CONTENTS
Editor: Jo Grey
Editorial Assistant: Dee Ayre
Event Photography: Wendy Wilson, Christina Pavlov, John Palmer, Kurt Brown, Brett Wilkie
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Notice: While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility is accepted by the publishers for material supplied by an individual, company or organisation or for any typographical errors. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the view of the publisher.
MORETON BAY MERGER & LIFE MEMBERSHIP CHRISTMAS WISHES TO ALL!
-CSM David Barnes
The Queensland Bowler will be completely digital from 2025, so sign up now at www. bowlsqld.org/ newsletter or use this QR code.
Happy Christmas everyone! From my family to yours, we wish you all a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year. I look forward to continuing our endeavours in 2025.
DON’T MISS BOWLS NEWS! DON’T MISS BOWLS NEWS!
On Monday, 18 November the Moreton Bay District Bowls Association Incorporated came into existence with the merger of the ladies and men of the district.
2023 JUNIOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
In a rarity, Alan Thorp and Helen Lightfoot (pictured right), Presidents of their respective Associations prior to the merger, were both granted Life Membership.
Alan Thorp (Thorpy) has been the President of the Association since the merger of Brisbane North and Caboolture Districts in 2019, which formed the Moreton Bay Ladies and Men’s Associations, with Helen being President from early 2022. Both agreed that the merger is a step in the right direction and are looking forward to the interesting and exciting times ahead.
CEO & PRESIDENT REPORT
with BQ’s Brett Wilkie & Brian Marshall
With another year drawing to an end, we would like to thank the Bowls Queensland Board, Committees and Staff, along with the QLD CSMs for the dedication they have given to bowls in QLD during 2024. We must also thank all the volunteers and staff at clubs and districts throughout the State for their contribution in administering our great game. Thank you to our commercial partners, host venues and event sponsors for their support throughout the year.
Well, it is an end of an era for Queensland Bowler Magazine with this edition being the final time we print and mail out hard copies to clubs/ subscribers. Unfortunately, the costs of this have grown substantially and are not justifiable into the future. We will still produce a monthly magazine which everyone can access online through the BQ website. This will also be distributed via email, so if you haven’t already signed up to receive the email communication from Bowls Queensland, go to the link provided on pages 5 & 35 and sign up!
It is also the end of an era for long serving BQ Staff member Roxanne Bell who is retiring at the completion of her long service and annual leave early next year. Roxanne will notch up 25 years of service for Bowls Queensland in February and has done an amazing job in various roles including events, membership and administration. We wish Roxanne all the best in retirement and thank her for her contribution to the sport of bowls in Queensland.
Thank you to J Carroll Club Promotions for renewing its partnership with Bowls Queensland. J Carroll Club Promotions produce quality diaries, scorecards, coasters, entry forms and draw sheets. www.jcarrollclubpromotions.com.au
BowlsLink
Graham Lewis, Stu Taylor and Aaron Delaporte from Bowls Australia have been busy working on the changeover to this system and making sure the data transfer is correct. If any clubs or districts have any concerns or would like assistance, please contact Graham or Stu at the BQ Office. Online user guides can also be found at the BowlsLearn page on the BA Website.
You can access draws and results on BowlsLink through the website https://results.bowlslink. com.au or via the app “Bowls Now” which can be downloaded from the app store. BQ has been using the system for all our recent events which has worked very well.
QLD Champion of Club Champions State Finals
Well done to all medallists at the Bargara Bowls Club and those who reached the State Finals. Thank you to Bundaberg Regional Council, Bargara Bowls Club, BioScapes Group, Sandhills Sports Club and Ross Gray Motor City for their support of this event.
North vs South Challenge
This was another hard-fought series at Souths Suburban in Mackay. Well done to all players on some quality games. Thank you to Souths Suburban Bowls Club, Souths Leagues Club and White Lace Motor Inn for their support of this event.
BQ Forums
While at the State Champion of Champions event at Bargara and the North vs South Challenge in Mackay, BQ held forums for surrounding clubs and districts to attend.
Thank you to those who attended both forums and provided some great discussion and feedback.
State 8 A-Side Finals
Congratulations to Algester for winning the event for the second time after winning the inaugural event in 2022. Well done to Broadbeach for reaching the final and all teams who made the State Finals. Thank you to Capalaba Sports Club for its support of this event.
This was the last time the State 8 A-Side Event will be played, as the BQ Board has decided to discontinue the event due to lack of interest in most districts.
State Pennant Finals
Congratulations to Club Tweed (Women) and Club Pine Rivers (Men) for winning this year’s titles back-to-back after both winning last year. Well done to Club Kawana and Club Musgrave for reaching the finals and all teams who made it through to the play offs. Thank you to host Club Tweed and Tweed Shire Council for their support of this event.
State District Mixed Pairs
Congratulations to Emma Spicer and Tom Blaszczyk on winning this year’s event, well done to Serena Bonnell and Dennis McDonald for reaching the final. Thank you to Souths Suburban Bowls Club for its support.
BA Strategy Meeting
The Board of BQ met with representatives of Bowls Australia to discuss the development of their new Strategic Plan. BA and BQ’s Strategic Plan runs until 2025, both organisations are looking on how we can improve our strategies into the future.
Club Support Manager (CSM)
Welcome to Troy Corba who started in the South East QLD role during November after replacing Micheal Sorrensen.
BPL
Congratulations to Tweed Heads Ospreys for winning the event for the fifth time at Club Pine Rivers. Well done to Bowls Australia and Club Pine Rivers for another great BPL event.
BQ Events
Expressions of interest have been sent to clubs to show interest to host BQ events in 2025.
2025 Junior State Championships
Good luck to all juniors in this event at Club Helensvale and Club Robina Bowls Clubs from 12-18 January. Entries are up this year and it is great to see many first timers entering. All seven days will be live streamed on BQ YouTube, website and FaceBook. Thank you Club Helensvale and Drakes Pride for their support of this event.
