Jack Hi Edition 130-Summer 2023

jack hi

Country duo claim Men's State Pairs

• See page 10…

Also in this issue:

• BPL 17 – February 20-24 (live on Foxtel/Kayo)

• State Bowls Results

• Good Sports Bowls Forum

• Emu Point Jack Attack

• Mark Wunnenberg and Warren Holt, Men's State Pairs champions.

jack hi

with Aaron DELAPORTE

Welcome to another big edition of Jack Hi as we head into the back half of another big season of bowls, our 125th as an Association, which is definitely something to celebrate!

On the green a number of champions have been crowned across a multitude of events including the Men’s and Women’s State Pairs (pages 10-11), Men’s and Women’s State Singles (pages 12-13), Women’s Masters Pairs and Men’s Masters Triples (page 18) and Men’s and Women’s Over 60's Triples (pages 24-25). A big congratulations to all those winners.

We also had a number of country representative events take place with a very successful Men’s IZRR Fours at Denison (Pages 28-29) and several Women’s ILRR events (Pages 30-31). Well done to those successful Zones and Leagues.

Out in club land just as much has been happening with special feature in this edition on Bedford’s Community Day (page 14), Pickering Brook’s club upgrades (page 16) and Emu Point with their Jack Attack (page 26).

With Marketing Officer Aaron Clark on board we encourage clubs to continue to share their successes both on and off the green with us regularly. Until next edition good bowling.

Submissions

Clubs are reminded that the copy deadline for the next issue is 5th May 2023. Please email club articles to: aaron@bowlswa.com.au

• Mark Wunnenberg and Warren Holt.

Jack Hi Editorial

WA to host series in 2023 and 2026

It’s OFFICIAL, we will be hosting the best Australia has to offer in 2023 and again in 2026. The generosity of Tourism WA and the backing of Bowls Australia will see October 6th – 20th host a festival of bowls that will be spread between host clubs Sorrento, Joondalup and Warwick. This will prove to be a wise investment as players, officials and spectators arrive in Perth. A chance for us to cheer on our own and watch the best bowlers in Australia. This fortnight will be a festival of bowls, culminating with the unveiling of teams of the century, men’s, women’s metro and country from WA.

Live Streaming the Zones

For the first time we will be live streaming both the Men’s and Women’s Inter Zone Round Robin. The vastness of our state makes this a great way to promote our game. It’s a long way from Esperance to Dongara.

The ladies are in Halls Head and although we only get 1 day at each venue it’s a start and hopefully will continue to happen.

The CBH Group have kindly and generously come on board for both events and Liquor Traders Australia contributing to our Ladies event. Please acknowledge and support these organisations if you can.

Podcasts

The addition of Aaron Clark to our staff has given us extra capacity to expand our social media exposure and the Podcasts are coming online already. Learning more about our bowling personalities, unscripted, entertaining and informative is a move away from the traditional radio show.

Trying different ways to promote our game and using varying platforms to deliver the message hopefully will prove entertaining and successful.

Constitution

Our revised and updated constitution is ready to be implemented, and voted in by the member clubs. Rather than call a SGM it will be less onerous on clubs if it is part of the AGM in July. All clubs will be forwarded the documents as we get closer to the AGM and the necessary support received to adopt our new constitution.

State Events

Numbers continue to be robust and I enjoy and take the opportunity to speak to as many as possible from different clubs at a single venue. I value the feedback and encourage everyone to share their thoughts and ideas.

Congratulations to the finalists and winners which is no doubt covered in detail in this Jack Hi.

The Tour de Cup by Holt and Wunnenburg is a creative way of promoting bowls and participation in state events to the Regions. Well done.

Support our Umpires

There have been many issues in recent weeks resulting in Umpires being unnecessarily harassed and criticised. In our sport umpires are often called upon to conduct measures for shot, determine if bowls or jacks are out of play and in the case of incidents which sometimes occur, interpret the rules. In the case of extreme weather or hot weather an umpire may need to determine if a game stoppage or abandonment of the day’s play is required under the ‘Conditions of Play’ set by Bowls WA as the Controlling Body.

Please show respect for umpire’s and their decisions and if you have any queries or complaints feel free to contact Bowls WA who will address them to the Regions.

Metro Midweek trials to begin at 4.00pm

So far so good…

Well, we have turned the corner of the halfway mark of the pennant season and from all reports it is progressing smoothly.

The shadow of COVID seems to have passed with little disruption and the weather so far has been kind; with both rain and heat yet to affect the majority of matches and events – although the worst may still be to come.

At the time of writing we are still a week or so away from the metro midweek trial of 4.00pm games. Unfortunately, for some interesting reasons, some clubs have chosen to maintain their matches at 1.30pm, although the majority have chosen the opportunity to 'give it a go' and see what works and perhaps doesn’t.

Of course all will be in the hands of the weather gods, mild temperatures will prove little, whereas 37deg+ days may provide some sort of insight into a better system into the future. I look forward to discussing the ramifications of the trial with those clubs.

A new structure

Like any sporting club or organisation finding and keeping good volunteers is becoming more and more difficult.

For this reason a review was undertaken to consider the Association’s committee structure with a view to reducing the number of committees and by that the number of committee volunteers required.

The outcome is a structure that focusses on three standing (compulsory) committees in Game Development, Club and People Development and Finances.

Board Directors and Staff are allocated to those areas, with a clear emphasis on looking forward. These committees have now been endorsed by the full Board and are underway with much to do. The Game Development group in particular will seek to smooth the introduction of Open Gender competition where relevant.

And a new Constitution

As part of a Governance Review undertaken in 2020, a number of updates to the BWA Constitution were recommended.

The majority have little impact in the way we operate, many simply 'updating' some required practices, but some were important for clubs to note.

These are in the process of being forwarded to all clubs, with a view to seeking club support in their passing.

Country clubs will be able to cast their vote by mail, with metro clubs required to attend the AGM.

The areas that most affect clubs will be detailed in a document being forwarded, showing the change from the existing Rule and its effect in practice.

We hope the clubs will support these changes with 75% of clubs who vote required to vote in the affirmative for change to proceed.

The Nationals come to Perth

By now all would be aware of the exciting news that The Nationals will be held in WA in October of this year and in 2026. Due to COVID, last year was the first time that The Nationals were held, with Broadbeach BC on the Gold Coast playing host.

So for only the 2nd time Sorrento, Joondalup and Warwick will share the events that make up the two week bowling extravaganza, with many of the World’s best players in action. The events Under 18, Over 60 and Open Sides, Champion of Champion singles, Australian Championships (for state titleholders) and the Para Nationals will provide plenty of opportunities to support our home grown players and teams.

Many thanks to Tourism WA for providing a substantial grant to Bowls Australia to secure the events in Perth

Our 125th anniversary

A significant year for the Association as we look to celebrate the 125th year of the Royal Western Australian Bowling Association (RWABA). A number of interesting articles and exercises are taking place over the course of the year, but none moreso than the selection of our greatest ever Country, Metropolitan and Overall teams, plus our finest ever male and female players.

Significant research is going into providing background statistics for our current and past champions – to provide the best available information to our selectors. But in addition, the bowling community will also play a part in the selection of our greatest ever, as they go head to head pitting record against record in a knockout type format, with the last man and woman standing crowned accordingly.

More information and statistics will be released over the course of the year, with our final selections to be announced around the time of the Nationals in late October/early November.

South West Rollers and Mandurah Bowling Club: Inclusion, Inclusion, Inclusion

The South West Rollers (SWR) program for vision impaired and blind participants opened its doors in November of 2021 at Mandurah Bowling Club. By November 2022 the program became finalists in two Mandurah Sports Awards - a proud moment for both the Mandurah Bowling Club and the South West Rollers.

