September 2012

September 2012

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Volume 35/ Issue No. 12

CONTENTS 06 Golden Nugget

14 Transplant Champ

Tweed Heads’ Golden Nugget crowns went interstate last month, with Leif Selby and Rebecca Quail claiming victory

RAAF Amberley’s Robert Cheney will go for gold at the 2012 Transplant Games in Newcastle

08 Weipa Bauxite Classic

15 In Profile - Kristy Thatcher

Bowlers travelled from across Australia for Weipa’s $40,000 Bauxite Classic last month

Kristy Thatcher has had a meteoric rise in Queensland bowls, but her road hasn’t always been smooth

08 Australian Indoors

21 All Schools Cup

Queensland’s Mark Casey made history last month when he claimed the 2012 Australian Indoor title

Queensland’s top school bowlers will battle it out for a state title at Pine Rivers Bowls Club this month

4 | queensland bowler

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On the road again

the editor's desk

I have spent a lot of time on the road over the past month, visiting Queensland districts.

What’s your story?

Together with a member of Bowls Queensland’s board I have visited Tropical Far North and Bundaberg / Port Curtis, with further visits scheduled for Burnett, Brisbane North, Central Queensland, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast / Wide Bay Gympie, Cunningham, Mackay, Gateway, Downs, Southern Downs and Condamine.

Recently we’ve had a lot of positive feedback about the magazine and it seems like every month more clubs are asking to boost their subscription.

The purpose of these visits is to gain some constructive feedback and comments on the current operation and direction of bowls in Queensland.

The meetings are held at the request of the district and are open to all affiliated bowlers within that district.

Should you be interested in attending one of the above meetings, please contact your district for details about the venue, date and time.

If your district hasn’t arranged a visit yet and wishes to do so, please contact Bowls Queensland at your earliest convenience.

Club Constitutions Once again it has been brought to Bowls Queensland’s attention that a number of clubs have clauses in their constitution that refer to discipline and complaints being heard under the Bowls Queensland Member Protection Policy.

The Bowls Queensland Member Protection Policy only covers four areas: Child Protection, Anti-Discrimination and Harassment, Sexual Relationships and Transgender.

Therefore, anything outside of these areas must be heard under the club or district disciplinary policy.

Should a club or district not have a disciplinary policy, the Bowls Queensland disciplinary by law can be found on the Bowls Queensland website and can be used as a template.

Clubs and districts should modify and adjust these by laws to meet their own needs.

Should clubs have queries in regards to this, you are encouraged to contact your district in the first instance.

Should further assistance be required the district can direct the club through to Bowls Queensland.

Keith Fullerton, CEO Bowls Queensland

Editor: Wayne Griffin

However, one of the few criticisms we receive here at the Queensland Bowler is that the magazine is too focused on southeast Queensland and there is too little regional news.

In my six years with magazine I have heard complaint many times admittedly, in the past it have been warranted.

However over the last year or more we have endeavoured to include as much regional news as possible.

But there’s a snag!

Unlike other publications that have a small army of staff… editors, reporters, photographers, graphic designers, advertising reps…up until a year ago, the Queensland Bowler had just one staff member.

Today, the magazine is produced entirely by myself and two part-time reporters.

As you know this magazine is provided free of charge to Queensland bowlers, so it goes without saying that we operate on a very tight budget.

The net result being we can’t travel around the state reporting on club and district events.

Instead we rely on country clubs and districts to send us their news and photos, and some of them do a great job.

For example, this month’s magazine features stories from Weipa and Airlie Beach...stories provided by the clubs.

But the sad reality is, most clubs and districts rarely contact us with news and when they

Editorial Assistants: Beth Newman Naomi Cescotto

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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this this and may

do, it’s usually stories about birthdays or a deaths.

I could probably fill an entire magazine every month with birthday and death notices, but I’m not sure anybody would want to read it.

And it’s not only in the magazine that we see the reluctance of clubs and districts to seize the initiative.

In May this year a memo was sent to all districts in Queensland (men’s and women’s) informing them that Bowls Queensland was launching a new District News section on its website.

These web pages provide districts with an opportunity to promote their events and publish news or pictures that may be of interest to their members.

All that each district had to do was appoint a media officer who could compile the news and send it to BQ to be published.

The District News pages launched in August...to date only three of Queensland’s 20 districts have taken up the offer to use this service.

What to do?

Directly below are the contact details (phone/fax numbers email addresses) for the Queensland Bowler staff.

If you have a bowls related story that may be of interest to the wider Queensland bowling community, simply get in touch with us...we’d love to hear from you.

If you think you would like to be the media officer for your district and provide news for the BQ website, contact your district office and offer your services.

Wayne Griffin Editor

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 $25 (inc gst) to: Queensland Bowler Subscriptions PO Box 476, Alderley, Qld 4051.

queensland bowler | 5

NEWS

Selby and Quail bag coveted titles at Tweed Leif Selby silenced any potential critics last month, with his first-ever Golden Nugget title win at Tweed Heads.

After two years out of representative bowls, Selby was recently named as Australia’s singles rep for November’s World Championships, a decision he feels has been vindicated with his Nugget victory.

Selby acknowledged his critics and said he took a lot of confidence from his first major victory since the team announcement in July.

“I have been out of the side for two years and obviously some people would be asking the question as to how I went straight back in,” he said.

“When they announce the team, you’re always open to criticism and there is a bit of extra pressure there I guess, but you kind of get used to that in a way.

“Because this is the first major event (after the team announcement) you are expected to do well, but at the same time you’ve got to prepare yourself to be in peak form in November. But to come away with a win, I was very happy.”

“It doesn’t matter what their name is or what they’ve won or even that he’s the national coach, I just took that game on as another challenge that I had to win at that time,” he said.

“It was a bit of a two-sided affair in that one. Steve was beating me in the first half and I sort of came back in the second.

That’s just the way it is sometimes, but in an event like that, everyone’s equal and you jut have to stick to your game plan and hope that everything goes to plan.”

Four-time Golden Nugget champion Kelvin Kerkow was the most notable absentee from the semifinals, missing out on a berth on points difference.

Women’s event 2011 runner-up Rebecca Quail went one better in the women’s draw this year, to take out her maiden Nugget crown.

Quail defeated Australian representative Kelsey Cottrell in a tight final, completing an unbeaten run at the 2012 event.

It wasn’t an easy run to the final, with Quail eking out a narrow three-shot win over Australian vice-captain Karen Murphy in the semifinals, 25-22.

Cottrell, on the other hand, cruised through her semifinal clash against Claire Duke, winning 25-11 to set up a final faceoff against Quail.

Her momentum wasn’t enough to get on top of Quail, though, narrowly going down 25-21.

The final was the second time Quail had defeated Cottrell in the tournament, after a 25-17 victory in the sectional rounds.

That match was part of a red-hot tournament for the Tasmanian, who also knocked over Australian captain Lynsey Armitage in the preliminary matches.

Jo Edwards and Carmen Anderson missed out on progressing to the final four, giving the trophy to someone else for the first time since 2007.

Pictured: Leif Selby and Rebecca Quail.

Selby defeated 22-year-old Queenslander turned cockroach, Ben Twist, in the final, 25-21, to better his 2011 runner-up finish last year.

After starting well, Selby managed to keep the young gun at bay, but said he was always prepared for Twist to strike back in the match, after losing to him in sectionals.

“I knew it was going to be a tough match,” Selby said.

“I managed to get away early, but the true champion that Ben is, he was always going to fight his way back into the match and he did that, so it was fantastic just to get away with the win.”

“Ben will feature in the final there again, no doubt in my mind. He’s one of the best in form of the younger brigade.”