Secondary Schools Cup
Information has been sent to clubs and school regions for this event in 2025. Secondary Schools and bowls clubs are encouraged to align together to host an intra-school playoff to be completed by June. The winner will then proceed to an interschool Bowls District Playoff to be completed by July. One winning team from each Bowls District will then advance to State Finals in August. CSMs are available to assist clubs/schools.
QLD Bowler Magazine
Thank you to Jo Grey and Dee Ayre for producing this magazine and BQ Media throughout the year. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to bring this magazine to QLD clubs and members each month.
Live Streaming
Thank you to the Bowls Gold Coast Tweed Media team for live streaming Bowls Queensland’s events throughout the year. Our numbers continue to grow watching our streams on the BQ Website, YouTube and Facebook. Many clubs now play these streams on their club TVs which is great for local members and guests to watch.
BQ Office Closure
The Bowls Queensland Office will close for Christmas/New Year from COB on Friday 20 December and reopen on Monday 6 January 2025.
We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, enjoy the time with your family and friends, stay safe over the holiday period and all the best for the New Year ahead.
Brett Wilkie & Brian Marshall
STATE CHAMPION OF CLUB CHAMPIONS
CLUB TWEED AND CLUB PINE RIVERS WIN 2024 State Champion of Club Champion FOURS GOLD
The 2024 State Champion of Club Champions, held October 26 to 31 at Bargara Bowls Club in Bundaberg, started with fours teams firing the first shots over two days of play. Rounds 1 and 2 were played on day 1 (October 26) with Round 3 and finals on day 2.
Congratulations to Club Tweed’s Lilly Vardy, Debbie Franzi, Serena Bonnell and Ellen Falkner who defeated Thuringowa’s Kate Leverton, Denise Davis, Corinne Dibnah and Wendy Jones 22-21 to win the women’s title.
Falkner’s team led 10-4 after 7 ends before a spirited fight back by Jones rink to draw level at 10-all after 10 ends. Jones then kicked away to lead 21-12 after 17 ends before a remarkable comeback from Club Tweed, trailing by 3 shots going into the last end 18-21, when Falkner’s rink picked up 4 shots to win the gold by the barest of margins.
Well done to Thuringowa on reaching the final and taking home Silver. This was a second fours silver in a row for Kate Leverton and Wendy Jones after also reaching the final in Mackay last year.
Bronze: Club Maroochy L-R: Ellen Ross, Jane Mantle, Shirley Cornish & Jan Sullivan
Silver: Thuringowa L-R: Denise Davis, Kate Leverton, Wendy Jones & Corinne Dibnah
Fourth Women’s Fours: Gladstone L-R: Carolyn Meade, June Lisle, Terri Ferris & Samantha Lunck.
Gold: Club Tweed L-R: Ellen Falkner, Debbie Franzi, Serena Bonnell & Lilly Vardy
Club Maroochy’s Shirley Cornish, Jane Mantle, Jan Sullivan and Ellen Ross won the battle for Bronze in the women’s event 24-9 over Gladstone’s Carolyn Meade, June Lisle, Terri Ferris and Samantha Lunck.
Congratulations to Club Pine Rivers Trent Healey, Michael Breen, James Templeton and Aaron Hewson who won the men’s event after defeating local favourites Ian McMah, Mick Tobin, Paul Kajewski and Tim Smith from The Waves, Bundaberg 22-19 in the gold medal match.
Hewson’s team went out to a 6-0 lead after 4 ends before Smith’s rink hit their straps and took the lead 8-6. Both teams traded blows until 13-all, Hewson then held a small lead to be 2 up after 16 ends, on the 17th
end Hewson was 4 down before driving the bare jack into the ditch with his last bowl to pick up 1 shot and extend their lead to 3. The Hewson foursome finished the stronger to hold on to win gold by 3 shots. The Waves boys never gave up and fought hard until the end to take home silver.
Capalaba’s Riley Gerick, Cody Gerick, Jacob Nelson and Kane Nelson took out Bronze in the men’s event 21-19 over Pialba’s Brody Carter, Brendan Wrice, Mark Armstrong and Nic Gosley (a second fourth in a row for this Pialba team).
Bronze: Capalaba L-R: Jacob Nelson, Riley Gerick, Cody Gerick & Kane Nelson
Silver: The Waves L-R: Ian McMah, Paul Kajewski, Mick Tobin & Tim Smith
Fourth Men’s Fours Pialba L-R: Brody Carter, Brendan Wrice, Nic Gosley & Mark Armstrong
Gold Club Pine Rivers L-R: Aaron Hewson, James Templeton, Michael Breen & Trent Healey
Thank you to event sponsors: Bundaberg Regional Council, Bargara Bowls Club, BIOScapes Group, Sandhills Sports Club & Ross Gray Motor City Bundaberg.
Mackay - Mackay District
Capalaba - Gateway District
North Toowoomba - Downs District
The Summit - Southern Downs District
Pine Rivers - Moreton Bay District
Pialba - Fraser Coast District
The Waves - Bundaberg District
Emerald / Leichhardt District
North West QLD
Club Tweed - Gold Coast/Tweed District
North Toowoomba - Downs District
Charleville - Maranoa/Warrego District
Club Maroochy - Sunshine Coast District
The Albert - Fraser Coast District
Gladstone - Port Curtis District
Club Tweed’s Claire Turley and Lynsey Clarke have pulled off an amazing feat of three State Champion of Club Champion Pairs Titles in a row when they defeated Thuringowa’s Kate Leverton and Wendy Jones 21-11 in the final. To go through winning your club championship, then District, Zone and a State Title is a great feat within itself, to do all this three years in a row is unbelievable, a first in Queensland.
Turley and Clarke are long term team mates at all levels of the sport and continue to enjoy victory together. It was a case of déjà vu for Leverton and Jones after reaching the final of the Fours two days earlier where they also claimed Silver behind Club Tweed. It was a great achievement to reach two finals of this prestigious carnival in the same year.