The City of Mandurah Sports Awards has been running for five years and awards are presented in November each year. The Awards aim to honour local individuals, clubs and teams who have achieved sporting success or have made a significant contribution to sport and recreation in Mandurah.

The Sports Person of the Year with Disability was nominee Jayne Parsons – SWR program founder with her husband Brent; and Inclusion Program or Event of the Year award nominee was the South West Rollers and Mandurah Bowling Club!

New members and visitors are welcome to come down and join a roll-up … or simply have a cup of tea and a chat with the group! The program runs fortnightly on Fridays starting at 9:30am.

The 2023 South West Roller schedule of dates:

February 3

February 17

March 3

March 17

March 31

April 14

April 28

May 12

May 26

June 9

June 23

July 7

July 21

August 4

August 18

Sept. 15

Sept. 29

Upcoming 2023 Inclusion Events

October 13

October 27

November 10

November 24

December 8

The following Bowls WA 2023 calendar focus on inclusion in bowls:

Denise

• Jayne and Brent Parsons.

ITO Accreditation

International Technical Officials (ITOs)

The final step in the Officiating pathway is the International Technical Official (ITO). This accreditation is a World Bowls accreditation and is designed for those already accredited as National Umpires who wish to umpire at national and international events, and at events such as the Australian Open, Commonwealth Games, and other major events. Information on how to become an ITO, including qualifying criteria is available on the World Bowls website.

It should be noted that for country umpires, umpiring and marking at Zone and Regional level would meet the qualifying criteria.

The Umpire’s Committee is very keen to encourage and assist new and existing umpires to pursue an ITO accreditation. Assessments are usually conducted annually in Western Australia, depending on numbers. Umpires interested in an ITO accreditation can contact the Bowls WA Umpires Committee for further information.

The World Championships are to be held on the Gold Coast in Aug/Sept. Congratulations to ITOs from W.A. - Vicki Eva (Mosman Park), Ryan Havercroft (South Perth), Sue Hogg and Sharon Lyster (Manning) on their selection by World Bowls for this event.

Presenters and Assessors

The Umpires’ Committee has conducted Zoom meetings with many of the Presenters and Assessors throughout the state to explain:

• changes in the application forms for New Umpires, Markers/Measurers and Reaccrediting Umpires.

• Course outlines for the On-Green components for SelfPaced learning and Reaccreditation of Umpires. The new Self-Paced learning is designed primarily for prospective umpires residing in areas where the distance between themselves and P and As is problematic. Face to Face learning is still the preferred training method for officials.

New Laws and New Law Book

In 2021, a review of Crystal Mark Third Edition was undertaken by World Bowls and the Crystal Mark Fourth Edition was approved in August 2022.

The Crystal Mark Fourth Edition is available on the World Bowls Website, together with the alterations to Crystal Mark Third Edition. Crystal Mark Fourth Edition must be introduced in all countries by April 1st 2023.

In Australia, any new competitions commencing after April 1st 2023 will be played under the new laws – Crystal Mark Fourth Edition. Any competition which has commenced prior to April 1st 2023 will continue under the Crystal Mark Third Edition (3.2) until that competition is complete.

Changes to Domestic Regulations in the Bowls Australia Law Book will be minimal. The changes will only involve clarification of existing Domestic Regulations. There has been much debate around two new laws which were approved and included within. Law 37.1: Bowl Displacement by another player.

An interpretation of these laws has been provided by World Bowls:

These laws have been introduced to alleviate the situation of a player stopping one of their own team’s bowls from disturbing the head and gaining an advantage either by lifting a bowl at rest or stopping their bowl in its original course. These are:

Law 37.1.3 If a bowl in its original course is deliberately displaced or stopped by a member of the team that delivered the bowl, the defaulting team will forfeit the game to their opponent. or

Law 37.1.5.3 If a player lifts a bowl at rest on their rink to allow their team’s bowl in its original course to pass, the defaulting team will forfeit the game to their opponent.

The World Bowls Laws Committee felt that the clear deliberate intent by a player to interfere with their own bowls in this way should warrant a more severe penalty which would be the forfeiture of the game.

The new laws were not introduced to ‘punish’ players that stop a bowl from entering the ditch that hasn’t disturbed the head. The Laws Committee understands this occurs on a regular basis but it is a timely reminder and a key message from the Laws Committee that no bowl belonging to the players on the rink of play should be lifted, stopped or displaced. Other laws are available to deal with situations where bowls displace other bowls and the jack and these should still be applied accordingly.

Please note that these laws do not come into effect until April 1st 2023. This interpretation strongly suggests that players must not lift, stop or displace any bowl belonging to a player on their rink of play.

Use of Equipment

Umpires are reminded that if called to resolve a dispute requiring measuring for shot or deciding whether a bowl or jack is in play or not, measuring equipment must be used. Making decisions using the naked eye is not acceptable.

Law 43.2.2 clearly states – The umpire must measure any disputed shot or shots using suitable measuring equipment such as that described in Law 54.

Sel f -Wor th vs Self - Estee m

BY THE REGIONAL MEN’S HEALTH INITIATIVE February 2023

Self-worth and self-esteem are often confused as being the same, however they are very different. Self-esteem is about measuring ourselves based on external actions, while self-worth is about valuing our inherent worth as a person. In other words, self-worth is about who we are, not about what we do.

One may feel a high self-esteem because they are good at something, yet still not feel they are loveable and worthy. When we have a healthy self-worth (at the very core of ourselves) we have a deep knowing that we are fundamentally a valuable and worthwhile person regardless of:

• what others may say or do to us;

• what our successes or failures are;

• what we win or lose;

• what we have or don’t have.

The concept of self-worth is about knowing that we are always going to be worth more than all of our achievements put together. It is a good thing to think and feel good about ourselves but what happens when our self-esteem is crushed, does that mean we are no longer valuable? Absolutely not, however many people do think that they are no longer valuable.

Society pushes for the need to have a high selfesteem but the problem with this is that we are always valuing ourselves against others. The competitive nature of men tells us we need to be better and above average to feel good about ourselves (keeping up appearances). When we look at this way of building our self- esteem it can be a losing battle because there will always be someone more handsome, slimmer, richer, owns bigger and better equipment and so on.

Self-esteem is transient and can change in an instant depending on what happens, for examp le we may be feeling good about a new piece of machinery or the quality of our stud and then someone makes a negative comment and our self-esteem falters, and we feel completely crushed. That’s how fragile our self-esteem can be because it can also be fixed by a compliment that bolsters us again. Much anxiety can be created in striving for acceptance or approval and maintaining our ego or pride.

Probably the best way to understand self-worth is to ask ourselves how valuable we are, or how much do we deserve to have something we prize. It is a deep knowing that we are of value, that we are loveable and necessary to this life.

Self-worth and self-esteem are vital beliefs for empowering oneself. A valid sense of self-worth is necessary to attain love and a sound mind. A valid sense of self-worth acts as a buffer against the possibility of depression and a feeling of worthlessness that can lead to despair or possible suicidal behaviour. Situational distress can come from many areas in our lives, as issues around these life events develop, we need to value our self-worth more than ever to reduce uncertainty for ourselves.

Remember… before it all gets too much… Talk to a Mate®!!

Men's State Pairs

Country duo claim state pairs title

The Dyenamic WA Men’s State Pairs finals were played on great greens with magnificent weather at the Sorrento Bowling Club in the Christmas New Year period. With a host of players with little experience on the last day of state events, along with a couple with a title or two to their name, it was a great day of bowls for the crowd of people who made their way down to Sorrento.

The first Semi-Final saw the country pairing of Warren Holt (Wagin) and Mark Wunnenberg (Darkan) take on Doubleview’s Simon Deering and Cameron Bell.

The Holt duo started strongly on the scoreboard, jumping out to a 9-0 lead after six ends, but the game was much closer than the scoreboard suggested. Deering finally got on the board on the seventh end with a single only to see Holt grab a two back the next end.

