Jack Hi Winter 2022 Edition 128

jack hi A BOWLS WA PUBLICATION

Edition 128 Winter 2022

Awards Night • Bowlers of the Year • Clubs of the Year • Volunteer of the Year • Club Coach of the Year

State Teams Selected Page 12

Kathy Gobbart • Hall of Fame Inductee • Women's Country Bowler of the Year

Commonwealth Games Wrap • History Books rewritten!

2

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2021

jack hi

Our Cover

jack hi A BOWLS WA PUBLICATION

Edition 128 Winter 2022

Jack Hi Editorial

with Aaron DELAPORTE

Awards Night

Welcome to another edition of Jack Hi and what a special edition this one is.

It is always wonderful to see people recognized for their achievements whether they are on or off the green within our great sport as we have so many people with such a diverse range of personalities and skill sets but most importantly they are have such great passion for our sport.

Being part of the Bowls WA Awards Night is definitely one of the more rewarding aspects of my job. In this edition we again recognize and celebrate our best achievers from 2021/22, I won’t single any particular award out here but the entire second half of the magazine pages 18-35 are dedicated to all our award winners – well done to all of you.

The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham was a triumph for the Australian Jackaroos with the first ever haul of gold for the Australia team in the United Kingdom. The highlight from a Western Australian perspective was the last bowl victory of the Women’s Pairs which featured our very own Kristina Krstic. I’m sure a lot of people where like me and on the edge of their seat barracking along and equally ecstatic. A lot of hard work and preparation went into these games and we have covered all the Australian teams results on page 10.

By the time the next edition of Jack Hi rolls around we will back on the greens in fierce competition with our state players in action on the Gold Coast at the Nationals. You can see who has made the WA sides on page 12.

Features in this issue Commonwealth Games Wrap 10

Men's Masters Singles

17

Small Metro Club of the Year 29

Country Club of the Year

33

State Teams Selected

• Bowlers of the Year • Clubs of the Year • Volunteer of the Year • Club Coach of the Year

Page 12

Kathy Gobbart • Hall of Fame Inductee • Women's Country Bowler of the Year

Commonwealth Games Wrap • History Books rewritten!

• Kathy Gobbart – Hall of Fame Inductee.

Contents President’s Report..................................4 CEO’s Report.........................................5 Inclusive Practices/Multi Bowls Teams...6-7 From the Umpires..................................8 From the Country Director.......................9 Commonwealth Games Wrap................10 WA State Teams selected for Nationals....12 Mal Dempsey......................................13 Champion of Champions.......................14 Mixed State Pairs.................................16 Jack Hi Rankings.................................16 Men's Masters Singles..........................17 Awards Night.......................................18 Under 18 Bowler of the Year.................19 Club Official of the Year.........................20 Volunteer of the Year.............................22 Club Coach of the Year.........................23 Men's O60s Bowler of the Year..............24 Women's O60s Bowler of the Year..........25 Kathy Gobbart – Hall of Fame................26 Metro Club of the Year..........................28 Small Metro Club of the Year.................29 Men's Bowler of the Year.......................30 Women's Bowler of the Year..................31 Small Country Club of the Year .............32 Country Club of the Year.......................33 Men's Country Bowler of the Year...........34 Women's Country Bowler of the Year......35

Submissions Clubs are reminded that the copy deadline for the next issue is 24th October 2022.

Please email club articles to: aaron@bowlswa.com.au

C ampbell design

Jack Hi is produced for BowlsWA by Campbell Design.

PO Box 1061 West Leederville Western Australia 6901.

Greg Campbell: gregcam@iinet.net.au Phone: 08 9440 5863 • 0411 220 239.

©Copyright. No part of this publication maybe reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Jack Hi are not necessarily those of Bowls WA. Bowls WA believes that the material produced in this publication is accurate, but gives no warranty in relation thereto and disclaims all liability for claims against Bowls WA, Campbell Design, its employees, agents or any to her person which may rise from any persons’ action on the materials contained herein.

1st floor, 158 Main Street Osborne Park WA 6017 PO Box 123 Osborne Park WA 6917 Phone: 9340 0800. Fax: 9340 0888.

Website: www.bowlswa.com.au President: Doug Kelly. CEO: Ken Pride Editor: Aaron Delaporte All issues of Jack Hi are available from our website: www.bowlswa.com.au

From the President

Doug KELLY

Our Strategic Plan unveiled Hopefully by now many have read our Strategic Plan that was released prior to the AGM. It is a very purposeful, clear roadmap of what we need to achieve, how to do it and how to measure it.

This is a working document and to achieve our goals everyone involved in bowls must work together to grow our Clubs and our sport.

Over 1000 bowling members had input into the plan which was impressive, followed by some refinement from our working group, then formatted by Mike McLaughlin Sports Consultancy who has reflected our intent into this document.

As it should, our Strategic Plan has a degree of alignment with Bowls Australia which is helpful sharing the same goals, albeit with some geographic differences.

Winter Bowls As the season transitions from pennants to other forms of the game it doesn’t stop it just changes speed. The games are available seven days a week and we were still playing State Events in May and with record entries! Synthetics are certainly having a positive impact on clubs.

Blitz Season 2 of the Blitz was again successful. Initially designed as a competitive hit out for the State Squads during July and a final chance for selectors to finalise the State Sides.

Less than half of players involved are squad members so it is a great opportunity for others to show case themselves in front of the selectors.