Men’s Pairs Silver Algester L-R: Glen Pitts & Cohen Litfin
Women’s Pairs Silver Thuringowa L-R: Kate Leverton & Wendy Jones
CAPALABA & CLUB TWEED WIN PAIRS GOLD
Winners Women’s Pairs Gold Club Tweed L-R: Claire Turley & Lynsey Clarke with Winners Men’s Pairs Gold
Capalaba Jacob Nelson & Kane Nelson
Home town favourites Adele Pershouse and Connie-Leigh Rixon of Bargara won the Bronze after defeating Linda Mitchell and Sue Brady from Club Pine Rivers 21-10.
Capalaba brothers Kane and Jacob Nelson took out the Men’s Pairs after defeating Algester’s Glen Pitts and Cohen Litfin 21-13 in the gold medal match. Pitts and Litfin led 10-9 after 11 ends before the Nelson’s hit their straps to pull away to lead 18-10 after 17. They then kept it tight for the remainder of the match to win their first State Champion of Champion Pairs Title. A great follow up for the pair after both winning Australian Titles two weeks prior to this event.
In the battle for Bronze, it was 18-all going into the last end where Enoggera’s Tom Blaszczyk and Ryan Digby picked up shot to win 19-18 over Paul Kajewski and Tim Smith from The Waves.
Women’s Pairs Bronze Bargara L-R: Connie-Leigh Rixon & Adele Pershouse
Men’s Pairs Bronze Enoggera L-R: Tom Blaszczyk & Ryan Digby
Thuringowa / North QLD
Longreach / Leichhardt
The Waves - Bundaberg
Mundubbera / Burnett
Club Tweed / Gold Coast Tweed
Pine Rivers / Moreton Bay
Bargara / Bundaberg
Darra Cementco / Cunningham Warwick East / Southern Downs
Inclusions:
Return International Flights & Taxes
Accommodation
Daily
Travel
Cutheringa / North QLD
Capalaba / Gateway Roma / Maranoa/Warrego
Enoggera / Brisbane
Wondai / Burnett
Mackay City / Mackay
Pershouse & Wilkie win 2024 State Champion of Club Champion Singles GOLD!
Home town favourite Adele Pershouse (Bargara) won her first Champion of Club Champion Singles title after defeating North Ipswich’s Vicki Cameron 25-17 in a quality final.
Pershouse opened up a couple of small leads during the game before Cameron answered the challenge: 5-1 to 5-all and 15-8 to 15-all. Cameron then took the lead for the first time in the game at 16-15 before Pershouse regained the lead and pulled away to claim the title 25-17, much to the delight of her home crowd at Bargara.
Winners Singles Gold L-R: Adele Pershouse (Bargara) & Brett Wilkie (Club Helensvale)
Wendy Wilson from Northern Suburbs defeated Broadbeach’s Bolivia Millerick 25-16 to claim the Bronze Medal.
Silver: North Ipswich - Vicki Cameron
Silver : Algester - Glen Pitts
In the Men’s Final, Club Helensvale’s Brett Wilkie won a war of attrition over previous winner Glen Pitts from Algester 25-20. The pair traded blows to lead a number of times throughout the game with Wilkie sneaking away at the end to claim the title.
In the Bronze Medal match Pialba’s Mark Armstrong defeated Robert Spence from Souths Suburban 25-21.
Both Pershouse and Wilkie now advance to the National Champion of Club Champion Singles in Tasmania during November 2025.
Thank you to Bargara Bowls Club and their volunteers/staff for hosting another great event. Also, thanks to the BQ Match Committee, umpires, selectors and staff for their contribution to the event, the Bowls Gold Coast Tweed Media Team for live streaming and to Wendy Wilson and Christina Pavlov for taking photos.
Thank you to event sponsors: Bundaberg Regional Council, Bargara Bowls Club, BIOScapes Group, Sandhills Sports Club & Ross Gray Motor City Bundaberg.
GROUP WINNERS
Robert Hammond Roma
Robert Spence Souths Suburban
Tim Smith The Waves
Mark Armstrong Pialba
Brett Merkel Enoggera
Adele Pershouse Bargara
Glen Pitts Algester
Brett Wilkie Club Helensvale
Pam Power Ayr
Rebekah Pullen Emerald
Bolivia Millerick Broadbeach
Cheryl Lorkin Tansey
Wendy Wilson Northern Suburbs
Jenelle Brown Miles
Vicki Cameron North Ipswich
Bronze: PialbaMark Armstrong
Bronze: Northern SuburbsWendy Wilson
CLUB TWEED & PINE RIVERS WIN DIV. 1 STATE PENNANT
Who doesn’t want to win a prestigious pennant flag for their club? Teams at this level show talent, dedication and passion and congratulations go to the men’s and women’s teams who qualified through the eight zone play-offs to represent their District.
Held at Club Tweed on Saturday & Sunday 2-3 November, the Division 1 winners from the eight zones throughout Queensland met the challenge to take home that coveted pennant flag. It was a rinse and repeat affair this year, after Club Tweed Women and Club Pine Rivers Men won back-to-back State Pennant Titles, with both going through the finals weekend undefeated.
MEN
Club Pine Rivers Men shot out of the blocks against Club Musgrave in the final to take an early lead 16-5. Musgrave tried hard to reduce the margin and came within a few shots trailing 31-34.
The Pine Rivers contingent then got a roll on and jumped out to a 56-39 lead thanks to Jason Carpenter’s rink opening up a big lead over Ryan Bester. Musgrave never gave up and were within six shots going into the last end. However, Pine Rivers secured the win 60-55, taking home the “Earl Klease Perpetual Shield” for the second year in a row.
Well done to Club Musgrave on reaching the final, which was their first appearance in a State Pennant Final since winning the event in 2001.