Just when it looked like Deering was getting back into the game by taking a three and a two consecutively on the ninth and tenth ends and moving the score to 6-11, Holt hit back with a three and then a four, two ends later to extend the lead to eleven shots 18-7.

It was down the stretch that Warren Holt showed his experience. Although Mark Wunnenberg was still leading well, Deering and Bell were getting some results they weren’t getting earlier on and were pushing hard to tighten the scoreboard up. Holt was able to steady the ship when required and with a draw here and a drive there, Holt and Wunnenberg went through to the final 23-14.

The second Semi-Final saw club mate against club mate and father against son with South Perth’s Marcus Sear and Callum Alberti versus Tyrone Alberti and Mitchell Biglin. It was a tense affair early with neither side backing down with not only a state pairs final on the line but also bragging rights in the Alberti household.

1-1 after two ends, 2-2 after four ends, and 4-4 after six ends, it looked like we could be in for a long and tight contest. A run of three consecutive ends to Sear gave them the lead 7-4 but a two to Alberti pulled it back to 6-7 at the halfway stage of the game.

However, the Sear/Alberti combination were starting to look dangerous as their consistency was looking like it could be a telling factor. With more bowls in the head, Sear again won three ends in a row and by taking twos on all three ends, it took the lead out to 13-6.

A three to Alberti to move to 9-14 was answered by two singles to Sear and with only three ends left, Sear led 15-9.

A couple of singles left Tyrone Alberti and Mitch Biglin needing five on the last end to steal the win, but Sear and Callum Alberti were too steady and held on to win 17-11 and move into the state pairs final.

The Dyenamic WA Men’s State Pairs final saw all four players looking for their first state pairs title and for three of the players, their first state title of any kind.

The experienced member of the group was Warren Holt with a number of state titles to his name and a 2022 WA state team member.

Both teams were feeling each other out early but it was Holt and Wunnenberg who settled quicker to take a 7-1 lead after a three on the fifth end. A run of singles over the next four ends saw Sear and Alberti grab three of those singles as they started to get into the match down 4-8 at the halfway mark of the eighteen-end final.

A two to Holt was matched and raised by Sear as he took a two on the eleventh and another two on the twelfth end to close in to 8-10. All players were now at the top of their game in the remarkably still conditions at the Sorrento Bowling Club and there were plenty of bowls in the head for all team members to work with. Another two was scored, this time Holt grabbed it and again moved away to lead by four.

A couple of singles to Sear again closed the lead to two and also saw him and Alberti move ahead in the ends won count 8-7 even though they were behind on the scoreboard.

With only three ends to play and two shots in the score, it was anybody’s game. But then a big three on the sixteenth end to Holt and Wunnenberg saw them move the score to 1510 and then a follow-up two put Holt and Wunnenberg seven in front with only one end to play and things were looking down for Sear and Alberti.

As the last end progressed an eight looked out of reach for Sear and attempts to kill the end were in vain.

After a great final, the country duo of Warren Holt and Mark Wunnenberg were crowned the 2022-23 Dyenamic WA Men’s State Pairs Champions with a 17-11 win over the gallant Marcus Sear and Callum Alberti.

• Mark Wunnenberg and Warren Holt, Men's State Pairs champions.

Women's State Pairs

Mother and daughter win State Pairs

It was a battle of the families in the Dyenamic Women’s WA State Pairs final at the Sorrento Bowling club with Mt Pleasant’s mother/daughter combinations Kaye and Donna Blackwell taking on York’s sister combination of Jenny Jones and Susan Collins.

First up on Finals Day saw both Semi-finals come down to the wire and in one case beyond. The Blackwell’s had to fight hard all game in their dual with North Beach’s Rhonda Prosser and Lee Bunney. While Jones and Collins had to survive an extra end against Manning’s Laura Butler and Hailey Packer.

Blackwell started slowly in the Semi-final against Prosser, finding herself down 0-5 after two ends. A single on the third end got Blackwell on the board and was the start of a strong run, winning seven of the next nine ends with a combination of singles and a big four to lead 11-7 after eleven ends. Prosser hit back with a couple of twos and a single to again hit the lead 11-12 with only four ends remaining.

Three singles in a row to the Blackwell combination saw them take a two shot lead into the final end and when Prosser could only manage a single, Donna and Kaye Blackwell secured their spot in the final 14-13.

The second Semi-final came down to a thrilling conclusion with an extra end required. Jones and Collins showed plenty of determination after the more experienced pairing of Butler and Packer jumped out to a 9-3 lead after seven ends.

The end won count was close with Jones winning three ends and Butler winning four ends. The difference in the score line was Butler’s ends included a couple of twos and a four while Jones could only manage singles.

Another single on the eighth end to Jones made it 4-9, then a four to be only one behind and singles on the tenth and eleventh end suddenly saw the York girls hit the front 10-9.

A trading of scores over the final ends saw first Jones in front, then Butler, then Jones and finally a two to Butler saw her head into the last end up 15-14.

Again, Jones and Collins dug deep in their first WA State Pairs semi-final by first getting a single to send the game into an extra end at 15-15 and then securing the win to send them into their first state championship final 16-15.

Donna and Kaye Blackwell were shooting for their second Dyenamic Women’s State Pairs title after previously winning the championship in the 2018-19 season as a composite team playing for different clubs.

But it was the first final combination of Jenny Jones and Susan Collins that got the start in the final with two singles on the first two ends.

Unfortunately, that was going to be their few joys of the game and only lead. As the Sorrento sea breeze got stronger, the Blackwell’s took more control.

A three on the third end put Blackwell in front and then a five on the fourth end put them in control at 8-2. Another five on the sixth end and it was a long way back for the York girls at 2-14.

A glimmer of hope on the seventh end with a single was squashed quickly as the ruthless Blackwell combination won the next six ends in a row to cruise to a 24-3 lead.

While the result was now inevitable, it was a credit to York’s Jenny Jones and Susan Collins on how they conducted themselves, still playing, talking, and acting positively at every opportunity and winning two ends in a row to keep the Mt Pleasant ladies out on the green as long as possible.

A single to Blackwell on the sixteenth end to make the score 25-5, finally made it impossible to lose the game with two ends left and Donna Blackwell and Kaye Blackwell became the 2022/23 Dyenamic Women’s WA State Pairs Champions.

• The Pairs finalists.

• Donna Blackwell.

Men's State Singles

Cody Packer 2023 Men's champion

The Bassendean Bowling Club put on a wonderful day of finals in the Dyenamic Western Australian Men’s State Singles both on and off the green. The sizeable crowd was treated to a great grass green with wonderful bowls on display, a slightly hot day with only a soft breeze and terrific Bassendean hospitality.

The first Semi-Final saw 2019 Champion Blake Butler (Manning) up against first time semi finallist Tod Weir (Osborne Park). Weir had a great tournament with a close 21-19 win over Joondalup’s Stein Davies in the quarter final but Butler was at his consistent best in the semi-final matchup.

After surviving a huge comeback in the quarter final with a 21-20 win over Harvey’s David Goddard, Butler was able to score quickly in the semi-final in his 25-8 win over Tod Weir.

The second semi-final was a dogged affair with both Cody Packer (Osborne Park) and Shane Knott (Manning) putting on a great display of bowling. In the quarter finals, Packer was too strong over Chris Lander (Mt Lawley) 21-8, while Knott charged home over the top of Manning teammate Daniel Trewhella 21-17.

Unlike the first semi-final, this match was back and forth with many singles scored as each player refused to give way. With both players playing all the shots in the semi-finals, no shot was safe until the last bowl. But finally Cody Packer got the better of Knott to book his place in the final 25-21.

The 2022-23 State Singles finals matchup of Cody Packer versus Blake Butler, turned out to be a repeat of the 2020-21 Champion of Champion Singles final with Butler going down on that occasion and looking to reverse the result.