As well as accounting for the Australia A squad member, Selby survived a seesawing affair against national coach, Steve Glasson, to make it through to the decider.

Selby took down Glasson, 25-20, to set up a clash with Twist, who defeated Aron Sherriff in the second semi.

Coming up against Glasson, a triple Nugget winner, did not phase Selby, though.

6 | queensland bowler

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Tough at the Top Ivan Yelavich’s Cairns-based outfit cleaned up at Weipa’s 12th Annual Bauxite Classic last month.

Yelavich’s ‘Mighty Blues’ side of Alan `Stumpy’ Muller, Dave Skinner and Kurt Brown blitzed the field to claim the generous $9000 prize purse.

The colourful Townsville Telly Tubbies side of Chris Woods, Howard Best, Glen Atfield and Ben Cribbin were runners up, sharing $4000, while local team Double Trouble took out the ladies title.

Apart from bragging rights, Weipa duo Maine King and Maggie Wagstaff claimed the $2500 top prize.

More than 150 bowlers from dozens of clubs trek to the top of Queensland every year for the $40,000 event.

Club president Ken Pappin said the Classic had a dedicated following, with many of the same

bowlers coming back year after year.

“It’s a lot of fun, you can’t beat bowls and seafood at Queensland’s northernmost mainland club,’’ Mr Pappin said.

“The prize money is generous...we have all sorts of random prizes, as well as a nice golden handshake for the winners.’’

Players travel from far and wide to take part, with some of the state’s big names clubbing together to make the journey to the Cape.

There was also plenty of interstate talent on hand, with teams coming all the way from New South Wales, WA, Victoria, ACT and South Australia.

The Classic is always played on the first two weekends of August, with the women’s comp on the first weekend and the men’s comp on the second weekend.

Weipa $40,000 Bauxite Classic winners Alan ‘Stumpy’ Muller, Dave Skinner, Kurt Brown & Ivan Yelavich The men play fours and the women play pairs.

This year the women shared a prize purse of $15,000 and the men, $25,000, thanks to generous sponsorship from local construction giant Goodline.

The top 10 men’s teams and top five women’s teams all received prize money, (a minimum of $400), as well as

cash prizes for best rounds.

“We love putting on the Classic each year and we hope to continue to grow our sponsorship and club facilities,’’ Pappin said.

“It’s a great event for the club, the town and the sport.’’

Inquiries about 2013 Weipa Bauxite Classic to Ken Pappin (07) 4069 8834.

Runners up, Townsville’s Telly Tubbies, Chris Woods, Howard Best, Glen Atfield and Ben Cribbin with Weipa match committee president Brian Wagstaff. v35/12

queensland bowler | 7

NEWS

Casey hammers out Grand Prix double Mark Casey completed a coveted double, taking the Australian Indoor men’s singles title last month.

The Commonwealth Games gold medallist showed his class and cool head as he drew to the ditch and claimed the title.

Despite being on the brink of a rare achievement, Casey said he had not considered the possibility in the lead up to the tournament.

“Going into the tiebreak, I was a little bit disappointed in myself. I thought I let the second set slip away a little bit so I knew I had to if I won that first in the tiebreak, I was back in the game.

Casey added the Indoor crown to the Australian Open title he won in March, becoming only the second player in history to win both in one year.

While he might have looked calm on the outside, Casey said he definitely felt the pressure as he delivered his final bowl.

“I never expected to do it. I wasn’t even thinking about it until the week before, until the BA media person sort of mentioned it.”

“Paul actually killed the end and he gave me about four or five feet to draw a shot and nine times out of ten you’d probably do that comfortably… but it was a pressure situation and I only just did it. So, I was happy it just snuck in.”

“It was obviously a great honour to win one of those events. I would have been happy with that, but to win two in the one year is incredible.”

His final opponent, Tweed Heads bowls co-ordinator Paul Girdler, made Casey earn the win, right down to his last bowl, in a 6-4, 8-13, 3-2 victory.

Girdler showed his championship potential, knocking off defending champion Jeremy Henry in his semi final, forcing the match to go to an extra end after a tiebreaker, finishing with a 4-9, 12-7, 4-2 win.

In the tiebreaker situation, Girdler had to nominate that he was going for the kill, but he did not and the jack was re-spotted, leaving Casey with one bowl to clinch the win.

“It (the semifinal) was probably on paper the hardest game of the whole championships,” Casey said.

Girdler, a former Kiwi rep, killed the final end with a massive last shot, breaking up the kitty.

Despite overcoming a former champion and good friend Brett Wilkie in the semi final, 8-5, 9-8, Casey said he was wary of Girdler heading into the championship decider.

“But he (Paul) played really well in the semi against Jeremy…and he’s from Tweed Heads, so he probably knows the carpet really well, so I knew that was going to be tough and it came down to the last bowl.”

Casey’s international success has mainly come from team events, and he has been named again for the triples and fours World Championships teams, but he said any victories would set him up well for the major tournament.

“It just gives me confidence knowing that my form’s good and I can do it against the best players in the world so I’m really looking forward to Worlds.”

Karen Murphy retained her status as Australian Indoor queen, winning her second consecutive title and fifth overall.

The world number four, who has won four of the last five indoor championships including a three-peat in 2007-09, was a class above the rest of the competition.

Murphy said the fifth title was just as important as the first in a competition at which she feels incredibly at home.

“I love playing on the carpet. I sort of feel like I’ve found my niche a little bit away from playing outdoors, which is a good variant to have that as well,” she said.

Clubmates, teammates and Indoor rivals, Mark Casey and Brett Wilkie 8 | queensland bowler

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ow

Great B

zes

t Pri a e r G ls -

Qualifying Rounds Thurs 8th – Sat 10th Nov 2012 (Section Play) The Trusts NZ Open Main Draw Sun 11th – Fri 16th Nov 2012 (Sudden Death) You and your mates!!

All affiliated bowlers are eligible to enter the New Zealand Open via the qualifying tournament. Singles, Pairs and Triples will be played for both men and women and Pairs and Triples for disabled bowlers

Former Kiwi Rep Paul Girdler now calls Tweed Heads his home “Definitely. I guess the first couple that I won were really great but I was really, really happy with that one. It was one of the sweeter ones. It was packed with a lot of talent too and I guess after winning five…I feel like I’ve put my stamp on that tournament.

Murphy dominated, against Cabramatta teammate Claire Duke in the final, ending with a 9-3, 11-6 win.

It was a relatively comfortable end to a tough tournament for Murphy, who fought out a tight semifinal clash with Australian teammate Rebecca Quail.

After taking the first set 10-7, Murphy dropped the second 3-8, before clawing her way back in the tiebreak, and winning 3-1.

Duke had a similarly challenging semi against Victorian teenager Lisa Phillips.

A narrow 7-6 first set victory was negated by a 2-13 slump, but Duke managed to collect v35/12

herself in the tiebreaker, eventually taking it out 4-3.

Despite being recently named as Australia’s women’s singles representative for the World Championships, Murphy said she did not take any extra expectations going into the tournament.

“I certainly didn’t put any pressure or feel any pressure on myself being the singles player going into worlds. And that’s a good thing, you don’t need to put any extra pressure on yourself.”

With a string of victories behind her this year, having taken out the World Indoor Singles, Murphy said she was full of confidence heading into the World Championships.

“I’ve had a really purple patch this year and I’ve been playing well. My confidence is up and you do need that going into Worlds. We all need to peak come November…and I feel like I’m on track for that.”

Get the team together.

Bowl and Sightsee! We can help you find accommodation – Check out our website

The Trusts New Zealand Open 2012 Qualifying Tournament Entries must be sent (complete with payment) by 26 Sept 2012. Entries will not be accepted without payment. No guarantee will be made if entry is received after the closing date. Names will be added to a waiting list in case of withdrawals.