WOMEN
It was also to be a back-to-back win for Club Tweed Women who met up with 2022 Champions Club Kawana in the final. Club Tweed held a small lead until the halfway mark when the Kawana ladies started giving them a run for their money. However, the Kawana run didn’t last long, with Club Tweed putting the pressure back on to secure the title 45-34. Lynsey Clarke’s rink proved the difference with a strong 10-shot win.
Pennant winners (men) Club Pine Rivers Back L-R: Chris Rosanes, Jesse Turnbull, Aaron Hewson, Jason Carpenter, Adam Liddell, Cory Fuller & Michael Breen. Front L-R: Mick Ashdowne (Manager), Brendan Wilson, Andrew Todd , Jason Andrewartha, Justin Knight & Trent Healey
Well done to Club Kawana on being runner up. Congratulations are also due to Algester as Kawana only just made it into the finals by the barest of margins after a draw with Algester in round 3 on the Sunday, with only percentage separating the two on the ladder.
Congratulations to Club Pine Rivers and Club Tweed, the last two teams standing after another brilliant year of pennants all over the State.
State Pennant Grand Finals Scores
Women – Club Tweed 45 def Club Kawana 34
• Serena Bonnell, Kira Bourke, Claire Turley, Lynsey Clarke def Lynda Brownen, Leigh Fortington, Maria Rigby, Katelyn Inch 26-16
• Lilly Vardy, Gail Crompton, Emma Boyd, Chloe Stewart def Pauline Laverty, Fay Whittaker, Joan Tennant, Noelene Dutton 19-18
Club Tweed Manager: Diana Cunnington
Men – Club Pine Rivers 60 def Club Musgrave 55
• Jesse Turnbull, Andrew Todd, Brendan Wilson, Jason Carpenter def Joel Downey, Wilson Alexander, Peter Brown, Ryan Bester 27-12
• Phil Jordan, Dean Drummond, Dean McWhinney, Sean Baker def Jason Andrewartha, Michael Breen, Justin Knight, Aaron Hewson 18-16
• Tyler Pettigrew, Gary Mounsey, Sam White, Nic Gosley def Adam Liddell, Trentan Healey, Cory Fuller, Chris Rosanes 25-17
Club Pine Rivers Manager: Barry O’Brien
Thank you to Tweed Shire Council and Club Tweed for their support of this event.
Pennant winners (women) Club Tweed Back L-R: Vanessa Holmes (Reserve), Claire Turley, Lynsey Clarke, Kira Bourke, Serena Bonnell, Di Cunnington (Manager), Emma Boyd, Lilly Vardy, Chloe Stewart & Gail Crompton
Runners-up Club Kawana Back L-R: Louise Witton (Reserve), Lynda Brownen, Leigh Fortington, Joan Tennent, Fay Whittaker, Geoff Campbell (Coach), Noelene Dutton & Maria Rigby. Front L-R: Pauline Laverty, Debbie Dalliston (Manager) & Katelyn Inch
Runners-up Club Musgrave Back L-R: Joel Downey, Wilson Alexander, Peter Brown, Ryan Bester, Dean McWhinney, Gary Mounsey, Nic Gosley & Dean Drummond. Front L-R: Sam White, Sean Baker, Lou Maffei (Manager), Phil Jordan & Tyler Pettigrew
MEN
Round 1
Section 1
Musgrave Hill def Bargara 72-41 Jubilee 51 def by Pialba 75-51
Section 2
North Toowoomba def Tara/Taroom/Jandowae 60-58
Pine Rivers 57 def Souths Suburban 53
Round 2
Section 1
Musgrave Hill def Jubilee 82-40 Pialba def Bargara 58-54
Section 2
Pine Rivers def Tara/Taroom/Jandowae 82-44
Souths Suburban def North Toowoomba 74-36
Round 3
Section 1
Musgrave Hill def Pialba 64-48 Jubilee def Bargara 63-54
Section 2
Souths Suburban def Tara/Taroom/Jandowae 89-36
Pine Rivers def North Toowoomba 57-48
MEN’S FINAL
Pine Rivers def Musgrave Hill 60-55
WOMEN
Round 1
Section 1
Tweed Heads 48 def Bargara 48-26
Hervey Bay - Bye
Section 2
Algester def Taroom 50-29
Kawana def Leichhardt 61-21
Round 2
Section 1
Hervey Bay def Bargara 36-35
Tweed Heads - Bye
Section 2
Kawana defeat Taroom 53-31 Algester def Leichhardt 66-25
Round 3
Section 1
Tweed Heads def Hervey Bay 52-30 Bargara - Bye
Section 2
Leichhardt def Taroom 49-32
Algester drew Kawana 36-36
WOMEN’S FINAL
Tweed Heads def Kawana 45-34
L-R: Club Tweed Chairman Leigh Tynan & Club Pine Rivers’ Mick Ashdowne (Manager)
L-R: Club Tweed’s Di Cunnington (Manager) & Club Tweed Chairman Leigh Tynan
L-R: Club Tweed Chairman Leigh Tynan & Club Kawana’s Debbie Dalliston (Manager)
Club Musgrave’s Lou Maffei (Manager) & BQ President Brian Marshall
Club Musgrave / Gold Coast Tweed
Jubilee / North QLD
Souths Suburban / Mackay
Bargara / Bundaberg
Pialba / Fraser Coast
Pine Rivers / Moreton Bay
Tara, Jandowae, Taroom / Condamine
North Toowoomba / Downs
Thank you to Tweed Shire Council and Club Tweed for their support of this event
Club Tweed / Gold Coast Tweed
Emerald, Clermont, Longreach / Leichhardt
Bargara / Bundaberg
Hervey Bay / Fraser Coast
Club Kawana / Sunshine Coast
Taroom / Condamine
Algester / Cunningham
8 A-SIDE: ALGESTER ALL STARS
TAKE ALL
It was a thrilling day for the 2022 champions, Algester All Stars, after staging a victorious comeback and defeating Broadbeach in the State 8 A-Side event at Capalalaba Sports Club.