On the fast Bassendean green, both players slipped into their work very quickly, with bowls around the jack from end one. A single to each player as they felt each other out was followed by Packer making the first break, winning three ends in a row to lead 5-1.

Then it was Butler’s chance to turn the heat up with a two, one and one to draw level at 5-5. Another two to Butler saw him take the lead and winning four ends consecutively. Another two and then a single by Butler and suddenly it was six ends in a row and the signs were worrying. It wasn’t as if Packer was playing bad, he was just finding holes, sitting the wrong side of bowls, combined with generally very good bowls from Butler,

especially the first bowl putting Packer under pressure

By the time the fiteenth end started Butler had won nine ends consecutively and ten of the fourteen ends played, to lead 13-5. Packer was going to have to try something different with the most obvious thing being the length of the jack, but if you cannot win an end and get hold of the mat, what else can you do? Maybe a change of hat will work!

It did take an end to work but with the change of wardrobe coming after the thirteenth end, only a single was dropped on the fourteenth end and then the magic started to happen. A big three to Packer on the fifteenth end put a smile back on his face and some confidence back in the arm when suddenly the score was at 8-13 and only five behind despite so little success for the past hour of play. Quickly Packer changed the length of the jack and threw a near full length end after Butler had been playing ends on the shorter side.

A single to Packer on the sixteenth end, followed by a one, two and two saw Packer take the lead 14-13 after his own run of five consecutive ends.

A single to Butler and it looked like the game was going down to the wire at 14-14 but Packer was now full of confidence and had his swagger back.

A two and then a full count of four shots on the twenty second end broke the game open with jumping to a 20-16 lead having outscored Butler 15-3 since the fourteenth end. A two to Butler was immediately answered by Packer with a three and putting him within two of the title.

Blake Butler continued to fight hard and won the next three ends to get to 20 but on the twenty eighth end, holding one with two feet to draw for the title Packer drew the shot required for two shots to win the match.

Was it the change of jack length or was it the change of hat that got Packer over the line, we may never know but one thing is for sure, Cody Packer is the 202223 Dyenamic Western Australian Men’s State Singles Champion.

• Cody Packer.

• The original hat!

• The NEW hat!

Women's State Singles

Irene Arndt – first time winner of title

On Sunday 29th January, the Dyenamic State Singles Finals commenced at Bassendean Bowling Club with impressive performances in the Women’s Semi-Finals and Finals. With beautiful weather, sun and no wind on the green the conditions of play did not leave much to be desired.

In the Women’s Final we would see a first-time winner whoever the victor. Runnerup Kerry Andersen gave a good contest for the title however a very strong and consistent performance from Safety Bay’s Irene Arndt led to her lifting the trophy by the end of the day for her first-time win of the State Singles Title.

The Semi-finals saw spectators engaged on who would be moving into the Finals with two close matches leaving them guessing for much of the time. Irene Arndt managed to get ahead of Chris Ace-Watson and win by six shots with a final score of 25-19 in their semi-final. The match could have gone either way with both players having turns of dominance but the consistency of Arndt finally saw her draw away.

In the second semi-final, we saw Kerry Andersen grab a finals position by four shots against Deb Saunders with a final score of 25-21. Andersen got off to a fast start and it looked like a quick game was on the cards. However, Saunders in her first major semi-final worked her way back into the match by showing a more consistent draw and using some aggressive driving when required. With experience on her side, Andersen was able to steady and hold out the fast-finishing Saunders to book her place in the final.

The finals were fairly even for the first four ends. Arndt started with three shots, Andersen followed with a one, Arndt picked up another one and Andersen retaliated with her own three shots and equalling the score at 4-4 after four ends.

Moving into the fifth end, where some would suggest Arndt’s momentum started, she picked up a three to put her in the lead and then gathered two shots to move to a five-shot lead. In an attempt to stop Arndt from winning a third end in a row, Andersen pulled out some fantastic draws and put the pressure back on her opponent.

Unfortunately for Andersen, Arndt was able to dismantle her shots by trailing of the jack and placing it right where she could have hoped for another two shots and a 12-4 lead. Another two and then a one gave great momentum for Saftey Bay’s Arndt as she takes a comfortable lead of 15-4.

Winning five ends in a row and winning with two’s and three’s pushed pressure onto Mosman Park's Kerry Andersen, but finally, at end 10 Andersen took a shot from Arndt with a toucher and, Arndt’s weight being just short on her last bowl not enough to reach the jack.

Andersen claimed another much-needed one on the 11th end as she closed the gap ever so slightly. It was a short reprieve for Andersen as Arndt again won multiple ends in a row with one shot each time bringing the score to 18-6 after the 14th end.

Arndt’s confidence was high, but Andersen kept bouncing back and got a much-needed two and then a one. Just as Andersen was starting to close the distance, Arndt again raised the pressure.

Arndt would pick up the next five ends in a row with 1,2,1,1,1 and sit at match point 24-9. On the 21st end, the pressure was on Andersen for one last attack and she stepped up to the plate with a one, followed by a two and it looked like it’s not over yet at 24-12 on the 23rd end.

Arndt got a beautiful trail of the jack on the 24th end setting herself up to claim the victory, Andersen took the time to line up a drive to claw back the end with her third bowl but the drive missed the target. Another drive attempt was made by Andersen with her last bowl, but as it heads down the green and narrowly misses cheers erupt as Irene Arndt takes the game.

President Doug Kelly gave a big thank you to everyone involved in the running the championships, those at Bassendean Bowling Club and the other Clubs that hosted, as well as congratulations to those that participated for putting on a

A brilliant show of Bowls and a great turnout of spectators at the Bassendean Bowling Club. It was great see a large community supporting the game and players as well as the great service from the

• Irene Arndt and runner-up Kerry Andersen.

• Irene Arndt in action.

Bedford Bowling Club's Community Day

Bedford's success connecting with local community

On Saturday 21st January 2023 Bedford Bowling Club organised a brilliant Community Family Day as part of the Bowls WA Grant Program.

It panned out over the afternoon between the times of 1:00pm until 4:00pm, with approximately 110 visitors attending the event with 20 Club Volunteers included. An even ratio of Adults and Children participated in the day as the Local Community was brought into the Bowls Community. A great representation that any and all are welcome in the communities we build at the local Bowlo.

A range of refreshments were provided; tea/coffee, biscuits and cake were available for the Adults whilst the Children were provided with fruit, juice drinks, ice creams AND jelly beans on arrival/departure. Of course a classic sausage sizzle was available for all too.

Most families were content to stay in the air-conditioning for the most part as the weather was both a blessing and a curse, maxing out at 39 degrees during the event. This was not an issue for some that ventured out to get a taste of outdoor bowls.

Whilst the day was centred around bowling with lawn bowls and carpet bowls, Visitors were also spoilt with a number of great activities from Pony rides to face painting. These activities were popular as Neil Dwyer, Club President of Bedford Bowling Club, comments on the recreational options:

“The Pony Rides, the Face Painting and the Carpet Bowls were the biggest hit, the latter being a huge hit with the younger visitors as the photos show. This also proved very popular with the visiting parents who could sit inside in the cool and watch their young ones trying something new under our volunteers’ close supervision.”

“Our volunteers were outstanding in the planning of the event and on the day itself. Catering was 'spot on' and everyone left felling very satisfied with their experience.”

– Club President Dwyer on the implementation.

A successful day at the Bedford Bowling Club as another community is brought together around Bowls. However these events do not come about without the extensive hard work and selflessness of the those involved.

Many families walked away after having an enjoyable day. Numerous Volunteers received messages of thanks from families as they departed. The club looks forward to inviting the people back again to become regular visitors.