SEND ENTRY FORMS TO: Post: Auckland Bowls, PO Box 74 077, Greenlane, Auckland 1546, NZ Fax: (649) 623 3552 or Email: info@aucklandbowls.co.nz.

NEED MORE INFORMATION? Contact Auckland Bowls Ph: (649) 623 3555 Email: info@aucklandbowls.co.nz

ENTRY FEES $NZ Singles $25.00 Pairs $50.00 (per team) Triples $75.00 (per team)

visit www.aucklandbowls.co.nz queensland bowler | 9

From the Chairwith Ron Chambers

Australian Open

Qld Qualifiers Entries closing soon

GOLDEN NUGGET

I was honoured last month to attend one of Australia’s most prestigious events, Tweed Heads’ Golden Nugget.

This event, which is entry by invitation only, showcases some of the top male and female talent from Australia and New Zealand.

As always, spectators turned out in droves for Tweed’s marquee bowls event and they weren’t disappointed, with some spectacular bowls on display.

Tweed Head Bowls Club has a fine history of organising top class bowls tournaments.

The club’s board of management, games organisers and volunteers should be congratulated for their outstanding efforts.

Tweed Heads also played host to the 2012 Australian Indoor Championship last month and will host Queensland’s State Pennant Finals in November.

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Part of Bowls Australia’s strategic plan for the next four years is the High Performance Program, the goal of which is to develop and initiate plans to ensure Australia remains the world’s leading bowling nation.

National coach Steve Glasson will lead the HP program, heading up a group of six, which includes myself.

Bowls Queensland supports any programs that assist bowlers in our state, whether as juniors or new bowlers, and regardless of their age.

The ideal pathway to the top starts with juniors, who will hopefully advance to represent their club, district and eventually their state, at junior, under-25 and open level, with the ultimate goal of playing for Australia.

10 | queensland bowler

Clubs that identify emerging talent should notify the Bowls Queensland selection committee, who can then evaluate the player’s ability.

SEPTEMBER COUNCIL MEETING Bowls Queensland’s mid-term council meeting will be held in September at BQ’s Brisbane headquarters in Enoggera.

At this meeting the board will provide member districts with a report of our activities since the AGM. It also gives the board a chance to seek the advice, opinions and recommendations of the council on the strategic direction of bowls in Queensland, the policies of the state body and any other general business that may arise.

The affiliations fees for the next financial year are also set at the meeting.

Any notices of motion will be voted on at a Special General Meeting prior to the commencement council meeting.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2013 The Queensland qualifying rounds for the 2013 Australian Open will be held in Ipswich during November.

Events for the open include singles, pairs, triples and mixed pairs (formally AER mixed pairs).

A nomination form can be found in this magazine.

If you’ve got your heart set on going to the Australian Open next year, now’s the time to sign up for the Queensland Qualifying rounds.

Entries close on October 10 and the event will run the following month, from November 19-22.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the city was very excited to lay out the welcome mat again for some of the State’s best bowlers.

“The council and city are very excited to get behind Queenslanders trying to win a place at the Australian Open,” Cr Pisasale said.

Ipswich United Services, which hosted the final Queensland Open in 2011, will again throw open its doors to Queensland hopefuls, as will North Ipswich.

Bowls Queensland CEO Keith Fullerton said the Queensland qualifiers would be a worthy successor to the discontinued Queensland Open.

“The national focus of the state qualifying rounds will add extra prestige to those winning the honour of representing Queensland,’’ Mr Fullerton said.

Around 300 bowlers are expected to sign up for the Queensland qualifiers, with competitions to run over singles, pairs, triples and mixed pairs.

(See entry form in this month’s Queensland Bowler. One entry form per event. Payment must accompany entry form. No late entries.)

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queensland bowler | 11

NEWS

K IN R E H T S IN W K IN P

Airlie Beach beginner Betty Nicolle is a woman of both substance and style after winning a club championship with some lucky pink bowls.

Betty, 57, started playing bowls less than a year ago, after a chance encounter with a bowler at a Melbourne Cup function.

“Betty took to it straight away,’’ said Airlie club member of 14 years David Dias.

“She gave us all a laugh when she showed up with a set of brand new set of bright pink bowls, after only a few lessons.’’

But pink was Betty’s favourite colour and she knew bowls would be her lucky sport when she found that bright pink set!

When it was time to nominate for the club championships this year, David told Betty to enter the lot!

“I think most people who have done well at any sport have a good chance of doing well at bowls.’’

Betty got as far as the A-Grade semifinal before being stopped in her tracks by the club sharpshooter Jo Hawes, an active, vibrant 76-year-old used to welcoming talented newcomers.

In fact, in this year’s A-Grade final at Airlie, a fly-in member from Melbourne, Lesley Carlin, beat Hawes to claim her first A-Grade title.

At the same time, Betty was progressing through the B-Grade club championship rounds.

She made the final and found herself pitched against the on-form Carlin.

“It just goes to show her mental toughness that she never gave up,’’ Dias said.

Airlie Beach beginner Betty Nicolle

The former Tasmanian schoolgirl softball champ and her pink bowls went on a roll.

“She was down 14-6 and came back to win 25-17 after two and a half hours on the green.’’

not much else to do except play bowls,’’ she said.

Betty, a nurse with Queensland Health, used to drive past the bowls club on her way to work.

“It just goes to show you don’t have to be an experienced bowler to pick up a bowl and get the hang of it quickly,’’ Dias said.

Now she has to force herself to drive on rather than stopping for a game.

“Luckily I love it and I love pink. I was very excited to find the pink bowls and it’s certainly caused a bit of comment at the club.

“If you don’t fish or sail up here, there’s

“You hear people go past and say `Look at those bloody pink bowls’ next to the jack,’’ she laughed.

First she cleaned up the Novice final, then went on to contest the A-Grade and B-Grade championships.

Join us for the 22nd Annual Bribie Island Bowls Club Prestige Carnival.

This 7 day event features Singles, Pairs and Fours events and attracts world class participants.

Prestige Singles

Prestige Pairs

Prestige Fours

December 8th—10th

December 5th—7th

December 3rd—4th

Total Prize Money $14 000

Total Prize Money $7 400

Total Prize Money $6 700

Entry—$50 per person

Entry Fee—$120 per team First 48 teams will be accepted.

Entry Fee—$160 per team First 28 teams will be accepted.

Winner Runner Up 6 Game Winners 5 Game Winners 4 Game Winners 3 Game Winners 2 Game Winners

$4000 $2000 $ 800 $ 400 $ 200 $ 100 $ 500

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Winners Runners Up 3rd & 4th Place 5th to 8th Place Sectional Runners Up

$1400 $1000 $ 700 $ 400 $ 200

For more details on any of these events including conditions of play contact: Laurie Broomhead 07 5497 6732 lozjo@bigpond.com Shannon Lohse

12 | queensland bowler

Winners Runners Up Third Fourth Fifth Round Winners

07 3408 1018

$2000 $1500 $1000 $ 600 $ 400 $ 200

shannon@bribiebowls.com

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NEWS

Off to the Australian Transplant Games, Amberley bowler and fund raiser Robert Cheney. (Photo courtesy Queensland Times)

Rookie Robert going for gold Robert Cheney is pumped! The last two years have been life changing for the 64-year-old Ipswich bowler and he has decided to celebrate by going for a national bowls title.

The former butcher and rugby league player is one of 400 athletes in training for the 13th Australian Transplant Games.

Bob had never played lawn bowls before his transplant in late 2010, but now he’s suddenly going for a gold medal.

“I want to honour my organ donor by going to the Games and showing appreciation for my new life,” Bob said.

