a family affair

L-R: John Hammand Jnr and his dad Robert, Robert’s Dad John Hammond Senior (three generations of Hammonds), Gerard Bellgrove and Dad Peter, Des Obst (91 years old) and his son Kingsley, David Jones and his Dad Peter

By Gerard Bellgrove

It’s not very often in two pennant teams you get five father and sons. This happened at The Summit bowls club in the Zone 3 Pennant final on September 11, when Chinchilla and Roma met. It could have easily been six as Greg Benfer was unable to play though son Dion played. It just goes to show that out in the West bowls is truly a family sport. As always, a close game between these two clubs was played, with Roma being the victors on this occasion and through to the State Pennant finals after winning by 10 shots.

HUGHENDEN FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND

By Lesley Bates

When I first visited this club, it was mentioned that as they were nearly 400 kilometres from Townsville, they rarely had visitors. They had a theory that there were big gates just past Charters Towers that were locked. Fortunately, the chains are cut each year in the first weekend in September and bowlers from Alligator Creek, South Townsville, Jubilee, Ingham, Thuringowa, Cutheringa and Charters Towers head out to fill the greens for an awesome time.

The new shade cover was in place, the camp kitchen was put into action and Les was the dedicated, designated driver who ferried the teams to and from the club daily. Plans and quotes are being organised for extensions and renovations to the 80-year-old club house and Hughenden hopes to be a recipient of the Gambling Community Super Grant to help with the cost of implementing these plans.

By Lesley Bates

When I first visited Justin Hancock and his committee a year ago, I was impressed by their energy and determination to put Normanton Bowls Club back on the map. The team wanted to make it a “must visit” on the Grey Nomads’ list of clubs where visitors could indulge in a social game of bowls and enjoy delicious food, cool refreshments and country hospitality. The club was in excellent condition with grants being sourced from many avenues to keep the club well maintained. However, I despaired that they wouldn’t get funding for a new carpet for the four rink green, as the club had such a small membership base. Justin’s dream of a new carpet was realised with help from Cathy Bawden, Ben Winter, Tracey Lord, Ken Fairbairn and funding from Alexi from the Department of Sports and Recreation in Cairns. Bowls Australia gave the club the old style Junior Jack Attack Kit and wedge for use by local children which is well used. Make sure you visit this hard working and determined community of bowlers if you are ever in the area.

L-R: Doug Thomas, Tracey Lord & Cathy Bawden enjoying the new green

Doug Thomas from Normanton received Lesley’s old Jack Attack Kit and a new Rookie Rollers wedge Normanton’s old green

SARINA’S NEW RECORD

By Rita Hughes

A 54 year old record has been broken at Sarina Bowls Club with Brad Bettiens winning the A Grade and B Grade Singles in the same year. This is a feat that hasn’t been achieved since 1967, which was then won by W. Ablett. Well respected at Sarina Bowls Club, Brad is a keen bowler and has been bowling at Sarina since 2013 . Well done, Brad!