Thus the sport of Bowls grows in reaching out to new and possibly future bowlers. Bedford’s Community Bowls program consistently attracts an impressive 120-140 novice bowlers each summer. Therefore as part of a main source of recruitment for their club, like many others, days like this will be very beneficial as its expected to have both short term and long term benefits.

As part of the Bowls WA Grant Program and a terrific effort from Bedford Bowling Club another successful event has come to a close. Events like these are some of the ways that member clubs can positively connect with more people, in more ways, more often.

• Volunteer ladies cooking and providing refreshments for all.

• Pony rides proved popular.

• Face painting, pony rides and carpet bowls were most popular!

Plummer

85 year gap showdown at Pennants

On Saturday 14th January at Joondalup Bowling Club an interesting game played out during the Saturday Open Gender 4th Division Pennants.

“A great story was unfolding before my eyes on D1 the rink next door to ours” – Ren Plummer comments.

The Joondalup Mixed Gender side of; third Kerri Powell, second Sophie Hays, lead Linda Bye and guided by skip Nigel Poulton faced off against a very experienced all Men’s team from Dalkeith Nedlands skipped by John Bridge.

The interest in the match came with Sophie Hays from Joondalup just 12 years old facing off against 97 year old Ken Brooke as respective seconds for their teams.

Sophie started playing corporate bowls a couple years ago with her dad, Brian. She spent six to seven hours with Geoff to start learning bowls and later on she bought her own bowls and joined in with the Junior Programme run by Mark Roemermann. This season, she nominated for mixed gender pennants and began in Joondalup’s 5th Division side.

After a month of positive reports, they decided to try Sophie in Fourth Division.

The game against Dalkeith Nedlands was her first game at this level.

Geoff Stevenson supports for Sophie’s potential, ”Watch this space!!" he said when talking about Sophie’s progress in bowls and obvious potential to go further in the game.

It’s fantastic to see a new young bowler joining the Bowls community and learning from a veteran opposition team. With an 85 year gap its great to see different generations connect over the game of Bowls.

The match itself was by no means tedious either. Nigel Poulton gives an insight on the turning point for Joondalup that allowed them to come out on top after a substantial deficit.

“We did not start off well even though the ladies were putting in some good bowls, only getting the odd shot for the first 11 ends.” With a score of 18-6 at the 11th end, John Bridge’s team had the momentum to win the match.

It was at this point Nigel changed strategies, “We had a chat at the crossover and I suggested that they concentrate all their bowls down the narrow side this worked Sophie being in the head most ends giving Ken a real challenge."

Nigel’s team picked up a one thereafter followed by a four.

The confidence began to grow for the Joondalup side as another four was claimed, “The bowls were now being bowled with confidence either hand all I did was defend the end on the 20th end we got a five giving us a three shot lead."

With a three point lead and a fantastic comeback the Joondalup Side goes on to win and Nigel goes on to congratulate both teams on a great game.

“The final end we managed to restrict them to 1 winning by 2 shots what a great game played by both sides.”

The final score ended in Joondalup 25–Dalkeith 23. After coming back from a substantial deficit the win helped Joondalup win the aggregate by 12.

Thank you to Geoff Stevenson for the infomation and Ren Plummer for the initial Article and Photo of this fantastic story.

“What a wonderful advertisement for our game where we see the very youngest learning from the wily old veterans and having fun doing it. Well played guys.” – Ren’s final words on the match.

“A great story was unfolding before my eyes"…Ren

• Sophie Hays and and Ken Brooke provide plenty of interest at Joondalup

Pickering Brook Bowling Club

Pickering Brook Sports Club upgrades

In 2020 Pickering Brook Sports Club (PBSC) applied for a grant through the city of Kalamunda’s capital grant program for the development of a play ground and to convert its two grass bowling greens to a synthetic surface. During this period the club also had plans to install new solar panels to the facility.

In early December this year the projects were completed. The new Playground is accessible and something for the whole Community to enjoy.

The synthetic bowling green surface requires significantly less ongoing maintenance compared to the previous natural turf, which will reduce the heavy reliance on club’s volunteers. Additionally it will provide use all year-round, PBSC has already noticed a growth in new members.

The Solar panels help to keep the club sustainable, reducing their power bill delivering significant environmental benefits. Needless to say the Club will benefit greatly from the additions. These projects have been achieved through a collaboration and joint funding effort across Federal, State and Local Government, as well as contributions from the PBSC.

The City of Kalamunda has contributed a total of $93,500 towards the projects, PBSC being the first to benefit from the Solar Panel funding initiative. In partnership, the City, partnered with Pickering Brook Sports Club, applied for a grant towards the three projects through the Commonwealth Governments Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), with the City successful in receiving a grant of $241,000.

The club also received a grant of $75,000 from Lotterywest, representing the State Government towards the new playground component of the project.

Mayor of Kalamunda, Margaret Thomas had some comments on the project.

“The Pickering Brook Sports club is a vital contributor to a growing and thriving Pickering Brook community while providing a wide range of sporting facilities which are highly regarded and sought after by locals and visitors alike. The club is well known for its terrific amenity and this project further enhances the offerings here. These projects do not come about without hard work, and I would like to acknowledge the

• The opening of the facility.

President, Secretary, and all of the Committee of the Pickering Brook Sports Club for their extensive efforts.” With excess of 1500 hours of volunteer labour, hard work and community strength played a key role in the project. The volunteers removed grass, built rink walls, access ramp, installed irrigation, paving, shade structures amongst other countless tasks to prepare the green for use. Volunteers in each club do a tremendous amount for their community, if you have a volunteer at your club that deserves recognition you can put a nomination for the Volunteer award.

Mayor Thomas acknowledges the countless volunteer hours that were put in to ensure the project progressed as well as those that supported the project “Thank you to the Federal Government and Federal Member Andrew Hastie for his these projects, along with LotteryWest for their continued support.”.

It’s always great to see local Bowling Clubs develop and receive support from not just the Local Government but State and Federal as well. Bowls is a great sport to bring communities together and promote healthy and active lifestyles.

• The Playground.

Women's Masters Pairs

Hogg and Matthews too strong in close Masters Pairs final

Intense and close finals took place in the Women’s Masters Pairs at North Beach Bowling Club on December 11th 2022. Scores from both teams stayed close and competitive, with both on nine shots after 10 ends followed by both on 13 after the 14th end. It was clear one team needed a strong end to get ahead. Vicki Spragg and Jenni Rogalski picked up a great five shots on the 15th end putting the Pair ahead for the 16th end.

Unfortunately for Spragg and Rogalski, the winning momentum was slowed down by Sue Hogg and Liz Matthews retaliating with a three shot end. With only two shots separating the score and two ends to play, the new champions can still go to either side. End 17th finishes with a comfortable one from Hogg and Matthews, bringing the score to 17-18.

In the last end, with a single shot needed to win the game, tensions are high for each bowl.

A measure is called to decide the 18th end, the decision declares a shot for the Manning Ladies. An extra end is required before new winners are crowned.

Sue Hogg and Liz Matthews from Manning were able to get the shot to win 19-18 against the Ladies from Safety Bay Vicki Spragg and Jenni Rogalski. A fantastic and nail-biting finish to the Tournament.

Men's Masters Triples

Locals claim Men's Masters triples at Bassendean

In near perfect weather conditions three first time champions claimed the Bassendean Masters Triples on Sunday November 17th 2022.

Bassendean locals Ruairi Kenyon, Matthew Whitely and Norm Kirkup played an exceptional final game to defeat Composite team Rhett Butler, Shane Loftus and Darren Wilkinson 19-6.

Kenyon and the team set the win up early as they raced away with consistent bowls and Butler tried hard all day but could not match the consistent play of the local team.

The Bassendean boys had enough of a lead to only play defensive bowls in the final couple of ends to ensure Butler did not pick up numbers.