“The Games connects Australians like me who have received donations and I can’t wait to be there.”

The Games are held every two years, with Newcastle, NSW the host city for 2012, from September 29 - October 6.

A number of recent fund raisers at RAAF Amberley, including a bowls day, will pay for Bob’s trip to the Games, with some left over to donate to Transplant Queensland.

And Bob said he would be delighted if other clubs would run a fund raiser event for Transplant Queensland.

“I’m inspired to raise money for transplant recipients, especially for accommodation costs after the transplant. It’s difficult being away from home and trying to recover without added financial stress,” he said Patients stay close to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane for four to six weeks after a transplant operation at a cost of around $400 a week.

“The state government puts in $54 a week but recipients have to pay the rest and that’s where donations or fund raisers for Transplant Queensland would help,” Bob said.

14 | queensland bowler

Bob’s successful transplant helped draw a line under more than 30 years of health challenges.

When just a young family man in his early-30s, Bob discovered he had cancer of the throat and nose, on top of a condition known as FSGS, which meant he was already living with a reduced kidney function of around 25 per cent.

Bob lived like this for decades.

His health took a turn for the worse about 10 years ago when he started getting headaches.

After an investigation for a suspected brain tumour, Bob ended up with an infection on the spine, which wiped out another 15 per cent of his kidney to a critical level.

“Bob was about 24 hours away from death,” wife Phyllis said.“They start dialysis when kidney function goes down to about 15 to 10 per cent and Bob was very sick.”

Phyllis said a fantastic team from Princess Alexandra hospital set up a huge haemodialysis machine in the family home and trained them to use it, but it still wasn’t easy.

“We felt like we had no control and no privacy,” Phyllis said.

“We couldn’t go anywhere for six years because Bob was hooked up to a machine from 11pm to 6am.”

The call came almost two years ago to the day, at 1am on September 19, 2010.

There were two donor kidneys and a young man from the Gold Coast would get the first one.

Continued next page ► v35/12

The Cheneys were told to take their time and get on the road about 4am from their home at Walloon, between Brisbane and Toowoomba. After a lifetime of struggle, Bob would get the second kidney.

Bob will take anti rejection drugs for the rest of his life but at 64, he finally feels free. He even likes mowing the lawn at weekends, at home and at RAAF Amberley, where he plays bowls.

I want to honour my organ donor by going to the Games and showing appreciation for my new life “He’s had a few wins at bowls and now he’s got this chance to play in the Transplant Games and we’ve got our life back,” Phyllis said.

Pan Pac Games Southport Bowls Club is gearing up to host bowlers from across the world at the 2012 Pan Pacific Masters Games In November.

It will be the fourth time the Gold Coast club has hosted the event, having successfully staged the 2006, 2008 and 2010 editions.

The best thing about these Games is that there are no qualifying standards, except being over the age of 35 on the day of competition, so pretty much anyone can get involved.

If you’re an affiliated bowler there

Transplant Australia CEO Chris Thomas said the idea behind the Transplant Games was to demonstrate the importance of donation and hopefully prompt Australians to discuss the issue with family.

is still time to sign up for the competition, with entries open until October 5.

There will be plenty of action for spectators, with men’s and women’s singles, pairs and fours and also mixed pairs and fours on display.

Organisers hope to exceed the 140 bowlers that turned out for the competition in 2010.

Lawn bowls is one of 40 sports to be contested during the Games, with more than 11,000 athletes set to descend on the Gold Coast region.

The Pan Pacific Masters Lawn Bowls competition officially starts on November 3, running until November 11.

“People can start a family, play sport and get back into the workforce, all because of the generosity of someone else,” Mr Thomas said.

“I want to be a good ambassador for organ donor awareness,” Bob said.

“I’m living proof transplantation saves lives.”

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v35/12

queensland bowler | 15

WIN

ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST SETS OF GREENMASTER SUPER 10 PREMIERS

Super 10

Set to be a big hit for Greenmaster Greenmaster Bowls has announced the launch of its new ‘Super 10’ Premier Model.

The Super 10 is based on the first Greenmaster Premier Bowl ever released in Australia back in 2000, which was stamped Number 10.

The current Premier has been retained, but the Super 10 series, which made Premier the biggest selling bowl at the time, is being re-launched.

The Super 10 has a similar line to the current Premier, but has a straighter finish.

Initially the Super 10 will be available in five colours, in all sizes from 0 to 5 and in either gripped or non-gripped.

Greenmaster has a limited edition of the new colour called Candy Cane (red with white speckle) available in most models, including XV1, Super 10 and Premier.

Also available for AFL and NRL followers are the Sydney Swans and St. George logos on the Candy Cane…but get in early as these will sell quickly.

Visit the Greenmaster website www.greenmaster. com.au for more info or you can contact your local supplier.

To win, simply identify the mystery Greenmaster star (above). Send your completed entry form to: Queensland Bowler Greenmaster Mystery Star Po Box 476 Alderley, Qld 4051

Answer.......................................................

Entries must be received by September 30. The first correct entry drawn will win a set of Greenmaster Super 10 Premiers

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

Address..................................................... ................................................................... ................................................p/c..............

16 | queensland bowler

Ph...............................................................

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NEWS

Generation Y not?

The excellent on-green behaviour of Brisbane’s uni students has seen one city club throw open its doors to the younger generation.

Historically, St Lucia Bowls Club in Brisbane’s inner-west has boasted a ‘more mature’ membership, with most club bowlers in the 50+ age bracket.

And for a long time members were more than happy to keep it that way.

However, a decline in St Lucia’s on-green fortunes, which has seen the former Division 1 club slip from top-flight bowls, has given the new executive pause for thought.

“They have a great club there and at that time the committee was worried that young people might change the character of the club.

“But they’ve obviously seen that embracing the local uni students can have a positive impact on the club and that’s fantastic to see.”

The worm has definitely turned at St Lucia Bowls.

Now the new executive is seeking innovative ways to attract new members.

“”

“All the Commonwealth Games players are under-40 and we think bringing in younger players to the club will improve standards,” club secretary Don Anderson said.

And there is no shortage of youngsters in the area, with the club wellpositioned on the doorstep of Queensland’s largest university, UQ.

They have even managed to snap up a traffic signal box on Sir Fred Schonell Drive, with the aim of turning it into a teaser for the club.

PHOTO: Thinking outside the box, St Lucia Bowls sparks interest with funky traffic signal box thanks to artists Michael Leon and Frances Rowland Wregg. (Photo courtesy Quest Community Newspapers)

“Lots of people came up while the mural was being done over five days and said it looked fantastic,’’ Anderson said.

We think bringing in younger players to the club will improve standards.

In fact, neighbouring club, Toowong, has been reaping the benefits of Brisbane’s uni trade for years, with regular functions and barefoot bowls events bringing in much-needed cash.

So are St Lucia members worried about young brawlers coming in to mess up their first rate facility? A bit.

But as Anderson says, the hundreds of students who have visited the club recently have done themselves proud, observing their college’s strict behaviour codes.

Bowls Queensland state development manager, Brett Murphy, has praised the Brisbane club for embracing the local uni students.

“When I visited St Lucia back in 2009, they weren’t overly keen on recruiting members under 50,” Murphy said. v35/12

“It’s brightened up the street and hopefully will spark new inquiries.’’

Anderson, a retired dentist, thanked the Brisbane Boys College art class, who submitted sketches for the bowls mural as a school project.

Winner Michael Leon realised his vision with the help of experienced mural painter Frances Rowland Wregg.

“Frances did a croquet mural near the croquet club in Auchenflower and now we’ve got our bowls mural near the bowls club,’’ Anderson said.