Held on November 9-10, the event encompassed club sides from all over the State, comprising of four
women and four men contesting women’s pairs, men’s pairs and mixed fours disciplines in a pennant style competition, qualifying through their districts and groups to compete for a prestigious State title.
Broadbeach (Gold Coast Tweed), Algester (Cunningham), Cunnamulla (Maranoa/Warrego), Hamilton (Brisbane), Bargara (Bundaberg), Sarina (Mackay), Edge Hill (Tropical Far North Qld) qualified to play in the State finals at Capalaba Sports Club.
Spectators were treated to some top-class bowls matches, with Algester and Bargara undefeated in Section 1 and Broadbeach and Hamilton undefeated in section 2 after both rounds on day 1.
Day 2 saw round 3 played in the morning, followed by medal rounds.
In the gold medal match, Broadbeach made an initial strong start over Algester, leading on all three rinks by 14 shots (27-13 after 20 ends), before it became an exciting tussle between the two teams.
After some tense moments and quality bowls from both teams, 2022 champions Algester claimed the title with a final score of Algester 61, Broadbeach 55.
Silver medallists- Broadbeach Back L-R: Julie Keegan, Mitchell Mears, Tomas Nathan & Scott Chamberlain. Front L-R: Karen Goldsworthy, Cheryl Heaps, Bolivia Millerick & Bradley Lawson
Winners Algester Back L-R: Glen Pitts, Matt Norrie, Paul Gilbert & Cohen Litfin. Front L-R: Pamela Rowe, Denise Gilbert, Tracy Foster & Heather Bailey
Bronze Medallists - Hamilton Back L-R: Todd McIntosh, John Newell, Jason Moore & Steven Tong. Front L-R: Barb McNeil, Jacinta Weier, Jude Whaites & Jane Bush
Fourth place - Bargara Back L-R: Adele Pershouse, Cody Fehlberg & Darren Mullens. Front L-R: Deb Handley, Judy Nowell, Sandra Burgess & John See (Absent: Wayne Barnett)
Rink scores were: Pam Rowe & Glen Pitts 19 def Mitch Mears & Julie Keegan 13. Denise Gilbert & Paul Gilbert 18 lost to Bradley Lawson & Bolivia Millerick 27. Heather Bailey, Tracy Foster, Matt Norrie & Cohen Litfin 24 def Cheryl Heaps, Karen Goldsworthy, Thomas Nathan & Scott Chamberlain 15.
The bronze medal match saw last year’s silver medallists Bargara do
Decisive Deliveries
Sarina / Mackay
Edge Hill / Tropical Far North Qld
Cunnamulla / Maranoa Warrego
Algester’s Glen Pitts with BQ President Brian Marshall
A SOUTHERN VICTORY at THE NORTH VS SOUTH CHALLENGE
Held on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November at Souths Suburban Bowls Club in Mackay, the 2024 North vs South Test Series saw the South men prevailing with their unblemished record for this event to win for the seventh year running. The South women reclaimed the title from the North team who had won the shield last year (2023).
Teams for the North vs South Challenge, now in its seventh year, are selected from the following districts:
• North: Tropical Far North QLD, North West QLD, North QLD, Mackay, Leichhardt, Central QLD, Port Curtis, Bundaberg, Burnett, Fraser Coast, Condamine and Maranoa/Warrego.
• South: Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gateway, Cunningham, Downs, Moreton Bay, Southern Downs and Gold Coast.
The division of north and south was worked out by drawing a line horizontally across Queensland leaving half the clubs north of the line and half the clubs south of the line. This line passed through the Sunshine Coast, Condamine and Maranoa/Warrego Districts, and it was decided to drop all Sunshine Coast into the South and move Condamine and Maranoa/Warrego into the North.
North men’s Nic Gosley’s rink was on fire for the first match, defeating Kane Nelson’s team 20-17. This was to be the first of only two victories for the northerners, who only scored at the end of the third test when Alex Murtagh’s team beat Nathan Rice’s rink 19-15.
The South men maintained a consistent lead for all three tests and defeated the North men 3-0, despite some of the top players in the State donning the golden shirts and representing their northern homes.
South men’s team
North men’s team
Team captains Jamie Anderson & Jason Grundon
After being defeated in the first test, one could be forgiven for thinking the North women would repeat their superplays from last year to retain the title.
Defeating South in two of the three rinks (21-14 and 21-16) in the first test and drawing the third (24-24), the North women were looking forward to keeping their shield, and it looked like they were continuing their run when Dealia Walsh’s rink beat Julie Keegan’s team 23-12 in the second test. However, the South women soon took control of the master board and won the remaining games in the second and third tests, claiming the series 2-1.
