickly and then playing the shot.

For all the best news, views and comps make sure you get your copy of the

And by the way, I didn’t see one breach of etiquette and not one sign of deliberate flouting of the rules during the whole week.

To: Queensland Bowler Subs PO Box 476 Alderley, Qld 4051

Name.............................................................

Address.........................................................

each month!

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Get yours home delivered for just $26.80* per year State....................................p/c.....................

Please enclose a cheque/money order for $26.80 (*inc gst)

34 | queensland bowler

v36/8

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