I was involved this year managing a side and impressed with the complete buy in of all involved along with the sportsmanship shown.

The generosity of the host clubs, Kardinya, Thornlie and Cockburn was appreciated as were the officials who marked singles, umpired and kept everything moving.

Pieter Harris is very detailed in his planning and made it look easier than it actually was, thank you.

The Australian Championships follow on from this, so we will have quite a contingent of West Australians on the Gold Coast. We wish them all success and will work on getting this all to Perth in the future.

Pathways Progress Kristina and Cody deservedly are the big names in our High Performance, but the addition of Jack East, Segan Pasalich and Ruby Leggett into the Pathways Program is important for many reasons.

Therese Hastings has championed our cause in this area and her influence and input in keeping WA in the spotlight cannot be under estimated.

Therese’s legacy to bowls in WA and Australia as a player, selector, mentor and coach is outstanding and I am not sure has been acknowledged to the level it should be. Thank you Therese.

Commonwealth Games Golden girl Kristina has carved a piece of history that will be long remembered. The game was epic and the emotion after the final bowl will be replayed over and over. We are all extremely proud of Kristina and all involved in the overall success of bowls in the Commonwealth Games.

Welcome

State Sides

Country week is an iconic event in BWA calendar, and we welcome Phil Manning from Moora to the Board.

Phil brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enhance our team.

President Doug Kelly ( Meckering) returned Deputy President Judy Flannagan ( Binningup ) returned Directors Marc Abonnel ( Cockburn ) returned Glenda Cooper (North Beach) returned Phillip Manning (Moora) new director They will join incumbent Directors: Lee Bunney ( North Beach ) Lisa Featherby ( Mosman Park ) Appointed Director Vince Del Prete (Bassendean)

Congratulations to all those chosen for the 2022 Side Series in October.

The selectors job is not an easy one and I thank them for their time and commitment to the task.

Following the election a casual vacancy remains and the Board will use its institutional powers to consider that position in weeks ahead.

Stay safe and stay involved.

4

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

BWA 1770 bumper sticker.qxp_Layo

ut 1 8/9/17 3:15 pm Page 1

From the Chief Executive Officer

Ken PRIDE

VIS IT YO UR LO CA L BO WL O! GOT TALOVETHEBOWLO

.COM.AU

Changes seen in response to Forum Changes to the Extreme Weather Conditions of Play and progress on Open Gender highlighted the Club Forum held prior to the Annual General Meeting last month.

The changes made were in response to a previous Forum held in May which sought a lowering of the temperatures regulating play, a move towards consistency between Men’s and Women’s conditions and a broadening of regulations around Open Gender.

These changes were communicated to club executives in attendance and by the reaction on the day, well received.

In addition, the month of February will see Thursday midweek pennant commence at 4.00pm; an experiment that will look to alleviate traffic issues, dodge the heat of the day and hopefully see play on a balmy summer evening, before darkness sets in.

Again, an experiment, the outcomes of which will be discussed with clubs at season’s end.

Four-year Plan launched The Strategic Plan underpinning the Association’s activities for the next four years was similarly launched prior to the AGM. The Plan which was guided by sport consultancy firm McLaughlin Sports Consultants is heavily focused on club sustainability, both on and off green. The clear positioning of the Association is that Strong Clubs = Strong future and hence the projects within the Plan are based upon this position.

The Purpose of the Plan is clear and was drawn from an e-survey and more detailed interviews of club members throughout the State which is: To empower member clubs to positively connect with more people, in more ways.

It will be through this that we will seek an outcome of bowling clubs operating sustainable business models.

Club Development Strategy A major part of the overall 4-year Plan is the production of a Club Development Strategy.

The Strategy has followed along similar lines to the Plan, with all WA clubs afforded the chance to make comment through a detailed e-survey prepared once again by Consultant’s McLaughlin Sports.

Of the (203) WA clubs (116) took up the opportunity (67) country and (49) metropolitan – a good spread of responses.

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

This information has now been summarized in a Preliminary Findings and Opportunities Paper which will form the basis of a 4-hour workshop to drill into the outcomes and focus on future roles and responsibilities. By early October a final working version of the Plan is due to be completed and presented to clubs.

The Strategy will continue the Strategic Plan’s basis of empowering our clubs so they may be sustainable on and off the green.

The Nationals back on the agenda Congratulations to the (53) players that will represent WA in the teams events (Under 18s, Open and Over 60s) at The Nationals in October.

It has been some time coming given our COVID world over the past two years, but 'hopefully' our players will finally get the opportunity to show their wares against the very best in the country (and the world).

Selection was an exhaustive process through the Bowls Blitz competition, but there is always winners and losers in selection and we thank all the players who may consider themselves unlucky this time around. I know in speaking to selectors of all teams it was a very difficult process.

And in speaking of High Performance, could anything have been more special than our own Kristina Krstic claiming Gold in Birmingham. For those misguided few how could anyone now suggest that bowls is not exciting!

The finals 30 minutes of that match is as exciting as any sporting event I have seen – and believe me I have seen a few.

The to and fro of the match and the skills under enormous pressure of all four players was quite special.

The final bowl by skipper Ellen Ryan and the celebrations that followed will long live as one of Australia’s great sporting moments.

Advertise with us!

We offer very competitive rates for any advertising on our website or in the Jack Hi magazine.

Contact Aaron Delaporte for further information.