If you’re young and like sports and would like to help muscle up a club this is steeped in tradition but also moving with the times, contact Don from St Lucia Bowls (07) 3870 3208.

queensland bowler | 17

A star on the rise Four years ago, when Kristy Thatcher gave up a teaching career to nurse her mother through stomach cancer, bowls was the furthest thing from her mind.

18 | queensland bowler

When the letter arrived in May telling Kristy Thatcher she had been selected to play in Queensland’s interstate clash with New South Wales, no-one was more surprised that the Gold Coast bowler herself.

Just 26 years old, the former school teacher had been back playing bowls only a short time.

In fact, when Thatcher gave up her teaching career four years ago to nurse her mother through a bout of stomach cancer, bowls had been the furthest thing from her mind.

The youngest and only girl of four children, Kristy had looked after her mum, Cathie, during the day, while elder brother Adam took over at night.

Her dedication is something for which Cathie is incredibly grateful.

“She nursed me through. Kristy and Adam did shifts with me to bring me through. It was really good,” Cathie said.

As Cathie’s condition improved, Kristy contemplated a return to bowls at her local club, Tweed Heads.

“Once I started to get better Kristy decided take up bowls again, just for an interest,” Cathie said. “She decided to come to Tweed Heads because we lived close by.”

Almost two years on, it seems Kristy’s decision to focus on sport was one of the best she has ever made.

Even after her selection in Queensland’s development squad, the humble Thatcher thought it would be years before she would get a starting role in the state side.

“I was hugely surprised when I got into the Queensland squad. Then I thought maybe in three or four years I could get a game for the Queensland team. When I actually got a game this year, I couldn’t believe it,” Kristy said.

v35/12

“To start off, I really just wanted to win the club championships and to go into the Black Douglas. To be able to enter that competition was huge for this year. That was one of my dreams come true, everything else has been a complete bonus.”

Thatcher’s on-green training paid off during her debut series against NSW, with the newcomer named Queensland’s Player of the Series.

“Being named player of the series was the most incredible feeling. Being awarded that, it was a huge surprise and it’s something I’ll remember for a long time,” Thatcher said.

Despite only recently returning to bowls, Thatcher’s success shouldn’t really come as a huge surprise...after all she comes from an impressive bowling background.

Her older brother Mark is also a Queensland state representative, while her brother-in-law just happens to be one of the world’s top bowlers, Nathan Rice.

As part of a close-knit bowling community on the Coast, Thatcher said she found it surprisingly easy to slot into the Maroons side.

“Because I’d been playing so much bowls, I’d really gotten to know Chrissy Pavlov so that made me feel really comfortable and the fact that Lynsey (Armitage) was my skip, she’s good friends with my brother so I didn’t feel awkward. It was really good in that way.”

Her dream comeback has only whet Kristy’s appetite for bowling success.

“I think it’s just one of those things where you start and it’s addictive and you just want to achieve more and be a better bowler.

“It’s something that takes a lot of time and effort...it doesn’t happen over night.

I wanted to get to that point where I was more consistent.”

Pictured (clockwise from page 18): Kristy Thatcher gives mum Cathie a hug; putting nephew Mitchell through his paces; Posing with teammates during her Queensland debut in June; Happy families...

Kristy, Mark, Cathie, Beaudi and Mitchell; Beaudi has a crack with auntie Kristy.

Read on page 21 ► v35/12

queensland bowler | 19

QLD QUALIFYNG ENTRY FORM AO – Qld qualifying:

Monday 19 November to Thursday 22 November 2012 (Friday 23 November – if required)

Entry Fee:

Singles: $45; Pairs: $70 per team; Mixed Pairs: $70 per team; Triples: $95 per team (includes green fees)

Timetable:

MEN:

Singles – 19 Nov; Triples – 20 Nov; Pairs – 21 Nov; Mixed Pairs: 22 Nov

WOMEN:

Triples – 19 Nov; Singles – 20 Nov; Pairs – 21 Nov; Mixed Pairs: 22 Nov

Venue:

Ipswich area

Eligibility:

Entry is open to all bowlers registered with a state or territory association.

Competition:

SECTIONAL: 3 games, Sets Play POST SECTIONAL: Knockout, Sets Play (one post sectional match maybe played on same day of sectional play)

Qualifiers:

Men:

Singles – 17; Pairs – 7 teams; Triples – 4 teams; Mixed Pairs – 3 teams

Women:

Singles – 10; Pairs – 5 teams; Triples – 5 teams; Mixed Pairs – 3 teams

Entries Close:

DISCIPLINE:  Singles

C.O.B 10 October 2012. (no late entries will be accepted) Entry fee must accompany entry form one entry form per discipline

 Pairs

 Triples

 Mixed Pairs

GENDER:

 female

 male

LEAD Name: __________________________________

SECOND Name: _____________________________

Address: _____________________________________

Address: ___________________________________

State: _______________ Postcode ________________

State: ___________

Email: _________ ______________________________

Email: _____________________________________

: _________________ Mobile: __________________

: _________________ Mobile: ________________

Club: ________________________________________

Club: ______________________________________

SKIP Name: __________________________________ Address: _____________________________________ State: _______________ Postcode: _______________ Email: ________________________________________ : _________________ Mobile: __________________ Club: ________________________________________ SEND ENTRIES TO:

Postcode ________________

Each qualifier/team MUST cover their own expenses to compete in the Australian Open at Darebin City Bowls Club, Victoria from February 17 – 23, 2013 All successful qualifiers are expected to attend the Australian Open.

Credit Card Payment** Card:

 Visa

 Mastercard

Card Number: ____________________________

Bowls Queensland, PO Box 476, ALDERLEY QLD 4051

Exp:_____/_____

Fax: 07 3855 0010 Email: events@bowlsqld.org

Name: __________________________________

Cheque / Money order are to be made payable to Bowls Queensland

Signature: _______________________________

Please note: upon entering an event all entrants agree to abide by the Conditions of Play as laid down by Bowls Australia.

Conditions of Play are available on the Bowls Queensland website. www.bowlsqld.org Australian Open-Qld qualifying rounds

**Amount: $ _________

**Please note: credit cards incur an extra 2.5% on total amount.

This will be automatically charged to the balance if it is not included in your total.

****Each discipline is subject to number of entries

DOUBLE TAKE

Queensland kids prepare for All Schools battle

Pialba twins, Joel and Josh Andersen, will be out to defend their All Schools crown when state finals kick off in Brisbane later this month.

More than 120 entrants from across Queensland were whittled down to just 16 pairs, after club and district play-offs separated the cream of the crop.

The Andersens’ victory over high-flying Burnett twins, Cassandra and Bolivia Millerick, in last year’s final kick-started an incredible 12 months, which culminated in their selection to Queensland’s under-18 squad.

One of their biggest threats in this year’s competition is Caboolture duo Natasha Jones and Lachlan Rowden, representing Bribie Island State High.

Rowden was a surprise winner of Queensland’s junior singles crown earlier this year, in a breakout season for the talented teen.

His teammate, reigning national junior triples champion, Jones, is a Queensland junior stalwart and has been in fantastic

touch in recent months, finishing a narrow second to Samantha Noronha in last month’s Junior Golden Nugget.

Queensland under-15 girls’ singles winner, Connie-Leigh Rixon, also looms large in this year’s competition, teaming up with Siena Catholic College schoolmate Madison Wright.

Another recent junior state player, Angie Earle, will enter the fray alongside her brother Nathan, representing Brisbane Bayside State College and Gateway District.

Angie played in the Queensland v NSW Under-18 series earlier this year and her experience at the elite level will surely help her go deep into the tournament.

The finals will be sets play, with two nine end sets and a tiebreak if necessary.