Men’s Results - SOUTH DEF NORTH 3 TESTS TO 0
First Test – South def North 66-42
• (North) Ray Kurtz, Damien McGee, Mark Armstrong, Nic Gosley def (South) Mitchell Mears, Luke Turner, Jason Grundon, Kane Nelson 20-17
• (South) Tyler Pettigrew, Cody Gerick, Dean McWhinney, Nathan Rice def (North) Heath Hawkins, Nick Twining, Justin Cribbin, Jamie Anderson 25-7
• (South) Dean Sluce, Jack Chirgwin, Jacob Nelson, Brett Wilkie def (North) Keith Whalley, Shane Rideout, Tim Smith, Alex Murtagh 24-15
Second Test – South def North 64-53
• (South) Tyler Pettigrew, Cody Gerick, Dean McWhinney, Nathan Rice def (North) Ray Kurtz, Damien McGee, Mark Armstrong, Nic Gosley 18-15
• (South) Dean Sluce, Jack Chirgwin, Jacob Nelson, Brett Wilkie def (North) Heath Hawkins, Nick Twining, Justin Cribbin, Jamie Anderson 21-20
• (South) Mitchell Mears, Luke Turner, Jason Grundon, Kane Nelson def (North) Keith Whalley, Shane Rideout, Tim Smith, Alex Murtagh 25-18
South women’s team
North women’s team
Team captains Adele Pershouse & Julie Keegan
Third Test – South def North 59-52
• (South) Dean Sluce, Jack Chirgwin, Jacob Nelson, Brett Wilkie def (North) Ray Kurtz, Damien McGee, Mark Armstrong, Nic Gosley 21-15
• (South) Mitchell Mears, Luke Turner, Jason Grundon, Kane Nelson def (North) Heath Hawkins, Nick Twining, Justin Cribbin, Jamie Anderson 23-18
• (North) Keith Whalley, Shane Rideout, Tim Smith, Alex Murtagh def (South) Tyler Pettigrew, Cody Gerick, Dean McWhinney, Nathan Rice 19-15
WOMEN’s results - SOUTH DEF NORTH 2 TESTS TO 1
First Test – North def South 66-54
• (North) Bonnie Attwooll, Emma Rowbotham, Wendy Jones, Dealia Walsh def (South) Serena Bonnell, Olivia Rothwell, Pamela Rowe, Wendy Wilson 21-14
• (North) Leanne Gundry, Gail Meng, Chloe Runge, Nicole Williams def (South) Sharon Weatherby, Lynda Brownen, Candice Ayton, Julie Keegan 21-16
• (North) Charmayne Sleeman, Terry McAlary, Jocelyn Haylock, Adele Pershouse def (South) Zayah Morgan, Liz Walton, Eileen Swanson, Emma Spicer 24-24
Second Test – South def North 68-37
• (North) Bonnie Attwooll, Emma Rowbotham, Wendy Jones, Dealia Walsh def (South) Sharon Weatherby, Lynda Brownen, Candice Ayton, Julie Keegan 23-12
• (South) Zayah Morgan, Liz Walton, Eileen Swanson, Emma Spicer def (North) Leanne Gundry, Gail Meng, Chloe Runge, Nicole Williams 17-14
• (South) Serena Bonnell, Olivia Rothwell, Pamela Rowe, Wendy Wilson def (North) Charmayne Sleeman, Terry McAlary, Jocelyn Haylock, Adele Pershouse 28-11
Third Test – South def North 89-41
• (South) Zayah Morgan, Liz Walton, Eileen Swanson, Emma Spicer def (North) Bonnie Attwooll, Emma Rowbotham, Wendy Jones, Dealia Walsh 27-9
• (South) Serena Bonnell, Olivia Rothwell, Pamela Rowe, Wendy Wilson def (North) Leanne Gundry, Gail Meng, Chloe Runge, Nicole Williams 29-17
• (South) Sharon Weatherby, Lynda Brownen, Candice Ayton, Julie Keegan def (North) Charmayne Sleeman, Terry McAlary, Jocelyn Haylock, Adele Pershouse 33-15
Bowls Queensland thanks the Souths Suburban Bowls Club for its support in attracting this event to the region and also acknowledges the Souths Leagues Club and White Lace Motor Inn for their sponsorship. Thanks to Wendy Wilson & Kurt Brown for taking photos during the event.
Anton-Brown_Magazine-Ad_Quarter-Page-FINAL.pdf 5 29/08/2023 3:06:50 PM
Umpire with Joan Brotherton OAM
Recap on Extreme Weather and Sun Protection Policies
Another wonderful, enjoyable, and successful month has now been completed with the playing of the following State Events: Division One Pennant, Mixed 8 A-Side, State District Mixed Pairs, North vs South and also BPL20.
Special thanks to all officials who did a wonderful job organising and making these events successful. Also, special thanks to the Gold Coast Tweed Media Team highlighting our great game to many viewers, not only in Australia but around the world.
I have received a number of calls during the past month, especially during the playing of evening games, covering what to do regarding the weather. Many games have been interrupted by heat, very heavy rain, wind and lightning, as well as by members who have taken sick and have had to leave the game.
Bowls Queensland has an Extreme Weather Policy, also a Sun Protection Policy which can be found on its website at https://www.bowlsqld.org/about/governance/policies/
I recommend that all umpires, measurers, controlling bodies and clubs have a copy of these policies with their equipment or at their club, as the policies set out various guidelines for the varying weather conditions in Australia.
The decision to suspend or discontinue play is at the discretion of the umpire or controlling body. Bowls Queensland has provided these guidelines to assist members in making the correct decision, as we all have a duty of care to all members.
The Extreme Weather Policy is set out as follows:
• General Guidelines: Please note that all temperatures referred to in the policy are guidelines only and are not binding. This is then followed by eight paragraphs covering the general guidelines.
• Hot Weather: Eight paragraphs.
• Wet/Cold Weather: Six paragraphs.
• Lightning: Three paragraphs.
• Sun Protection: One paragraph advising of a separate Bowls Queensland Sun Protection Policy.
The Sun Protection Policy aims to ensure all participants, officials and spectators at all Bowls Queensland events are protected from the harmful effects of the sun throughout the years, and we provide a sporting environment supporting sun safety awareness and practices. The following guidelines cover the policy:
• Scheduling outdoor activities: Three paragraphs.
• Shade: Two paragraphs.
• Hats: Two paragraphs.
• Clothing: Two paragraphs.
• Sunscreen: Two paragraphs.
• Sunglasses: One paragraph.
• Increase Awareness of Sun Safety: Two paragraphs.
• Role Modelling: One paragraph.
• Review: One paragraph.
The two above policies are very important and contain information beneficial to all members. I recommend that all members obtain a copy of each policy, as it will assist you during the various weather conditions we experience throughout the year.
Each policy is only two pages and I carry them with my law book at all times, as they are a great reference and very helpful.
On behalf of the BQ Umpire Committee: John, Jess, Barry, Chris, Peter and myself, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I know Santa will be very kind to you all.
May 2025 bring you all happiness, good health and enjoyable bowling. Have a wonderful and safe break. Thank you for your continued support of the umpire column. Your friendship at all times means a lot.