The lead up matches could not have been more contrasted for both teams. Kenyon won the first game of the morning against the Swan team skippered by Brian Davis on the final end of the day 14-13 and the same situation occurred in the semi final against Shane Knott and his team all square going in to the last before winning 17-16.

Butler however had an easier run in the lead up games, overcoming Tod Weir and his Osborne Park team 20-13 and in the semi was too strong for Cody Packer and his rink 21-10 before hitting the road block in the final.

• Sue Hogg and Liz Matthews, Masters Pairs winners.

• Whitely, Kirkup and Kenyon winners – the winners.

YOU ARE INVITED.

On behalf of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Good Sports Program you are invited to

Good Sports forum: Building Positive Club Cultures in Bowls Clubs

Date: Tuesday 28 February 2023

Time: 6. 30pm to 7.30pm

Cost: Free

Location: Online

This event is free but registration is essential

What’s in it for your club:

Bowls clubs play a vital role in providing protective factors for the community. Let us show you how we can assist your club towards providing great outcomes, such as:

• Preventing and reducing alcohol-related harms

• Role-modelling healthy behaviours for younger members

• Encouraging a healthy, smoke-free environment

• Supporting mental health initiatives and reducing stigma

• Making sure everyone gets home safely (and much more)

Special Guest

- Clive Adams - Regional Bowls Manager, Bowls Australia.

Doug Arrowsmith celebrates 100 years in April…

Bowler and veteran releases book to celebrate his 100 years…

Well-respected former State Champion and WA representative, Doug Arrowsmith, turned 100 in April 2022 has celebrated the milestone with a book of memoirs.

The Book, ‘A Skipper’s Tale’ chronicles a century of experiences including his time in the RAAF as well as on the bowling greens. Arrowsmith had many accomplishments. With a bowling career spanning three decades, various volunteer roles and multiple achievements under his belt his influence in the game has reached many.

Arrowsmith had many memorable moments in the sport, with 51 Games played for state and multiple State Four Championships and other championship wins, several alongside his wife Helen. Arrowsmith and his wife were honoured with a lifetime membership at the HollywoodSubiaco Club. More of his achievements can be found in his book, which continues in depth on the characters he meets on the green and his journey into being a coach both at club and state level.

The anecdotes vary from catching a manager rigging the rinks to dressing up and performing as Tom Jones at the Internations whereby he had a large influence in the bowls event raising funds for the Princess Margaret Children’s Hospital.

At 59 Arrowsmith retired and turned to bowls. Before that he first worked in a bank in NSW before taking part in WW2 and becoming Captain of a Lancaster Bomber crew. With 35 completed raids and a significant role in the war, Arrowsmith was very distinguished earning him multiple medals including the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) and OAM (Order of Australia). Bowls WA’s, Aaron Delaporte and Aaron Clark, were fortunate to talk to Doug in his home in Floreat. Doug discussed some stories and generously donated a collection of memorabilia to Bowls WA.

Doug has recently participated in a program which matched teenagers with centenarians through Art.

The teenager completes a portrait of the centurion over several sessions designed to break down barriers between generations through sharing life’s experiences. You can read more about this program at www.embraced.com.au/wacentenarian-portrait-project

With such a great amount of stories, achievements and positive influences in those around him it’s a fantastic opportunity to relive it through Doug’s book in his own words.

If you’d like to read about Doug Arrowsmith’s journey in more detail you can purchase his book for $30 (incl. postage and packaging) by contacting Judith Arrowsmith at: jarrow1551@yahoo.com.au

WA BOWLS RANKINGS

• Doug Arrowsmith.

Men's O60s Triples

Tight finish in Men's O60s triples

The Final of the GenesisCare Men’s Over 60’s State Triples was a tight nail-biting affair after coming down to an umpire’s decision on the last end at the Willetton Bowling Club on Wednesday November 30th, 2022.

The first semi-final saw John Goddard, Gary Caffell and Grant Nicol (Composite) start slowly but then powered on from the midway point to overcome Denis Bandy, Jim Ricci and Ken Wylie (Cockburn). Bandy jumped out to a four nil lead early but by the 9th end the scores stood at six all. It was then all Goddard, as his team won seven of the next nine ends to book their place in the final 15-8

The second semi-final saw Daryl Radford, Ken Stower, John Terrell (Composite) take on Thornlie’s Robert Carruthers, Pasquale Riggio, Anthony Williams.

The game was tight early before Radford broke away winning a string of ends including two threes. At 17-8, with only two ends to play, the game looked over. However, Carruthers team had not given up hope and a three on the second last end to make the score 17-11 gave them hope.

With only six bowls per team, Thornlie needed all bowls to count to force it to an extra end. They were to pull up agonisingly short and when the final end had finished, they only had five shots to see Radford go through to the final 17-16.

The final began with Radford, Stower and Terrell picking up singles on the first two ends only to see Goddard, Caffell and Nicol get singles on the next two ends for the score to sit at 2-2. Those first four ends set up the pattern for the day, with Radford winning two consecutive ends and then for Goddard to return fire with his own two ends.

A single and a two to Radford, saw Goddard respond with two singles. Two singles to Radford and again Goddard responded with two singles of his own. At the end of the 12th end, eleven singles had been scored and Radford held a 7-6 lead curtesy of a solitary two on the 6th end.

It was at that point the game went crazy with multiple shots coming at a rapid rate and the two end in a row pattern came to a halt briefly. Radford grabbed a two to go up 9-6 and Goddard responded with a match high three to draw level 9-9. This was the first time the two teams had not won or lost two ends in a row for the game.

However, the pattern soon resumed with Radford grabbing a two and then a single in consecutive ends to lead by three with only two ends to play.

On the second last end, Goddard used a big drive with his last bowl to get out of trouble and with both bowls and the jack spinning like tops, when the dust settled Goddard had made two shots to go into the last end needing one shot to force an extra end or two shots to win the game.

Close bowls by the leads and seconds, saw the Goddard team hold one and a measure when it came to the skips turn. With neither skip able to make an impact on the head, the seconds countered up the shots.

The Goddard shot bowl got taken out and then the umpire was called to determine the second shot. In the safe hands of BWA Umpire David Killisch Von Horn, it was determined that John Goddard also had the second shot.

After a marvellous final, John Goddard, Gary Caffell and Grant Nicol were declared the 2022-23 GenesisCare Men’s Over 60’s State Triples Champions.

• Nicol, Goddard and Caffell – our winners.

• John Terrell in the final.

Women's O60s Triples

Great bowls in Women's O60s triples

The Champions of the GenesisCare Women’s Over 60’s Triples were decided on Friday December 2nd 2022.

Hosted by the Gosnells Bowling Club, four Composite Teams competed in the Semi-finals and the Final thereafter.

The first Semi-Final game ended with a six shot win to Linda Warburton, Pauline Bourne, and Jenny Parker when they faced off against Kathy Gobbart, Judy Allen and Julie Savell.

An early but consistent lead kept Warburton and her team ahead after starting behind by one on the first end.Warburton’s team grabbed two shots on both end two and three resulting in a three shot early advantage.

Gobbart and her team retaliated by winning the next end with a single, bringing the total to 4-2. Despite the lost end for Warburton and her team, the winning momentum continued with one shot on the fifth end and a three on the sixth end.

Gobbart and her team bounced back with two shots on the seventh end leaving the score total 8-4. Unfortunately for Gobbart’s team this led to a sequence of five single shot winning ends for Warburton’s team.

By end 13, Warburton and her team had doubled Gobbart’s score 12-6. From this end onwards Warburton’s team stayed in the lead finishing with a 15-9 final score and winning the semi-final.

The second Semi-Final had Irene Leahy, Carol Ashworth and Rinske Butcher compete against Liz Matthews, Noelene Abe and Sue Hogg.