► Continued from page 19 Thatcher said her game sense had improved out of sight since she fully committed to the sport.

“When I first started, I didn’t really know what shot to play. I know the game a bit more now and I’m good on the mat. At the start, I was questioning myself, asking ‘am I doing the right thing, what are people thinking?’ Now I have more of an idea. I feel a bit more confident in what I’m doing.”

Apart from increased faith in her bowling abilities, Cathie said the new-found success had not changed her daughter at all.

“Just in these last 18 months, (she got back into some competition and it’s just happening for her. It’s really lovely – we’re all so pleased,” she said.

“There’s no arrogance with her, there’s nothing like that. She just goes out and tries and gets really excited when it comes off.”

Cathie said her daughter’s focus on the green was amazing to watch.

“She’s got no expression when she’s playing...sort of like no body language. So you can’t read whether she’s happy or upset or anything like that. But inside… she has everything going on.”

Qld team picture - page 19

Back Row (from left): Marilyn Emerton, Tracy Foster, Emma Spicer, Fiona Williams, Kristy Thatcher, Sue Brady, Chrissy Pavlov, Brenda Thompson.

Front Row: Pam Rowe, Shahn Griffiths, Lynsey Armitage, Yvonne Lovelock.

Split into four sections for the first day of competition, the winners of each section will progress to the semifinals.

The 2012 All Schools Cup Challenge finals kick off at Pine Rivers Bowls Club on Saturday, September 22 at 9am.

$6000.00

PRIZE MONEY

SATURDAY 6 October 2012 3 GAMES OF 18 ENDS OR THE BELL 9am - 11.15 / 12pm –2.15 / 2.45 –5.00 LUNCH 11.15—12.00

1st $1800.00 3rd $900.00

2nd $1200.00 4th $600.00

Round Winners $300.00 6 Mystery Prizes out of the Hat $100 Each GAME FEES $90.00 per Team. Includes Lunch.

Minimum 30 teams : 2 Bowl Triples TEAMS CAN ONLY RECIEVE ONE PRIZE.

2 Points per win plus ends.

If scores are tied for any prize margins will count.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE Sunday 30/9/12.

Games Director John Hagan Mob : 0423 611 837 Bowls Office : 07 3208 4366 Email : logancitybowls@bigpond.com

v35/12

queensland bowler | 21

This month we have the third instalment in our series on umpire equipment and the correct procedures for using each tool.

Over the last two months we have covered the use of wedges, reflective strips, feeler gauges, callipers, the long tape and telescopic measures.

This month we will deal with the most common pieces of measuring equipment, the box string and 30-metre tape.

BOX STRING MEASURE This is the item of measuring equipment with which bowlers will be most familiar.

However, for the sake of thoroughness I will give a short recap on the correct use of the box measure. â–ş Place the fixed pointer of the measure against the jack, taking care not to move it, with the string extended a short distance facing the bowl to be measured. â–ş Hold down the release button and extend the string to the bowl until the tip of the pointer just touches the bowl.

24 | queensland bowler

v35/12

with

joan brotherton

Fig 1 ▲

Fig 2 ▲

► Release the lock on the measure and check that the string is taut and straight between the jack and the bowl and that the measurement is accurate.

► Without altering the setting of the measure, move the measure so that the fixed pointer is against the jack, but the measure is pointing toward the second bowl to be measured. ► Extend the string and check the measure against the second bowl by passing the pointer down from the top to the bottom and from side to side.

► Do not waggle the pointer or touch the bowl if it does not pass it. ► Return to measurement.

recheck

your

first

► Make the decision as to which bowl is shot.

30-METRE TAPE

This is used to measure the length of a delivered jack. Before using the tape, ensure that the end of the tape is zero (this should be done prior to the commencement of the game).

v35/12

► After delivery, make sure the jack has been centred and that the distance of the mat-line from the rear and front ditches is legal. If the mat-line is not the legal distance, return the jack to be redelivered by the opposing player. ► If required to measure the length of the delivered jack, have the end of the 30-metre tape held by the marker (or by another umpire or a player) at the centre of the mat-line, with the zero at the mat-line. Alternately, you can spike the end of the tape to the green at the centre of the mat-line. (Fig 1) ► Walk forward from the mat to the jack, allowing the tape to unwind as you do so until the 21 metre mark on the tape has been reached. ► Place the 21 metre mark on the tape on the surface of the green, making sure that the tape is straight and tight.

Check that the jack is more than 21 metres from the mat-line.

► To avoid disturbing the jack if the tape extends beyond it, position the tape as close as possible to one side of the jack. (Fig 2)

► If the jack is less than 21 metres, return it to the mat end, unless it is the second time the jack has been incorrectly delivered in that end, in which case the jack should be placed with the nearest point of the jack to the mat-line being two metres from the front ditch. ► If it is the correct length, inform the players. ► Quickly rewind the tape as you leave the green.

Note: Similar procedures should be adopted for checking a rebounded jack (minimum distance 18 metres from mat line) and for checking a live bowl (minimum distance 14 metres from mat line). DO NOT CENTRE THE JACK OR BOWL. Next month’s column will conclude our series on umpire equipment and the correct procedures for using each tool.

We will cover the line-siter and the boundary scope.

queensland bowler | 25

DRAKES PRIDE NAMES NEW MAN IN AUSTRALIA

ONE

of the oldest and most respected brand names in lawn bowls ‘Drakes Pride’ went through a seachange over the recent winter months, when well-known Sydney bowling identity Fred Ayoub became its new Australian agent.

Done deal: Well-known Sydney bowls retailer Fred Ayoub (left) is welcomed into the Drakes Pride organisation by company chairman Peter Clare, under the watchful eye of UK director Mike Eggington.

The Drakes Pride brand is owned by EA Clare & Sons of Liverpool UK, a family company whose four generations of excellence in initially producing billiard balls and tables can be traced back to 1820, while they have been manufacturing precision engineered Drakes Pride bowls at their factory since the 1980s.

In fact Drakes Pride were the first bowls manufacturer to use CNC Lathes to ensure the accuracy of their various models and can justifiably lay claim to combining experience with technology.

It was South Australian icon Elliott Beasley, who after seeing Ian Dickison from New Zealand – winner of the 1986 Commonwealth Games singles gold medal in Edinburgh – playing with Drakes Pride bowls in Adelaide soon after, decided they were something quite special.

So along with his son Geoff, a former SA state representative, the Beasley’s immediately made a formal approach to the Clare family and secured the Australian distribution rights.

Their success with the innovative new Drakes Pride bowls produced for the Australian market meant that quite a number of top local bowlers were using the imported brand, and it is worth noting that many of the current household names established their credentials using them.

At that time the Beasley’s appointed former international great Don Sherman as their Victorian distributor, while Don and his sons Greg and Don Jnr took over the national agency in 2004 when Geoff retired.

Based at Bendigo in country Victoria, where their testing table is located, the Sherman family enjoyed a long association with the Clare family as the 26 | queensland bowler

business relationship also blossomed into a treasured personal friendship.

However, recently and with some sadness, the Sherman’s also announced their retirement after an eight-year stint as Australian agents.

But in a positive and progressive step for the future of Drakes Pride, the national agency was entrusted to Fred Ayoub and his family, who have operated the highprofile Sydney Bowls Centre in suburban Campsie over the last twelve years.

A passionate bowler for almost 30 years at his beloved Mount Lewis club, where he has spent the past decade as president, Fred is no slouch on the green either, having skipped a rink to State No.1 pennant victory, while for many years he has mixed it with the best in representative sides at State Zone level.

‘I’ve always had the utmost respect for Drakes Pride bowls and am proud to be the new Australian agent,’ he said.