Tel: 08 9340 0800 or email: aaron@bowlswa.com.au or visit us on www.bowlswa.com.au

5

Inclusive Practices Officer

Denise McMILLAN

Striving for Personal Achievement from Grass Root Inclusion Programs to National Events…

2022 Bowling Arm State Championships The 2022 Bowling Arm State Singles tournament ran in early May at Warnbro Bowling Club featuring sectional play and alignment rounds on day one, while day two showcased quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final.

The alignment rounds were strong with three of the games finishing within four shots of the winner. On the second day quarter finals the players took some time to warm up with four solid wins leading into the semi-finals.

The semis were hard-fought battles with no player wishing to give up winning, but ultimately Bill Taylor (Safety Bay) and Fred Flanagan (Binningup) were the bronze medal finalists, and the two winners continuing to fight for Gold were Richard Passmore (Port Bouvard) and Eddie Gollan (Thornlie).

In an interesting twist we changed the format for the Bronze game from 25up to 21up up with the idea that the game would end prior to the Gold medal game – but in testimony of a hard battle the Bronze game outlasted the Gold game with Bill winning 21 over Fred’s 17.

(NOTE: 2023 format will change to Equal Thirds)

In the Gold rink Eddie and Richard went shot for shot, then Eddie gained the lead and Richard caught up only for Eddie to take the lead again and romp towards the end line winning 25 to Richards 10 – a brilliant game that is not reflected by the score!

• Photo: Richard Passmore (Silver), Taylore(Bronze), Fred Flanagan (4th).

Eddie

Gollan

(Gold),

Bill

2022 Inaugural Rebound Para Sport Festival at Yagan Square Perth hosted WA’s first disability sport and recreation festival, Rebound WA Para Sport Festival, in April at Yagan Square.

People of all ages tried a range of inclusive sports, met team members from the 2021 Wheelchair Rugby National Division 2 Gold Medallists, the West Coast Enforcers, and wheelchair basketball athletes.

Bowls WA hosted an information booth with plans to increase audience interaction next year hosting a Rookie Rollers setup.

• 2022 Para Sport Festival participants.

For information on Inclusive Practices please contact Denise McMillan on 0449 619 841 or denise@bowlswa.com.au

6

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

WA Para-Bowlers selected for Multibowl

By Denise McMillan

Bowls WA are pleased to announce the para-bowlers selected to compete at the 2022 Multibowl. This event, for physical disability athletes, will be hosted by Bowls Australia for the first time in its 30+ year history.

Players will gather at Mermaid Beach Bowls Club from September 30 to October 5 with the event to be run in tandem with the inaugural Bowls Australia Nationals at Broadbeach.

Each state and territory can enter a side of ten players, six men and four women, who compete in open gender triples and gender specific pairs and singles within an international classification system of B5/B6 and B7/B8 groupings.

WA is looking to improve their performance, after a twoyear absence with 2020 and 2021 cancelled due to Covid travel restrictions, with the addition of five new players from: • Pingelly – Michael Garrett and Clem Nottle • Yanchep – Jodie Nikolic • Kardinya – Diana Nixon • Morley – David Stephen These players will play alongside five of our established players from: • Dowerin – Wayne Allsopp • Thornlie – Eddie Gollan • Scarborough – Steve Murray • Mt Lawley – Lara Symons • Eaton – Maud Taylor Good luck and good bowling to all selected.

• Touch of Style winners Carol Ashworth, Coral Smith, Kerry Andersen and Patsy Smith.

Touch of Style – a success!

A very successful Touch of Style was held recently at the Victoria Park Carlisle Bowling Club.

Sponsored by Carlisle Liquor Barons the event included 96 of the state’s top female metropolitan and country bowlers.

The event was won by Kerry Andersen (Mosman Park), Carol Ashworth (York), Coral Smith (Sorrento) and Patsy Smith (Halls Head).

Tournament Director Carol Lee announced all placegetters and prizes were presented to the winners by Ladies Captain Faye Kelly. She also mentioned that the event was the only one of its kind in Australia, as country and city players were placed together, and this created a great spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

Second place went to Shaan Saunders (Osborne Park), Bev Broom (Kojonup), Robin Higgins (North Beach) and Susan Collins (York).

Third was Denise Kelly (Mosman Park), Maureen Heberle (Gnowangerup), Erica Andersson (Leeming) and Dot Glass (Northam).

Fourth place went to Bridget Michell (Newdegate), Carole Roe (North Beach), Shelley Bilney (Kojonup) and Annette Atthowe (Mosman Park). The Perpetual Trophy was presented to the winners by Tournament Director Carol Lee.

Advertise with us!

We offer very competitive rates for any advertising on our website or in the Jack Hi magazine.

Contact Aaron Delaporte for further information.

Tel: 08 9340 0800 or email: aaron@bowlswa.com.au or visit us on www.bowlswa.com.au • Jodie Nikolic from Yanchep will debut for WA at the Multibowl.

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

7

From the Umpires

Peter BARNETT

Get prepared for the new Season With a new pennant season fast approaching now is the time to: 1. Encourage your fellow club bowlers to become an Official by attending one of the new umpire’s accreditation courses in September/October.

2. Re-accredit by attending a re-accreditation assessment if your official’s accreditation has expired or is about to expire.

3. Review, service and replace if needs be, the contents of your clubs measuring equipment kit.

4. Learn about the changes for the upcoming Metro Pennants.

OR 5. Learn about any changes in your Country League Conditions of Play.