DISTRICT MIXED PAIRS: BRISBANE DUO CLAIMS GOLD
Emma Spicer and Tom Blaszczyk representing the Brisbane District have claimed the last State title on offer in 2024, the Bowls Queensland State District Mixed Pairs.
Held at Souths Suburban Bowls Club in Mackay on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November, the event started with eight group winners from all over the State playing in two sections of four, and ended with a riveting final medal match live streamed by the Gold Coast Tweed District Media Team.
Serena Bonnell and Dennis McDonald (Gold Coast Tweed) were Brisbane’s opponents in the nail-biting final. Spicer and Blaszczyk started the better team, going out to a 7-1 lead after 6 ends. Bonnell and McDonald then worked their way back to 7-all after 9 and continued the momentum to lead 14-7 after 13.
Spicer and Blaszczyk then hit their straps to pick up a 6 on the 14th end to trail by 1. Bonnell and McDonald answered the challenge with a 3 of their own to gain a break until the teams drew level at 17-all after 18. Trailing by 2 on the last end, McDonald needed to trail the jack with his last and missed by millimetres, with Spicer and Blaszczyk winning the last three ends to claim the Gold 22-17. A fantastic final down to the wire, well done to both teams.
Maranoa Warrego’s Jocelyn Haylock and John Hammond jnr won the battle for Bronze after defeating hometown favourites Clinton Vassie and Charmayne Sleeman (Mackay) 26-12.
Gold medal winners Tom Blaszczyk & Emma Spicer - Brisbane District
Silver – Serena Bonnell & Dennis McDonald (Gold Coast Tweed)
Bowls Queensland would like to thank the Souths Suburban Bowls Club for its hospitality and once again congratulate the eight teams who won through their districts and groups to compete at this final State event of the year.
Emma Spicer & Tom Blaszczyk (Brisbane) Group 4
Wendy Hamilton & Jim Hamilton (Fraser Coast) Group 5
Cameron McCrohon & Sam Lunck (Port Curtis) Group 6
Charmayne Sleeman & Clinton Vassie (Sub) (Mackay) Group 7
Nick Twining & Emma Rowbotham (Tropical Far Nth QLD) Group 8
Dennis McDonald & Serena Bonnell (Gold Coast Tweed) Group 1
Shane Greentree & Lisa Bryant (Downs) Group 2
John Hammond jnr & Jocelyn Haylock (Maranoa/Warrego) Group 3
Photos by Wendy Wilson and John Palmer
Bronze – Jocelyn Haylock & John Hammond jnr (Maranoa/Warrego)
Fourth – Charmayne Sleeman & Clinton Vassie (Mackay)
Levelling the Green: Bowls Clubs and Accessibility
In Australia, anti-discrimination and building standards addressing disability play a critical role in ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility or other challenges, can enjoy public spaces. This is particularly relevant for bowls clubs which often have a wide and varied membership base, commonly welcome community functions, and host patrons of all ages.
This article will explore some considerations that bowls clubs should be aware of with these standards when considering construction of a new building or the renovation of existing facilities, including some insight into additional requirements by virtue of being a licensed premises.
From 1 May 2011, all new buildings have been required to comply at a minimum with the Disability (Access to Premises-Buildings) Standards 2010 (authorised by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)) when constructed. Alternatively, existing buildings are required to comply with these standards when they receive major renovations or changes.
In addition to these requirements, the construction of any new buildings or renovations to existing buildings which form part of a licensed premises like a bowls club, will most likely require licensees
to obtain approval from the OLGR prior to commencing works.
Pursuant to the Liquor Act 1992 (Qld), licensees are required to obtain approval from the OLGR prior to commencing works, unless the works do not materially alter the licensed premises and are valued under $50,000.
Pursuant to the Gaming Machine Act 1991 (Qld), if the works relate to a gaming room and the gaming machines need to either be switched off or relocated as part of the construction or renovation works, then specific approval needs to be obtained from the OLGR to relocate the gaming room, as well as approval to store the machines if they will be stored for more than two months. Your Licensed Monitoring Operator would also need to be notified.
This is a critical part of the process as a failure to obtain approval before commencing the works may lead to compliance action.
Accordingly, whether it is the construction of a new building or renovating an existing building, you should consider the following (this list is not exhaustive):
• You must understand your obligations under the legislation and engage contractors who understand
their obligations and can deliver a result that is compliant in all respects;
• These are the minimum requirements imposed, and you may wish to consider going beyond these to either “futureproof” your operations for any future legislative changes or to foster an environment of inclusivity and deeper community engagement by making your premises as accessible as possible; and
• Your project timelines, particularly, in relation to any liquor and gaming applications which can often take longer than expected.
If your bowls club is planning to construct a new building, renovate facilities or is already undergoing this process, it is strongly recommended you engage experienced professionals for trusted advice that is appropriate and tailored to the works being undertaken, your organisation and your needs.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me, Matthew Bradford on 07 3224 0353 if I can assist you with this.
EASY WAY TO GET YOUR BOWLS NEWS!
From 2025, the Queensland Bowler will be moving online and will be published on the Bowls Queensland website, with links from Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
You will now be able to read our news sooner, plus get your event and club news delivered “hot off the online press” directly to your email inbox!
You’ll be able to watch our live streams and read the articles that interest you. All just a simple click away.
Don’t miss out! Tell your friends and let your fellow bowlers know that they can get bowls news delivered straight to them.
Sign up now at www.bowlsqld.org/ newsletter or use the QR code above.
The Queensland Bowler's Evolution
After
1977
Launch of new RQBA Bowler
The first official Journal of the RQBA is published and costs 40c. It has a colour cover and inner black and white newsprint pages with green highlights.
1989
RQBA moves
RQBA moves into new headquarters in Enoggera, Brisbane, the current Bowls Queensland headquarters.
10-Year Anniversary
The RQBA Bowler turns 10 and costs $1.50.
1987
1992
2005
Recognisable faces! Lynsey Clarke and Karen Murphy grace the cover in November 2005.