‘I must pay tribute to the Beasley and Sherman families for the professionalism and integrity with which they conducted their affairs as Drakes Pride Australia and assure them that my family and I will continue to uphold the highest ethical standards which they established.’

Ironically, bowlers across NSW and

further afield freely offer those same observations about Fred and his team at Sydney Bowls Centre, who have faithfully served the community since they first opened for business in 2000.

‘It is our intention to commit all of our resources and expertise into the promotion and marketing of Drakes Pride bowls and their associated products such as shoes, bags, clothing and accessories,’ Fred continued.

‘Honestly, in all the years I have spent in the bowls industry, I can never recall anyone ever making a complaint about any Drakes Pride product – the quality is beyond reproach.’

And Fred should know, he is a licensed bowls tester and has a latest state-of-theart testing table on site at his Campsie premises.

‘What’s more,’ he added, ‘we intend to release a new model that we’ve been testing in all Australian conditions in the not-too-distant future, and we’re looking at the possibility of rebirthing a couple of the old favourites to meet modern demands as well.

‘There are exciting times ahead for Drakes Pride in Australia.’ v35/12

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR LOCAL RETAILER OR VISIT US ONLINE

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3/11A Elizabeth Street, Campsie. NSW 2194 v35/12

(02) 9789 5666 queensland bowler | 27 info@drakespride.com.au

with

maurice hinton

Visiting Vics discover all is not well with Queensland ‘ s greens '

With the winter chill well and truly set in, a crew of Victorian green keepers decided it was time to take a well-earned breather and head north for the warmer climes of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, writes Warren Maynard, Secretary of the Victorian Greenkeeper Association.

The 2012 Gudgeys Tiff Tour saw 15 Victorian green keepers board a plane for the Queensland’s Sunshine Coast recently.

The tour, which was started six years ago by a Geelong’s Dave Gudgeon, was initially designed to help Victoria’s green keepers learn more about tiff dwarf greens.

A busload of greenies would travel throughout Victoria visiting clubs with tiff dwarf greens and learn as much as possible from the local green keepers.

After six years the tour had visited many Victorian clubs, so this year the group decided to head interstate and sunny Queensland became the destination of choice.

Touching down In Queensland we boarded the bus, with Shane Symes once again getting behind the wheel.

With the temperatures in the low 20s we made our way to the accommodation for a quick stop, picking up the three Gold Coast green keepers that were excited about joining us on this year’s tour.

Also boarding the bus with us was Ross Ward, a local green keeper who offered to act as our guide.

Our first stop was Maroochydore Beach Bowls Club where Ross showed us over his three tiff greens, which were battling with Take All Patch, a form of ERI. Ross explained that over the Easter period the greens had become infected and went down hill from there.

Also attacking the weak areas was Earth Pearl, an insect common to Queensland and very hard to eradicate.

Ross had a chat to the group about his primo program and the fungicides he 28 | queensland bowler

uses, before we boarded the bus bound for Pacific Paradise Bowls Club.

For the first time the Tiff Tour visited a golf course.

Brett, a heavy user of potash talked about his fungicide program and renovation techniques.

The club was amazing, not a blade of grass out of place, not a garden bed untended.

Green keeper Brett Sinclair walked us around his two tiff greens, which were also battling with Take All Patch.

The very prestigious Noosa Springs Golf Club was our next stop, where we met Superintendent Wade Leach.

From here it was off to another one of Ross’s clubs, Coolum Beach Bowls Clubs.

Wade took the group over a few of his tiff dwarf greens that were in terrible condition 18 months ago due to what causes many problems up here, ERI.

These greens, like the others visited so far, were green in colour compared to what we are used to this time of year in Victoria.

With some disease scarring in the three tiff greens, Ross talked about the clubs this time of the year being inundated by bowlers from the southern states wanting a roll up in warmer weather, even though it’s been very wet the past few months with over double Victoria’s yearly rainfall already falling so far this year.

Wade described to us what the disease had done to the club and how he decided to move away from heavy fungicide apps and concentrate on plant health.

The greens looked great and had recovered well.

Our last stop for the day, as the sun was setting, was another of Ross Ward’s clubs, Noosa Bowls Club.

Continued next page ► v35/12

full of Take All Patch. Shane spoke at length about his battles with the ERI and believes stressing tiff out is the biggest factor in getting these diseases.

Shane is a weekly user of the fatboy reel over summer and makes sure his greens are watered deeply once a week.

Our final stop for the day was Bribie Island Bowls Club.

Brett Long met us there and we looked over his four tiff greens.

Longy’s greens were great, with two of the four disease free.

Brett believes that renovations are an important aspect of keeping diseases out, as the greens that are free of disease are the ones he renovated last year.

This three-green club also had its fair share of trouble on its tiff greens with ERI. We farewelled Ross and thanked him for showing us around for the arvo.

With light rain falling, we headed off bright and early on day two, as we had some ground to cover.

Five minutes down the road we called into Mooloolaba Bowls Club.

It had one tiff green with disease and two needle punch greens that had a million dollar roof over them.

Our host was Paul who talked to us about the trouble they are having with the synthetic greens.

There is lots of movement in the subsurface and the club is having huge amounts of difficultly getting a true running surface.

v35/12

A huge amount of money had been spent so far with no end to their problem in sight.

Kawana Waters Bowls Club was our next stop, with Mark the green keeper meeting us and letting us look over his two tiff greens.

Like most clubs so far on the tour, the greens were full of bowlers and full of disease.

No points for guessing what disease Mark was battling.

We talked about everything from greens, maintenance, disease and our favourite topic, whinging bowlers.

Heading south we reached Caloundra Bowls Club where we met Shane Wipper and his crew.

Shane’s greens once again were

Those greens won’t be renovated this year and Brett believes the disease will return.

High calcium apps and good plant health are Brett’s way of managing the disease.

As the day was getting on we made our way back to our accommodation in preparation for the flight home the following day.

This was my fourth tiff tour and I would have to say, it was the best I’ve been on so far.

The amount of disease In Queensland was extraordinary and to hear what the green keepers were doing to combat the problem was very informative.

Warren Maynard

queensland bowler | 29

Weipa to Innisfail DEVELOPMENT ROAD TRIP TURNS SOUTH

Day 13, Saturday:

with

brett murphy

SHREK’S TRAVEL DIARY and from the club, but today most are working so I have to catch a cab. If nothing else, I have learnt not to catch a taxi in Weipa. For the 12–15km round trip from the airport to the club and back, it cost over $90. I think I would have been better off just hiring a car for the day.

This morning I headed out to Dimbulah, who are hosting the Bob Pritchard Shield over the long weekend.

This shield is contested among the Tableland clubs, so it promises to be a big three days.

There are certainly plenty of opportunities to play over this weekend, with Herberton holding the Russell Todd Memorial on Sunday as well. After leaving Dimbulah I head off to visit Mareeba and catch up with state ladies representative Sue Brady and other committee members, before heading to Cooktown for an evening meeting.

Day 17, Wednesday: Only one club visit today, but I have a meeting this morning with Colleen McCabe who has been the driving force behind junior and school bowls in the area for a number of years, including setting up a Joey Van, which is similar to our own promo vans.

Colleen is concerned that there aren’t enough volunteers coming through to take over responsibilty for the van and carry on all the other good work they have done, so we discuss a number of options.

I arrive in Cooktown on the right weekend, with the Captain Cook festival being held throughout the town. I think it would be a great opportunity next year to bring the promo van along and have it set up in town.

At lunch time I meet with Stratford Bowls Club, before catching up with State Disability Squad member, Kaytlyn Smith, to see how she is going and how things went at the national titles earlier this month.