6. Draw up a roster of Umpires for your club events so that the Umpiring role is fairly shared.

Both New Umpires courses and Re-accreditation assessments require your Club’s endorsement. The enrolment forms and information about when and where they are held are available on the Bowls WA website.

Reviewing of Umpire’s Kits should include: • The kit has at least the equipment listed in law 54 of the Law Book.

• A set of trammels [ 3 in a set with overlapping lengths.]

• Trammel locking screws are working.

• Callipers of different overlapping lengths including the biggest calliper can measure a distance greater than the smallest trammel.

• The callipers are free of rust and the adjusting screws run freely on the thread.

• Feeler gauges are not damaged or rusted up.

• The long tape is not damaged or has been repaired in a way that changes the length.

• The Law Book is the current one [ Version 3.1 or 3.2].

• There are plenty of white strips and wedges as these seem to disappear as the season goes on.

• A measure that can accurately measure over the edge of the ditch. This can be either a 'peg string measure' OR a tape measure with a tail attached to the free end and a right angle bracket on the box end.

To learn about what is new for this season, the BWA Umpire’s Committee has scheduled some Rules Seminars that are open to all Bowlers to provide an update and to answer any of your questions. They will also, if invited, assist with any preseason briefings your club might organise.

In other news two of our Committee, Sue Hogg and Vicki Eva, have been officiating at the Commonwealth Games where they took the opportunity to discuss with the other officials how things are done in other countries.

They report that we are more progressive than the UK in the evolution of our game.

To get an invitation to officiate at the next Commonwealth Games, first you need to become an International Technical Official [ITO]: To to be considered first you will need to nominate for the next ITO assessments, due to resume, after Covid interruptions, in April 2023.

If you are interested let BWA know and the Umpire’s Committee will help you submit your nomination and prepare for the assessment.

The Commonwealth Games is also when World Bowls considers Law changes proposed by the member countries.

The proposals included quite a lot that were specific to the country making the proposal, hence not accepted by World Bowls as needed worldwide. The changes that remain we can expect to see in the next version of the Laws of the Sport of Bowls in the second half of 2023.

During the off-season Umpires and Markers were provided to the 'Bowls Blitz' events organised by BWA. If your club is looking for ways to make their own events more interesting then I suggest you review the Bowls Blitz, conditions of play for some ideas. In particular having a time limit rather than a specified number of ends, meant that there was very little waiting around for another game to finish.

C ampbell design Printing Management • Printing Consultancy For all your printing requirements, contact Greg Campbell for a discussion or quote.

Office: 08 9440 5863 • Mobile: 0411 220 239 Email: gregcam@iinet.net.au

8

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

From the Country Director

Ross WARBURTON

All leagues complete pennants season Having served for six years as Country Director I have made the decision to move on and let a new face take the reins Over this time, I have been fortunate to have attended a lot of events and meet many great people who most importantly all have a great passion for the sport of bowls.

I appreciated the support the late Presidents, Graham Leeks and Larry Bandy gave me as Country Director while I was on the Board. To Kerry Anderson who took the chair after Grahams passing, thank you for your support. To Doug Kelly, I wish you all the best in the future and thank you for the support you have given me.

To Ken Pride and the staff in the office I thank you for your support over the six years and wish you all the best in the future.

Country clubs whilst facing many challenges in modern times are often the social hub of the community providing much more than just a place to put a few bowls down.

The members who double as their volunteers kept the clubs going and more than ever have proved resilient in dealing with issues such as Covid over recent years.

I encourage Clubs to continue working hard to do the best they can to engage their community and bring new people into the sport. Remember we have two very capable Regional Bowls Managers in Clive Adams and Troy Kinnane who are very willing to help clubs in whatever capacity they may need.

• Ross Warburton with Small Country Club of the Year recipient Trevor Allington from Brookton Bowling Club

It was great to see our best Country Clubs and players recognized at the Bowls WA Awards Night along with the hard working Patsy Smith at Halls Head who won the inaugural Club Official of the Year Award. Congratulations and well done to all these winners who you can read more about later in this edition.

The 2022/23 season promises to be another big one and I would like to wish everyone the best both on and off the greens.

Country ILRR and IZRR schedule for 2022/23 Region

Men’s ILRR Fours

Ladies ILRR Pairs

Ladies ILRR Fours

EASTERN

Jan 6-8 Quairading

Nov 19-20 Kalgoorlie

Feb 4-5 York

NORTHERN

Jan 7-8 Dalwallinu

Nov 25-27 Geraldton

Feb 3-5 Jurien

SOUTHERN

Jan 6-8 Katanning

Nov 19-20 Gnowangerup

Feb 10-12 Middleton Beach

Jan 7-8 Donnybrook

Nov 16-17 Port Bouvard

Dec 7-8 Dudley Park

SOUTHWEST

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

Men’s IZRR Fours

Ladies IZRR Pairs

Ladies IZRR Fours

Feb 18-19 Corrigin Feb 4-5 Denison

March 11-12 Halls Head

9

Commonwealth Games Wrap –

by VAL FEBBO

Birmingham 2022, a tournament to be remembered amongst the Australian bowling fraternity for eternity…

History books rewritten!

The history books were rewritten for the Jackaroos, who topped the dais on three occasions on UK soil, a previously barren body of land that had quashed the hopes and dreams of the green and gold army for decades.

