Men’s Classic Pairs at Hervey Bay Bowls Club

Hervey Bay Bowls Club’s Men’s Classic Pairs attracted 46 teams from across Queensland.

Spectators were treated to some first class bowling under the three shade covered greens, and the event was livestreamed by the Bowls Gold Coast Tweed Media Team.

Competition was tight over the five games, with the eventual winners being Ryan Burnett and Aaron Hewson from Pine Rivers BC. Runners-up were Allan Jones from Pialba and Peter Ivey from Urangan. In third spot were Dennis Keft and Glen Jackson.

Prizes were paid down to tenth place and were presented by Cr. David Lee of the Fraser Coast Regional Council, one of Hervey Bay BC’s regular sponsors. It was a tight finish with the winners being the only team with five wins and all teams down to tenth winning four games.

This event is gaining in popularity and many of this year’s players have indicated they will be back next year. The weekend was a credit to the many Hervey Bay BC volunteers, who worked hard to make the club a venue that bowlers from outside ‘The Bay’ will want to visit. Everyone was well looked after by the catering team and the bar staff.

Thank-you to all our sponsors and raffle contributors who make these events possible. Also a big thankyou to Tim Smith from ‘Across the Waves’ who once again was our MC and Auctioneer for the Friday Night Calcutta.

QLD Juniors Take on Hong Kong Development Squad

Queensland’s young stars played in a friendly tournament with a Hong Kong development squad at Broadbeach Bowls Club in early July.

The teams played 3 bowls pairs in the first session and 2x2x2x2 pairs in the second with QLD being the final winners of the day.

Etiquette in lawn bowls - Part 2 of 2

Following on from last month’s Etiquette in lawn bowls - Part 1 of 2, we continue with discussing etiquette on the green. This article is Part 2 of a two part series, and will focus on behaviours specific to during and after the game.

While the laws of the game and Conditions of Play control the way we play the game of bowls, there are many unwritten codes of conduct and expectations that make the game enjoyable for all players.

During the game:

• Be respectful. Never cheer false shots from the opposition or yourself that result in your favour.

• If playing lead, when the opponent rolls the jack, pick their first bowl up and hand it to them, unless they request that you do not do so. Expect the same courtesy.

• Stand at least 1.5 meters behind the player on the mat and 1.5 meters behind directors at the head. Always be quiet and still, otherwise stand on the bank.

• Never stand in front of, or behind, rink markers, or directly behind the jack.

• Walk down the centre of the green when changing ends.

• “Possession of the mat” is a rule that all players should be aware of and follow.

• When a skip has played the last bowl, as soon as the mat is clear, the opposing skip should pick up the mat and place it in a safe position on the bank.

• Ensure any lifters or other equipment is placed on the bank in a safe way, so as not to interfere with any bowls in play.

• Never encroach on another rink.

• Any bowl from an adjoining rink on its correct bias that is stopped must be returned to be replayed.

• Never dispute the umpire’s decision.

At the end of a game:

• Shake all opponents’ hands and congratulate or commiserate on the result.

• Ensure all equipment is returned as per club policy.

• Invite/join opponent for post-game drinks.

It is also important to remember that how you speak and act can, and does, affect all other players on the rink and sometimes the whole green. Abusive language and behaviour is unwarranted and unacceptable.

The

ECKA’S TIP

Pre Shot Routine (PSR):

If you are distracted, step off the mat and start your PSR again. Refocus and ensure your preparation for the shot is not distracted by something outside your control.