Day 14, Sunday: I drop in and spend some time at the Mossman club on my way back to Cairns. Once in Cairns I check into my accommodation, which I’ll call home for the next five nights. It makes a nice change to stay more than one night in one place and I can get all set up for an extended stay including buying some groceries.

Day 18, Thursday: Early start today with a flight and ferry ride to our most remote club, Thursday Island. Well that’s what I thought anyway.

Due to a mechanical problem the plane was delayed for three hours, which would have left me no time to spend with the club, and as the committee members are all workers and would have had to take time off, I advise them early that I won’t be able to make it and arrange to return in late August or early September.

Day 15, Monday: Queen’s Birthday holiday today, so I have no great plans other than catching up on a few emails and paperwork and maybe doing some long overdue washing. In fact, anything except driving will be just fine by me for the day.

Day 19, Friday:

Day 16, Tuesday:

Time to start the long trek south to eventually get home, but first I must visit every club between here and Bowen. I catch up with club officials at Babinda and South Johnstone (which is based in the grounds of the local sugar mill) before finishing the day in Innisfail and a meeting there before spending the night.

I head off today to visit our second most remote club at Weipa.

As the road is normally 4wd only, I fly in and out of Weipa on the same day. Previously we have been lucky enough that one of the locals have been able to pick us up from the airport and take us to

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BEWARE OF AGGRESSIVE EMPLOYEES Many of you will have witnessed a situation where one of your employees does not get along with, or worse, fights with another employee.

Where this leads to some form of physical or other threat or abuse, then it is important that you consider the ramifications of such threat or abuse, (or in fact physical harm) and get some advice.

This article seeks to provide some actual examples of court proceedings which set out the circumstances of bad behaviour, and the relevance of that behaviour to the law.

Serra v Couran Cove Management Pty Ltd [2012] QSC 130

In the Supreme Court decision of Serra v Couran Cove Management Pty Ltd [2012] QSC 130, His Honour, Mr Justice Douglas dismissed a claim where the plaintiff was assaulted by a co-employee.

Background

The plaintiff, who worked as an electrical mechanic at Couran Cove Resort, was attacked by a co-employee, Peter Markan.

The plaintiff alleged that Markan should have been dismissed prior to the date that he was assaulted, or alternatively, reprimanded or counselled for earlier misconduct.

The earlier misconduct alleged included:

• Interference by Markan with a glass washer causing the plaintiff to suffer an electric shock;

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Curt schatz

• Markan attaching a note to a job order to be performed by the plaintiff saying, “have Blackie fix these”. Markan was cautioned about this.

The plaintiff argued that had the employer done this, his injuries would not have occurred.

He alleged the defendant was negligent and in breach of its employment contract.

The plaintiff alleged a number of factors that had to be taken into account, which demonstrated the employer’s failure to act in a proper manner to sanction Mr Markan.

The plaintiff’s supervisor gave evidence to the effect that nothing that he had observed of Mr Markan’s prior behaviour suggested Mr Markan was likely to assault the plaintiff.

The court, after consideration of the evidence, was not satisfied Mr Markan should have been dismissed by the employer or sanctioned beyond what was already done prior to the date the plaintiff was assaulted.

The Decision The court applied the reasoning in Antoniak v The Commonwealth 1962 4FLR 454.

Where an employee “is not merely incompetent, but by his habitual conduct is likely to prove a source of danger to his fellow employees, the duty lies fairly and squarely on the employers to remove the danger”.

Each case will turn on its own facts.

The assault in this case was serious and Mr Markan was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment after his trial for the offence.

The interaction between Mr Markan and the plaintiff prior to the assault was not seen by the court to be serious enough to lead to Mr Markan’s dismissal or reprimand beyond what was given to Mr Markan by management.

In a New South Wales case of Gittani Stone Pty Ltd v Pavkovic 2007 (NSWCA) 355 the plaintiff did succeed where he had been assaulted by a co-employee.

The employer failed to take adequate action to reprimand the violent coemployee, and later, the plaintiff was shot by the rogue employee as he left work.

Comment Misconduct by an employee is a serious issue for employers, and should be closely reviewed.

Failure to act appropriately to sanction an offending employee could lead to a successful common law claim by an employee who may be injured by a future indiscretion of the offender.

If you have any other queries in relation to this or any other related matter, please contact Jonathan Mamaril on 07 3224 0323.

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With specialist divisions in hospitality and business services, we understand your industry and all its legal requirements.

We minimise your risk and help grow your business.

For more information contact: Curt Schatz, Partner

Level 21, Riverside Centre 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane Qld 4000 Telephone 07 3224 0230 cschatz@mullinslaw.com.au

v35/12

queensland bowler | 31

Dear readers, our advertisers help bring you all the latest bowls news and views from Queensland and across the nation each and every month. Without their continued support it would be impossible to produce the Queensland Bowler. Please show your appreciation by supporting their business whenever you can. And, when you do use their services, be sure to tell them that your saw their advert here, in the Queensland Bowler.

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Welcome to the Queensland Bowler July 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 September 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........................................................................

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Entries must be received by September 30. The winner will be announced in November issue. Multiple entries allowed.

Original entry forms only, no photocopies accepted.

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This month’s winner Congratulations to: Heather Benson from Kingaroy 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.

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queensland bowler | 33

BE SMART ABOUT YOUR TRAINING Like most people, I’ve watched my fair share of the Olympics recently.

Our athletes’ success is the result of years of careful preparation and training to reach their full potential.

It is also the result of a lot of planning by their respective coaches, to ensure each athlete peaks at the right time.

After all, there is not much point putting in all that work only to peak a month too early or a month too late.

The Australian bowls coaching team, led by Steve Glasson, will currently be implementing the training schedule for our 2014 Commonwealth Games team.

The coaching staff will take into consideration the peaks and troughs in an athlete’s performance and will set aside time for rest and recovery to ensure the players are at the top of their game during the event.

SMART The same principle applies to all sporting competitors, regardless of the level at which you play.

A plan must be put in place and goals must be set if you wish to reach your full potential.

It’s not satisfactory to simply say that you want to get better at what you do.

When running a coaching course we teach new coaches the importance of emphasising what we call SMART goals (top right).

Once you have set your SMART goals it is then time to plan a training schedule to achieve those goals.

Just as time must be set aside for regular training and selected matches, time must also be allowed for rest and recovery to ensure your mental and

with

Mick Cherry

physical capabilities are at their peak for the next competition.

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This doesn’t mean that you stop training altogether, but that you reduce the training for a short time before once again building to the next challenge.

re we ABLE – a and MEASUR easure able to m progress e th record al? s the go rd a w to

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Keep a training calendar and make a note of when your most important competitions are, then plan your training accordingly to increase your training before a major event.

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Reduce your training for a short time when after the event, giving yourself a break before you start building towards the next.

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Who has the time?

Of course, all of this peaking and tapering in training has to allow for all the other events in our busy lives.

Often it’s just not possible to spend as much time as we’d like improving our game, especially for working people.

But, with a little planning, it is possible to achieve a definite improvement even with limited time.

Set smaller, achievable goals. Although the progress will be slower, you will be able to measure your improvement and take your game to a new level.

Set a time frame to achieve the skill level required and let your coach assist you with a training schedule.

Work with your coach!

Finally, I would like to stress the importance of working with your coach

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

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f these ny one o a to be o n swer couldn’t If you an y really e th n e s, th ls. question lled SMART goa ca until you ur goals o y f o set a g wordin nd then Alter the e yes answers a . fiv ach them achieve plan to re

possible facets of your training.

whenever with all

All players with ambitions to reach higher levels should take advantage of the knowledge of accredited coaches.

They really can provide a short cut to success and a personal coach will know your game so well that any problems can be rectified quickly before a fault becomes a major problem.

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