But not this year, with a maiden first-place final medal tally finish in Britain, and just the second ever first-place finish abroad, following Auckland 1990.

The Australian squad enjoyed their most successful overseas Commonwealth Games, eclipsing that of Auckland 1990 where the team also won a trio of gold, but two less silver medals than what the nation did this week.

To make the event even more special, in terms of medal tallies, this was Australia’s second most successful Games in history, only outdone by the five gold medals won at Gold Coast 2018.

Throughout the tournament, records were set, broken and matched, with members of the green and gold entering the realms of immortality on the greens of Royal Leamington Spa. Starting with Ellen Ryan, there were a number of firsts with her campaign.

The obvious one, the 25-year-old became the inaugural Australian gold medallist on UK soil, sending the Australian contingent in the crowd into frenzy and reducing some to tears of jubilation.

The Goulburn native is also the first Australian to win the women’s singles at the Commonwealth Games, as well as the first player in history to take home the singles and pairs gold at the same event, male or female thanks to her second gold medal with Kristina Krstic in the pairs.

That final itself will go down as one of the all time greats, with Ryan’s final bowl arguably now the most monumental in Australian bowls history.

For Krstic, she becomes the first female Commonwealth Games gold medallist from Western Australia, overcoming a barrage of travel restrictions over the past two years and becoming a state hero.

She joins Bert Sharp as the state’s only Games conquerors.

Switching tact to Aaron Wilson and his men’s singles triumph made him the first player since David Bryant in 1978 to defend the men’s singles crown at the Games, the pair stand alone as the only ever to achieve the feat.

The man affectionately known as Disco joined Bryant as the only player to ever win multiple men’s singles gold medals, and with the 2026 event staged in Bendigo, his town of birth, a third might not be out of the question.

10

• Ellen Ryan and Kristina Krstic – gold medal winners.

Ryan and Wilson have joined Carla Krizanic, Rebecca Van Asch and Natasha Van Eldik with the most gold medals at the Commonwealth Games by Australian bowlers, all of which have two.

In terms of medals, Barrie Lester claimed a fourth career medal with a silver in the men’s triples to equal Karen Murphy and Nathan Rice with the most ever medals won by Australian bowlers at the Games.

In the para women’s pairs, Cheryl Lindfield and Serena Bonnell became the nation’s first ever non-visually impaired female para medallists, both on debut at the multi-sport competition.

Joining Ryan, Krstic, Lindfield and Bonnell in receiving medallions in their first Commonwealth Games were Carl Healey, Ben Twist, Damien Delgado and Chris Flavel.

It has been a magnificent week for the sport, country and team, Birmingham 2022 is now firmly cemented in Australian bowls folklore.

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

THE TRUE VALUE OF ANY HOME, IS THE LIFE INSIDE. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, rent or invest visit professionals.com.au

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

11

2022 National Championships

WA teams announced for Nationals The State Selection Panel is pleased to announce all the State Teams that will compete at the National Championships at the Broadbeach Bowling Club on the Gold Coast.

First up, the Under 18 Championships will be played over 2 days on Friday, September 30th and Saturday, October 1st.

Each player will play two disciplines with the boy’s pairs and triples played on day 1 and the singles and fours played on day 2. Selectors have not decided on exact positions for the players at the moment, this will be done in the near future.

Unfortunately, WA is unable to send a Girl’s team this year due to a lack of players.

Western Australian Men’s Over 60s The Over 60s will be next on the Broadbeach greens, starting at 4.00 pm on Sunday, October 2nd and concluding on Wednesday, October 5th.

Skip

Third

Second

Lead

Chris Lander

Gary Keep

Grant Nicol

Greg Taylor

Eric Johannes Neville Stevens Ross Bolton Jerome Clayton John Goddard Kevin Pickering Steve Cerff

Gordon King

Western Australian Under 18 Boys Segan Pasalich

Osborne Park

Cam Wellington

Harvey

Callum Alberti

South Perth

Brock Kilmurray

Dandaragan

Tom Brooks

Dandaragan

Western Australian Women’s Over 60s Skip Lee Poletti

Third

Second

Kerry AndersenLexie Webster

Lead Irene Arndt

Kaye Blackwell Rhona Prosser Liz Matthews Pauline Bourne Noelene Abe Sharon Whana Bev Davidson

Irene Leahy

The last of the selected State Teams to take to the greens will be the Open State Teams starting at 4.00 pm on Thursday, October 6th, and concluding on Sunday, October 9th. After the State Teams have finished, the Australian Championships will commence on Monday, October 10th. Specific dates for each discipline will be provided in the future.

Western Australian Men’s Open Skip

Third

Second

Lead

Cody Packer

Dave Rankin

Warren Holt

Cameron Harris

Blake Nairn

Clive Adams

Dale Marsland

Jack East

Anthony Williams

Shane Knott

Bill Brandsma

Russell Bates

Skip

Third

Second

Lead

Kristina Krstic

Chris Ace-Watson

Shaan Saunders

Linda Warburton

Lisa Featherby

Robyn O'Brien

Denise Kelly

Shari Solly

Laura Merz

Hailey Packer

Kaitlin Tyrell

Jenny Parker

Western Australian Women’s Open

12

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

Half a century of Bowls for Mal The North Beach Bowling Club was thrilled to present a 50 badge of a different kind at their recent presentation night when Mal Dempsey was acknowledged for his 50 years of bowling membership at the club – our first member to reach the milestone.