The Covid years
2014
15-Year Anniversary
The now called Queensland Bowler turns 15.
2020
The Queensland Bowler continued publishing throughout the pandemic, keeping in touch with bowlers.
Beach Bowlers
Brett Wilkie and Wendy Wilson ready to reqpresent QLD at the Australian Open.
2024
Final print issue
The last Queensland Bowler is printed after 47 years of print publishing.
2025
Online Magazine
The Queensland Bowler moves completely online, with new features and easyto-access content.
47 years of print, the Queensland Bowler magazine will move online from 2025. Sign up on page 35 to get your new and interactive Queensland Bowler delivered to your email address!
NEWS FROM QUEENSLAND CLUBS
Pelican Waters Fours Proves Popular
In the beautiful coastal suburb of Golden Beach, a successful Men’s Pelican Fours event was held on 2-3 November at Pelican Waters Bowls Club.
There were 26 teams competing in a high-quality, two-day carnival. Teams came from Gold Coast, Brisbane and from surrounding areas of the Sunshine Coast.
Visitors were made to feel very welcome and enjoyed the club’s warm hospitality.
Thank you to the event sponsors: Wardle Partners Accountants, Compass Financial Solutions and Niche Electrical Group.
Tournament organisers ensure everything runs like clockwork and are looking forward to next year. Pelican Waters holds a five-day Winter Carnival each year, with next year’s event commencing on Saturday, 19 July. Details of the event and entry forms are available on the club’s website and pre-bookings are encouraged as spaces fill up quickly.
Runners up L-R: Paul Webb, Derrick Webb, Simon Beddoe & Derek Bone with sponsors Mark Mackenzie (far right) & Graham McIntyre (far left)
Winners L-R: Ian Bloor, Ash Van Winkle, Dan Hollingsworth & Jim Dowd with sponsors Mark Mackenzie (far right) & Graham McIntyre (far left)
Third L-R: John Wolff, Steve Ward, Stan Rogers & Tony Wright with sponsors Mark Mackenzie (far right) & Graham McIntyre (far left)
North Mackay Ladies win District Club of the Year
North Mackay Bowls Club Ladies’ Section has been presented with the District Club of the Year Trophy for the second year running.
The winning streak began with the Master Pairs won by Lorna Bowers and Val de Pinto, who defeated Joan McGrath and Larda Purdie of Airlie Beach.
Next up was claiming the Symons Shield held at Northern Beaches. Congratulations to the Symons Shield bowlers: Sheryl Cuttriss, Marie Duck, Lois Deguara, Lidia McCarthy, Nug Pratt, Debbie Mackenzie, Lorna Bowers, Lorraine Lemke and Lorraine Silman. June Critchley and Daphne Goodson, who presented the shield to the winning team, are daughters of the couple who donated the land on which the Northern Beaches Bowls Club is built and where the Shield is played each year.
In Pennants, three divisions were victorious, while the fourth was runner-up. Next was claiming the runner-up spot at the Johnston Shield played at Sarina Bowls Club. Well done to the players: Nug Pratt (singles); Lorraine Silman
and Lorraine Lemke (pairs); Marie Duck, Debbie Mackenzie, Lidia McCarthy and Lorna Bowers
Lois Deguara was captain and reserve player.
Congratulations to novice Wendy Sonter on being a runner-up in the Champion of Champions played at Airlie Beach, and to Games Coordinator, Debbie Mackenzie, who won the Champion of Champions B Singles.
Contributed by Helen Fleming
District Club of the Year winners, North Mackay Bowls Club’s Ladies’ Section
President Lidia McCarthy with the Club of the Year trophy
(fours).
Common Faults in the Delivery of the Bowl
By Alan Thorp
In this article, as mentioned in the previous Queensland Bowler, we will discuss two other common faults associated with the delivery of a draw bowl. Previously, we looked at short bowls, loss of aiming line and loss of balance. Two other common faults that I will cover in this issue are over bowling and the bowl wobble.
OVER BOWLING (HEAVY)
1. Back - swing overdone.
2. Back - swing too quick.
3. Too much momentum in the delivery.
4. Holding bowling hand too high in the stance.
5. Overstepping which makes the bowler overreach.
6. Flicking the wrist at the moment of releasing the bowl.
7. Timing of the step too late in the delivery.
8. Bowling hand going up or out as player begins delivery.
As previously mentioned in other issues, every player will have their own style in the delivery of the bowl. So, take into consideration that the faults listed above are only a guide to a bowler having issues with over bowling. A coach, if approached to address a player consistently having this problem, could observe the player performing their delivery more than once and make the necessary adjustments as required. Be aware that only eight things involving the mechanisms in the delivery for over bowling
have been listed, there are undoubtedly other reasons not covered here.
BOWL WOBBLE
1. Grip incorrect (parallel line not running through the wrist, forearm and up to the shoulder).
2. Second finger not in the centre of the running surface of the bowl.
3. Twisting wrist on delivery.
4. Thumb too high on centre of bowl (pulls wrist over).
5. Little finger too high up the side of bowl, especially if thumb on or above the large rings.
6. Wrong sized bowl.
7. Twisting wrist on backswing and holding in same position on delivery.
8. Incorrectly/over-standing bowl up in the delivery. Always remember, if, as a bowler, you are experiencing any problems in the delivery of your bowl then seek out the services of an accredited bowls coach. If you do this, generally with a few points or a slight adjustment, the issue can be resolved.
Again, I thank those players who have read the previous few articles of the Queensland Bowler and enquired about specific inconsistencies in the delivery of their bowls. I enjoyed the feedback, and I trust the articles written on common faults in the fundamentals of the delivery have been of assistance.
ECKA’S RETIREMENT
Thorpy, Dennis, Ecka, Jacqui, David & Mal wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Bowls Queensland and the Coaching Committee would like to thank Eric Tomsene (Ecka) for his assistance and for providing “Ecka’s Tips” in The Queensland Bowler and wish him all the best in his retirement.