The game found itself bouncing back and forth between the two teams. From the first end to the 12th end, the scoring was relatively even. Leahy’s team grabbed a two on the second and fourth end and Matthews’ team took a two on the first and fifth end. A change of pace on the sixth end resulted in a three short lead for Matthews and her team after scoring another two shots.

The demeanour of the scores remained however, Leahy’s team scored with a fantastic four, smiles all around as they not only caught up but were put ahead by one. The score quickly evened out once again with Matthews’ team scoring a one, bringing the eighth end to a tidy 8 – 8. The scores repeated on both sides up to the 13th end whereby it was once again a tidy 13-13.

The 14th end was the turning point for this match with Leahy winning the end with a four and gaining a good lead coming into the last four ends. Leading in to end 17 a 3-shot score was won by Matthews and her team to bring the score to 20-17 with Leahy’s team still ahead going into the last end.

Winnable but most certainly at a disadvantage, Matthews‘ team needed to get three shots to push for an extra end. Blocking Matthews’ team out, Leahy and her team managed to win the last end with one shot finishing the game off with a win for Leahy and her team at 21-17.

After a short break, the Ladies headed back out to the green to compete for the title. Irene Leahy’s team Versus Linda Warburton’s team.

A steady start for Warburton’s Team as they gathered one shot on the first end, mirrored by Leahy’s team as they picked up a one on the second end.

Momentum built up for Warburton’s Team with multiple successful bowls leading to a victory for the next four ends, scoring two shots, one shot, one shot, and two shots, bringing the total to 7-1 after six ends.

The pressure was on for Leahy as a 6 shot difference was facing them, the equivalent of a full count of an end. Rising to the challenge Leahy claim victory of the seventh end scoring one shot, doubling their shots to an overall total of 2-7. With a five shot difference, Warburton’s team did not let up, claiming another end with one shot.

With the overall score at 2-8 after eight ends the two teams went back and forth with single shots being claimed by both teams up until the 12th end. comeback going on to win the next seven ends. It was clear that Warburton’s team dominated the first half, but the second half leaned more so in the direction of Leahy’s team.

With very close ends leading up to the 17th end, both teams were still playing for the championship. A fantastic start by Warburton’s lead and second. led to them holding three shots coming into the skipper’s bowls and an opportunity to turn the score to equal.

A very unfortunate bowl from Warburton led to a jack trail, going from three held to one down and finishing the end with at 9-13.

The final end required a lot from the Warburton’s side, needing to score a minimum of four to not lose out on their chance of title winners. After some great Bowls from both sides Leahy’s came out on top scoring one shot in the last end finishing the game for a win for Irene Leahy, Carol Ashworth and Rinske Butcher with a final score of 14-9.

• Our winners – Butcher, Leahy and Ashworth.

Emu Point Sporting Club

Emu Point brings crowd for Jack Attack

As part of the Bowls WA Grant Program, Emu Point Sporting Club organised a Jack Attack program. Over a four week period starting on the 11th January and ending on the 1st of February, 12 teams competed in the clubs inaugural competition.

With a solid turn out of 55 players, some of which played just the one week to replace registered players who were temporarily unavailable, the event brought together and brought in plenty of new Bowlers.

“Jack Attack was a lot of fun even though quite a few of our bowls ended in the gutter! There was a lot of friendship and socialising of all teams during and after the bowling. Well done and yes, I will be back next year.” – A participant gives feedback after the event.

The social aspect played a major part in the success for Emu Point, many participants took advantage of the bar, purchasing drinks before, during and after the game.

Bruce Seymour, Emu Point’s Secretary, emphasises the appreciation to the Members for their support,

“I was very appreciative of the number of Emu Point Club members who assisted in the running of the program. 15 members were involved in a wide range of support roles, some of them every week and others for a week or two.”

One particular effort from a member, Murray Martin who took photos and compiled videos of the first night’s competition, where it was then displayed on loop in the clubroom,

“Special thanks to Club member Murray Martin…participants got a big kick out of seeing themselves on the big screen when they came into the Clubroom after their game.”

– Bruce Seymour

The event gathered positive responses from those involved:

“Jack Attack was so much fun. Catching up with family and friends while learning a new sport where there was no pressure to do well. The four weeks were very enjoyable. It was very well organised, and everyone seemed to have a great time. My team is already talking about entering the next Jack Attack.”

–

Participant gives

feedback

“There is a real buzz around the Club with the Jack Attack program.” – Comment by a Club Member.

Although no immediate non-bowlers have taken up the mantle of becoming a member yet, there was still a lot of interest around the next Jack Attack, a multitude of participants asking when they can join in again.

Emu Point plans on running another Jack Attack in January 2024, aiming to contact all the bowlers this year. Inviting them to participate once again. Additionally, others have showed interest in playing next time as they unfortunately missed out previously.

The event has introduced the game of Bowls to a number of new people and the club has set up a successful initiative to gather more members for the future.

With a trial of another Jack Attack Competition on Sunday afternoons later this year it’s only a matter of time before new members enter the club.

Those involved have organised an event that engages with its community on and off the green, a great representation of the Bowls WA Grant program that aims to have member clubs positively connect with more people, in more ways, more often.

Men's IZRR

Southern Zone claim men's IZRR

The Denison Bowling Club on behalf of the Northern Zone hosted the CBH sponsored 2023 Men’s Inter Zone Round Robin on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th February.

The weather was expected to be hot and uncomfortable and it shaped up that way with the Friday practice day particularly uncomfortable with many players choosing to wait until late in the day before going onto the greens.

Fortunately the weather gods were on our side with Saturday and Sunday turning out to be much more comfortable and the early cool breeze keeping temperatures at a manageable level.

The first round of matches on Saturday morning saw South Western Zone up against Southern Zone and Northern Zone taking on defending champions Eastern Zone.

South Western Zone jumped out of the blocks quickly to establish a lead and to eventually run out winners 97-79 aggregate and three rinks to two rinks

Darren Wilkinson (sk) Troy Wilkinson, Gary Rundle, Michael Spadaccini were the big winners for the South Western Zone 27-16.

While Tim O’Meehan (sk), Charles Russell, Andrew McFarlane, Robert Marinoni had a 17-14 win for the Southern Zone.

The Eastern Zone also came out firing against host zone Northern and had a commanding 116-85 shot aggregate win with three rinks to two.

Matthew France (sk), Ron Treasure, Eric Tenardi, Mathew Hudson lead the charge for Eastern with a 31-9 shot win.

Northern’s Bradley King (sk), Jon Trotter, Ian Carlshausen, Warwick Glenister came a way with a 21-15 win to help with rink points.

Saturday afternoon saw the two losing zones in the 1st round, up against the two winning zones with Eastern Zone versus Southern Zone and South Western Zone taking on Northern Zone. Southern Zone found their feet quickly even though they had to change greens and built a sizeable lead. Eastern Zone threatened to get back into the fixture a couple of times but Southern were to good and were never headed with an 111-81 aggregate win. Tim O’Meehan (sk), Charles Russell, Andrew McFarlane, Robert Marinoni led the charge for Southern with a 26-10 win. While the rink of Ashley Sharp (sk), Maurice Crameri, Michael Currie, Greg Jones were the only Eastern Zone winners with a 21-18

Northern Zone were also required to change greens as Southern Zone did, and they also jumped away quickly to open up a lead over South Western. South Western fought back on a number of rinks but Northern were still able to win four of the five rinks and an 111-93 aggregate win. Northern Zones, Shane Giudice-Nairn (sk), Michael Ford, Michael Walton, Mark Adams had the biggest margin with a 27-17 rink win.

• Northern Bowling Zone.

• Eastern Bowling Zone.

• South Western Bowling Zone.

• Southern Bowling Zone

Darren Wilkinson (sk), Troy Wilkinson, Gary Rundle, Michael Spadaccini were the sole South Western rink winner with a 2421 score.Going into the last round on Sunday morning all zones had one win each with Northern Zone and Southern Zone on top of the ladder with six rink wins each while South Western and Eastern had four rink wins each.

