Russell Island Annual Fours

By Michael Verry

Russell Island Bowls Club held its annual Fours tournament on November 13-15. The event attracted a total of 16 teams of four (64 bowlers in total) from as far south as the Gold Coast, North to Caboolture and west to Tannymorel. For the first time this year we had more entries than rinks available. The tournament commenced on the first day (Friday 13th) with an informal pairs game in the afternoon. The event got under way on Saturday with three games followed by two games on the Sunday. Visiting teams stayed on the island as we have no road access to the island from the mainland. All access is by water transport. We had an entry from teenagers who have won national age group titles over the last two years. This team kept the older bowlers on their mettle, being third overall winners! Zayah Morgan is a local island resident who began bowling at 14 years of age. Unfortunately, to play amongst her peers, she had to join a mainland club. Members of this team have won state and national under-18 titles and Zayah is a member of the current best

Youngest team on the day was Z Morgan, K Morgan, M Davis & D Sparkes

female team in Australia. The results showed bowling is for persons of all ages. The weather was beautiful and the event was enjoyed by all. The overall winners were the Victoria Point team skipped by Rob Kelsey. Second was the Caboolture team skipped by B Cough. Third was the teenage mixed team skipped by M Davis. Already 22 teams have indicated they would like to have one of the 16 spots available in the 2021 event.

Winners: Victoria Point skip Rob Kelsey receiving cash from club President Laurie Gurr (2nd from R) Runners-up Caboolture skip B Gough (3rd from left) receiving prize from club President Laurie Gurr (1st L) Zayah Morgan (far right) receiving prize on behalf of skip M Davis from President Laurie Gurr (2nd from R)

JEANIE BELL AT 101

Jeanie Bell (age 101) recently joined Kerry Cassin and John Wright’s team and played bowls at United Bowls Club, Ipswich. Kerry said that she certainly showed them (the younger ones) how to play. Jeanie’s team were winners on the day.

The Bowler covered Jeanie’s 100th birthday celebration in the February 2020 edition, when more than 300 people attended the party, including BQ representatives.

Jeanie and her late husband George were avid lawn bowlers. Jeanie started playing bowls in 1972 and has served as the president of both Booval and Ipswich Bowls Clubs. Keep bowling Jeanie!

L-R: John Wright, Jeanie Bell & Kerry Cassin

Why not give it a try?

By Dennis O’Toole

Welcome to 2021. Hopefully all have had a safe, happy and peaceful festive season and that this year will be so much better. Perhaps it’s time for some to look at their health, fitness and flexibility and be honest and ask themselves the following: 1. Can we perform our normal bowling action without hurting ourselves? 2. Is our body’s lack of flexibility causing us to dump the bowl and cause damage to the green? 3. Are we enjoying the game because we feel good about our performance? 4. Do we feel pain after we complete the game because of an impairment that caused discomfort?

How about we forget all the perceived negatives about a device that allows a more relaxed, enjoyable and productive game and start using the bowling arm? There are numerous types of arms with different release mechanisms so be sure you find the one that suits you personally. As with all sports, there are numerous styles used and all are effective when recognising the following constants:

• First, recognise the line you need your bowl to travel, then position your body so you can step toward your line and swing your arm so that it goes straight. • Second, maintain your balance throughout the delivery sequence and ensure you are stable at the release of your bowl. • Third, the momentum you use must be smooth and controlled. Think always of timing and rhythm as it is the basis of a perfect delivery. • Fourth, ensure you deliver your bowl so it runs smoothly on the running surface. • Fifth, be consistent with your delivery routine. Remember the simpler you keep it the easier it is to maintain.

Once the constants are established, we can associate them with various styles that people use. In every sport, although bodies do move slightly differently, there will be a defined sequence of movement. In bowls, the first part incorporates feet and stance.

When using the bowling arm, I suggest that you stand as upright as possible while tilting slightly forward, don’t lean. To ensure you maintain balance, place your feet slightly apart. To get your bowl to go down the line, have your feet and body facing that direction. You should take your step in the direction the bowl needs to travel, whether it be fixed or as in natural forward movement.

The delivery action with the arm needs to be methodical. Start with your feet facing your line. Ensure you have the exact target of your bowl, then bring your eyes back to your focus point. Bring your bowling arm initially out toward the focus point and control your arm speed as you take the swing back. Once this arm reaches the body take a positive step forward.

When your body is balanced and stable, bring the arm forward at the force/speed required to reach the target. There are many variables throughout this delivery sequence, which is why it is important to contact a credible coach to assist you in the early stages.

Bowls Queensland offers a free Coaching Skills Workshop for clubs and districts. This workshop, as with our Open Skills Days, is very popular so why not give it a try? Contact Bowls Queensland for details at (07) 3354 0777.Enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to use a device that assists players with an impairment.

Happy New Year to all. I hope 2021 will be better for all. Many players will think about the opposition and their history or recent form. The most important aspect is being in control and fully aware of your own game.

ECKA’S MESSAGE