Mal joined NBBC in 1972, two years after starting his bowling journey as an inaugural member of the Beacon Bowling Club.

Mal has been a part of 5 pennant winning sides in 1976/77 for Saturday 3rd division, 1988/89 for Saturday 1 Blue, 1996/97 Midweek 1 Red, 1999/2000 Saturday 1 White and 2017/18 Saturday 4th division.

He has been the Men’s Singles champion three times, won the Men’s Pairs three times, Triples six times, the Fours a massive thirteen times and has a mixed fours title to his name with his beloved Alma.

He has also had success at state level, winning the Champion of Champion Triples in 1980.

Off the green, Mal has been a massive contributor to the club’s success. As President of the North Beach Sportsmen’s Club for 6 years, he led the major extensions made to the clubrooms.

He was the NBBC president in 1984/85 and then for another 6 years from 2009 to 2015. Mal has been a selector at the club, spent many years coaching new bowlers at the club and been a sponsor for more than 40 years.

In addition to his work at North Beach, Mal was on the Bowls WA Executive for two years, Director of Coaching for Bowls in WA for two years, served three years as a State selector and one as the Manager of the State Team.

He was a member of the State Coaching panel, initiated the State Side coaching program and was the Inaugural Chair of the Bowls WA Hall of Fame Committee.

He is a life member of the Master Builders WA Bowling Club, having joined in 1976 and serving thirteen years from 19982012 as its President and two years as Vice President 199697.

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

• Mal Dempsey with daughter Glenda.

Mal was made a life member of North Beach in 1990, has C Green named after him and the trophy for the MVP of the clubs’ men’s top pennant team is named in his honour.

His love for bowls and service to the game has been passed on to his children, with son Ross being a former WA State player and State Singles winner and daughter Glenda being the Ladies Captain at NBBC and a Director of Bowls WA.

13

Champion of Champions Due to the rescheduling of the Australian Championships the Champion of Club Championship Singles was moved to the later date of May 14-15. The event still attracted strong fields with 56 entries in the Men’s competition and 42 in the Women’s and was played in cool temperatures of around 20 degrees. Due to previous rain the Yokine greens were a touch on the slower than normal side but ran well giving all bowlers their chance.

Men

Women

Mitchell too strong for gallant Holt

, Kathy Gobbart s first Champions win

The Men’s event saw many familiar faces line up to do battle including several WA state representatives who all progressed through sectional play. The round of 16 saw some great matches played.

The pick of these involved two past winners with John Goddard (Hopetoun) defeating Thomas Mitchell (Manning) 21-18 in a real thriller.

In a battle of the young guns Jack East (Osborne Park) played Dan Nicholls (Sorrento) which saw Jack come home 21-20 in a very tight affair. Likewise Nic Reagan (North Perth) defeated Gavin Faulkner (Doubleview) 2120 in another great match whilst Drew Daley (Mosman Park) upset one of the favourites Clive Adams (Cambridge) 21-15.

The quarter finals again produced some terrific match ups. Matthew Mitchell (Emu Point) defeated Glenn Pauling (South Perth) 21-15, John Goddard defeated Jack East 21-14, Warren Holt (Wagin) defeated Nic Reagan 21-11 and Dave Rankin (Kardinya) defeated Drew Daley 21-16.

This setup the semi-finals were Warren Holt overcame John Goddard 25-21 and Matthew Mitchell got the better of Dave Rankin 25-17 to set up an all country final for the first time since 1989.

Fitting for how the competition had played out the final was another great match. Matthew Mitchell eventually ran out the winner 25-22 over a gallant Warren Holt.

In the Women’s competition the majority of favoured players once again progressed through sectional play.

The round of 16 saw two notable upsets with Linda Warburton (Mosman Park) defeated by Carol Ashworth (York) 21-19 and Irene Arndt (Safety Bay) defeated by Coral Thorn (Thornlie) 21-17.

Those two winners then met in the quarter finals were Thorn progressed 21-14. Kathy Gobbart (Gingin) had a monster 21-2 victory over Karen Gibbs (Cockburn), Laura Merz (Manning) defeated Isobelle Davies (Melville) 21-10, Lisa Smith (Perth and Tattersalls) defeated Jenni McLaughlin (North Beach) 21-11.

Lisa Smith was in great form in the semi finals recording a 21-9 win over Coral Thorn whose great run came to an end.

The other semi final was a great affair worthy of a final. In the end Kathy Gobbart got the better of • Kathy Gobbart.

Laura Merz 25-21.

The final proved to be another good encounter however Kathy Gobbart was able to hold sway and finish strongly over Lisa Smith to claim her first Champion of Club Championship Singles victory.

No doubt Kathy was elated with her win and probably breathing a sigh of relief after having been runner-up on four separate occasions.

Congratulations to our two Country champions Matthew Mitchell and Kathy Gobbart who will now represent WA at the Nationals at the Broadbeach Bowling Club,, September 30 – October 1, 2022.