South Western and Eastern Zones matched up to each other with both zones not only needing an aggregate win but also most of the rinks to be a chance at the trophy.

Eastern Zone started really well and by the three quarter mark had established nearly a 30 shot aggregate lead and a majority of the rinks.

But then a change came over the game and all South Western rinks started to motor home and eventually overwhelmed the Eastern Zone to take a big come from behind aggregate 9387.

However, with only three rink wins, it looked unlikely they could overhaul either Northern or Southern Zone unless they had an aggregate draw.

South Western Zones Mark Simpson (sk), Glenn Dunn, Leon Birch, Robert Plater lead the charge with a 22-9 win. While Matthew France (sk), Ron Treasure, Eric Tenardi, Mathew Hudson were the standout for Eastern Zone with a 27-12 win.

On the other green the two ladder leaders were fighting it out for the overall trophy due to their number of rink wins from previous rounds.

Southern Zone started strongly but Northern Zone were never far away and by the halfway mark the two sides were exchanging leads on the aggregate board.

First Southern would push ahead and then Northern would go to the front for a short time. It wasn’t until the last few ends that Southern eventually took a match winning lead and were able to just protect the big scores rather than having to go on the offensive.

When the dust settled Southern took the aggregate 98-94 and with three rink wins, took the title. For Southern, Johnathon Davidson (sk), Richard Schinzig, Richard Plant, Dean Offer played a large part of the win with a 21-14 score. Stephen Fewster (sk), Chad Eva, Richie Morcombe, Kent McConnell kept Northern Zone in it for a long time with a 27-18 win.

Congratulations to Northern’s Bradley King (sk), Jon Trotter, Ian Carlshausen, Warwick Glenister on being the only rink with 3 wins, showing hop tight the competition was.

Final

Country vs Metro selections:

With an incredibly difficult job, the Zone selectors named the Country Side to take on the Metropolitan Side at Osborne Park at 6.30pm on Thursday 2nd March.

1 A .Sharp

2 M. Simpson G. Keep S. Fewster

Twist

3 W. Holt G .Main R. Schinzig J .Flavel

4 D. Wilkinson C. Schell D. Cliff M. Spadacini

5 B. King T. O’Meehan K .Furniss B. Hirsch

6 S. Giudice-Nairn M.Ford M. Walton M .Adams Reserves: M France, J Davidson, W Glenister. Manager: P. Manning.

Women's ILRR – Northern Zone

Batavia win ILRR

Northern Zone

The Northern Bowling League ILRR Fours were held at Jurien Bowling Club over the weekend 3-5th February.

Due to the extreme heat the first round was delayed until 6.30pm Friday night under the new lights. The players were then back at 7.30am Saturday morning to enable the second round to be played before the temperature rose to 42degrees.

The players returned to their accommodation and the airconditioning until 3.30pm for the 3rd round to start at 3.45pm.

It was very pleasant for all involved to be greeted by a beautiful cool Sunday morning allowing the fourth round to be played at its normal time of 9.00am.

The whole weekend was very successful with the Batavia Bowling League coming in first followed by Central West Coast, Central Midlands, Moore, then North Midlands.

Women's ILRR – Eastern Zone

Avon win ILRR Eastern Zone

From the 3rd February to the 5th February the Women’s 2023 Eastern Zone Inter League Round Robin commenced at York Bowling Club.

The event saw some strong bowls and competition alongside the challenge that the heat presented, with temperatures reaching as high as 41˚. Due to the hot temperatures the Friday games started in the evening at 6pm whilst Saturday allowed for round two to get underway at 8.30am.

A quick lunch saw to bowlers back on the green and competing to finish the next round before the temperature could intervene by reaching 38˚+. Sunday led to a similar schedule as Saturday with round four starting at 8.00am. After a successful weekend of Bowls Avon Valley were announced the winners with runners up East Avon.

Selections for Zone Fours: Skipper Third Second Lead

K. Gobbart N. Keeffe M.J ohnson E. Watson

C. Vanderende A. Mcpherson K. Lehmann C. Dickerson

J. Adam J. Enright F. Panting K. Bryan

P. Belcher C. Rennie M. Kupsch D. Knight

K. Whyte J. Lawton I. Stokes C. Lewis

Reserves: M. Eaton, L. Leeson, C. Lucas, K. Hedland.

Travelling Reserve: M. Eaton.

Manager: Audrey Williamson.

Country vs Metro Selection: Skipper Third Second Lead

K. Gobbart N. Keeffe M. Johnson E. Watson

K. Whyte J. Lawton I. Stokes C. Lewis

J. Adam P. Belcher M. Kupsch J. Enright

Information supplied by the Northern Bowling Zone.

Selections for Zone Fours: Skipper Third Second Lead

C. Ashworth I. Leahy J. Jones M. Peck

K. Poultney J. Smith J. Harvey S .Courboules

D. Hudson V. Quinn D. Jones C. Gimbel

S. Smith N. Chattaway M. Smith S. Collins

J. Lancaster H. Moylan V. Miguel J. McLean

Reserves: S. Jacobs, C. Crane, M. Robinson, D. Haywood. Manager: M.Dal.

Country vs Metro Selection: Skipper Third Second Lead

C. Ashworth I. Leahy V .Quinn C Gimbel

J. Lancaster H. Moylan C. Crane S. Courboules

S. Smith D. Hudson J. Jones J. McLean

Reserves: J. Smith, N. Chattaway, J. Harvey, S. Collins

Manager: M.Bird.

Information supplied by the Avon Valley League.

• Players selected for IZRR Fours.

• Players selected for IZRR Fours.

Women's ILRR – Southern Zone

Lower Great Southern win Fours

The Women’s Southern Bowling Zone Ladies ILRR Fours was held over the weekend of 10th to 12th February 2023 in Albany at Middleton Beach Bowling Club.

With three ladder changes over the course of the weekend, competition was close for claiming the win.

Lower Great Southern pulled ahead however, claiming the victory by just half a rink win with 14 rink wins from runner up being Great Southern with 13.5 rink wins.

Kelly Allsop tribute

Kelly Allsop excelled at all sports

Gifted sportsman and hard-working member of the Dunsborough Bowling Club, Kelly Allsop, died January 31st 2023 just six month short of his 90th birthday.

Allsop was awarded life membership from the Dunsborough and Districts Country Club, home of his beloved bowling club, in 2019.

That was his second life membership having received such an honour from the Busselton Football Club many years ago.

Kelly Allsop was one of those rare people who excelled at any sport he chose to pursue. He played 58 games for the Claremont Football Club where he received the Fairest and Best Award and leading goal kicker in his first season.

Moving to the South-West Football League Allsop quickly stamped his style of game with success. He played 120 games for Busselton, played in two premierships, was captain coach of the 1964 premiership team when he won the Pike Medal for best on ground and he was named coach for the 'Team of the Century' 1955-2004 to boot.

After retiring from playing and coaching football Allsop joined the Country Club in Dunsborough with the intention of 'walking around the golf course' but was quickly enticed to have 'a crack at lawn bowls'.

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Kelly won many club titles from pairs to fours and mixed games but his singles championship record may never be broken. He won ten singles titles with eight of them in succession. His last winning club championship game was the fours in 2018 when 85 years old. In that same year, Allsop was still playing pennants for his club.

• Kelly Allsop.

He was simply a magician on the green. When the championship draws were announced one could hear audible sighs either of happiness or frustration because someone was going to play the Little Master.

But his gentle manner towards all opponents should be bottled. He had an attitude that winning and losing are really impostors and one should treat those two impostors just the same.

Kelly Allsop had a full and happy life. Bowlers will retain their memories of him and like many other greats, his achievements will always be a subject after the game over a drink or three. Vale Kelly. It has been a privilege to know you.