14

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

15

2022 State Mixed Pairs

Opie and Morss win Mixed Pairs

WA BOWLS RANKINGS

Based on prestigous events over 3 years

MEN Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 11 12 13 14 14 16 17 18 19 20

Name Nairn, Blake Marsland, Dale Opie, Justin Packer, Cody Slavich, John Mitchell, Matthew Adams, Clive Trewhella, Daniel Holt, Warren Rankin, Dave Mitchell, Thomas Downey, David Pauling, Glenn East, Jack Such, Lee Bates, Russell Eagles, Bruce Faulkner, Gavin Biddle, Connor Knott, Shane

Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Name Featherby, Lisa Packer, Hailey Krstic, Kristina Merz, Laura Warburton, Linda Andersen, Kerry O'Brien, Robyn Hastings, Therese Solly, Shari Poletti, Lee Abe, Noelene Saunders, Shaan Kelly, Denise Masters, Amanda Morss, Helen Heal, Helen Blackwell, Kaye Tyrrell, Kaitlin Bruce, Jennie Ace-Watson, Chris

Club Cambridge Mosman Park South Perth Osborne Park Doubleview Emu Point Cambridge Manning Wagin Kardinya Manning Manning South Perth Osborne Park South Perth Doubleview Sorrento Doubleview Osborne Park Manning

Total 356 231 215 214 201 181 178 159 134 134 130 128 99 96 96 87 71 64 57 53

WOMEN

• Justin Opie and Helen Morss, winners of the State Mixed Pairs.

The State Mixed Pairs again increased in numbers with record entries playing the sets play format. Long days were required to ensure it finished on the same weekend, but all players were in high spirits and enjoying the competition The final at the Leeming Bowling Club was played in perfect conditions starting late on the Sunday afternoon and finishing under the lights. The combination of Helen Morss and Justin Opie (South Perth) took control early by winning the first set 8-3 over Doug Kelly (Meckering) and Denise Kelly (Mosman Park).

The Kelly pairing started the second set very slowly and it looked all over with Morss leading 5-0 and holding with only one Doug Kelly bowl remaining. However, Kelly was able to handle the pressure and get the shot to kickstart their comeback. Winning the final five ends in the set, Kelly clawed his way over the line and take the second set 6-5 to set up the one end tiebreak.

With a wide open final head early, Opie was able to draw the shot in the leading position and it was to remain for the rest of the end with Kelly going through holes as he strived to get the match winning shot. In the end Helen Morss and Justin Opie prevailed 8-3, 5-6, 1-0 to win the 2021-22 Mixed State Pairs Championship.

16

Club Mosman Park Manning Manning Manning Mosman Park Mosman Park Manning Guilderton North Beach Mosman Park Corrigin Osborne Park Mosman Park Osborne Park South Perth Manning North Beach Osborne Park Busselton Mosman Park

Total 347 320 295 249 202 162 143 136 134 123 118 118 111 102 100 95 89 82 77 72

Advertise with us!

We offer very competitive rates for any advertising on our website or in the Jack Hi magazine.

Contact Aaron Delaporte for further information.

Tel: 08 9340 0800 or email: aaron@bowlswa.com.au or visit us on www.bowlswa.com.au

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

, 2022 Men s Masters Singles

Faulkner wins delayed Masters The rescheduled finals day of the Mount Lawley Mens Masters Singles was held Sunday 12th June. A strong field having previously competed in May when a big storm halted play at the quarter final stage.

Eight players were scheduled to resume in the quarter finals where rain again interrupted play however the event was able to be concluded.

Unfortunately Wagin’s Warren Holt and Gingin’s Stephen Beckwith had withdrawn as they were on the Gold Coast at the Australian Open and Harvey’s David Goddard could not take his place due to contracting Covid. It was a bitter blow for Goddard who had proven to be the surprise packet of the tournament.

The 32yo who has only been bowling for a few seasons looks to have a bright future. He claimed the scalps of Justin Opie and Blake Nairn before Covid ruined his chances.

The completion of the quarter finals saw Joondalup’s Jimmy Buchanan after a slow start get up to beat Eaton’s Robert Bowron 25-23. The second of the quarter finals that resumed between Doubleview’s Gavin Faulkner and Meadow Spring’s Mike Lee resulted in a win for Gavin 25-19 and direct entry into the final.

Doubleview’s John Slavich moved through as his opponent winning the only semi final played, John played a great game to beat Jimmy Buchanan 25-17.

The all Doubleview final saw Gavin and John locked at 5 all in the early stage of the game. Gavin then had a very productive run of ends and moved out to lead 18-8.

When John won the mat he played a handful of ends tee to tee and in the very windy conditions drew within a couple of shots before Gavin played a great third bowl to win the end and get hold of the mat leading 18-16.

Gavin changed the length, back to his preferred short ends and went on to win 25-18.

The win obviously meant a lot to him as he was able to emulate his late father Neville Faulkner who had won the same event back in 1992.

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

• Gavin Faulkner with John Slavich.

The final finished under lights which was appropriate as the event was Sponsored by Stiles Electrical and B Green where the final was played did not have any lights until installed in March this year.

Mt Lawley Bowling Club thanks all the players who participated especially the finalists who battled some tough conditions and looks forward to hosting the event once again in 2023.

17

2022 Annual Awards Night

BowlsWA, crowns season s best • Clive Adams

by AARON DELAPORTE

The Bowls WA Awards Night Dinner was held at the Royal Perth Golf Club on Friday 3rd June with 170 people in attendance as the best performers on and off the green were recognised for the 2021/2022 season.

The voice of bowls Clive 'Rinkside Live' Adams was back in the MC role hosting the presentations and interviewing the winners of the respective awards through-out the evening.

Bowls WA President Doug Kelly welcomed the packed room whilst reflecting on what had been another challenging but rewarding year for the sport. He also made special mention on the passing of previous President Larry Bandy and his great contribution to Bowls WA along with recognising the various contributions made by those in room which included Sponsors, Board members and staff, committee members, club representatives, volunteers, coaches, officials and players.

Geoff Baker MLA South Perth was the special guest for the evening who made mention of the importance of bowls clubs and the sport of bowls to the community within WA along with the state governments continued commitment to funding through grants for clubs which helped improve facilities within clubs. Geoff later came back to the stage to help present the Metropolitan Club of the Year Awards.

The highlight of the evening was the induction of Kathy Gobbart into the Bowls WA Hall of Fame, the 39th person to receive this honour. Over a long and illustrious career Kathy had won numerous major titles and represented WA including being part of the Australian Side Series Champions team in 2011. Kathy showed in the recent season she is still a big force on the green winning the Women’s Country Week Singles and the Champion of Club Champions Singles.

She was also presented with the Penny Needham Brooch as Women’s Country Bowler of the Year, which is now the sixth time she has won it. In possibly the biggest spread ever at an Awards dinner, thirteen different clubs were either recognised or had individuals who claimed awards.

This included Patsy Smith from Halls Head who claimed the inaugural Club Official of the Year Award, Marilyn Bradbury from Merriwa AFA Club Coach of the Year and Carol Lee

18

• Doug Kelly

at Victoria Park Carlisle with Volunteer of the Year in what was undoubtedly the toughest category to judge with many excellent nominations put forward.

David Downey and Hailey Packer both from Manning Bowling Club were presented with their respective Presidents medal and brooch on the night for winning the blue-ribbon Championship State Singles.

It was no surprise to then see Manning announced as Club of the Year having won both Men’s and Women’s Premier League titles, their on green achievements were exceptional however the club also continues to work hard on many aspects off the green which no doubt contribute to their success.

Mt Lawley who returns to Premier League some sixty years after previous being there were celebrated as the Small Metropolitan Club of the Year, the club achieve a remarkable seven pennant promotions plus were extremely active off the green. Their lighting project was recognised by President Terry Conley who stole the fashion stakes wearing a bright pink jacket which represents the legacy of a life member of the club whom he honoured on the night.

Brookton and Gingin Bowling Clubs were recognised as the top country clubs for the season with Emu Point’s Matthew Mitchell the Men’s Country Bowler of the Year whilst Blake Nairn won his second Rosenthal Medal with another outstanding season.

Mosman Park’s Lisa Featherby took her first Women’s Bowler of the Year title in what was a superb season in which she played in the finals of six major events. Some great recognition for Lisa after plenty of hard work to achieve these results.

In summary from all the acceptance speeches and comments made on the night it was clear to note that bowls still really is a community sport where clubs rely heavily on the teamwork and willingness of their volunteer members to pitch in and contribute to the success whilst many individuals rely on the support of teammates and their clubs.

In addition, its family loved ones who often make sacrifices so that those with a passion for the sport can play or contribute within their clubs as many award winners recognised the significance of those people who were specially thanked for the enormous support they play.

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

Awards Night 2022 Under 18s Bowler of the Year

Callum looks to have bright future The first award presented at the Bowls WA Awards Night was for the Under 18 Bowler of the Year. The recipient is possibly the youngest ever to grace the stage at an official Awards Dinner with the very promising junior Callum Alberti from South Perth who is just 13 years old being named the winner.

Callum appears to have an extremely bright future in bowls given he claimed the Under 18 Singles and Pairs in the same year whilst also having a very successful pennant season with his club South Perth, finishing as the highest ranked played in the 1st Blue South competition with 13 wins and just four losses. Callum also showed he is a very mature person for his age, setting a high benchmark for acceptance speeches on the night when interviewed by Master of Ceremonies Clive Adams.

A huge fan of the Perth Suns Callum is setting his sights on a good performance for WA at the upcoming Nationals where he is sure to be part of the Under 18 WA State Team.

Although the team is yet to be announced Callum will surely be joined by Segan Pasalich who was also a finalist for the Award and finished runner-up in the Singles to Callum whilst partnering with him to win the Pairs.

A keen sportsman who also enjoys basketball Callum is keen to push for a Premier League position at South Perth where he can join his father Tyrone in the top grade competition and hopes to continue to improve on his game in future years.

Callum made special mention of his parents who have strongly supported him with his bowls and cheekily noted that his dad told him to say that.

He also thanked his many South Perth teammates who had been very encouraging and helpful along with his friendly adversary and pairs partner Segan Pasalich who had pushed him hard in the singles.

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

• Callum Alberti.

In what may now become tradition for a Bowls WA Award function following his Award Callum then become part of the official on stage duties helping the various award presenters through out the night with winners’ envelopes, badges, brooches, and trophies as they came to the stage for announcements.

Its fair to say that Callum now has the bowls world at his feet with many more championship events and awards within his grasp if he keeps working hard on his game and displaying the terrific attitude and play that has got him to this stage.

Congratulations once again to Callum, our Under 18 Bowler of the Year.

19

Awards Night 2022 Club Official of the Year

Inaugural Club Official Award A role that often requires long hours and certainly dedication to the sport Bowls WA was pleased for the first time to recognise the Club Officials who contribute so much to our game with the inaugural Club Official of the Year Award.

The award is directed towards the Match Committee and Umpires of our clubs that enable the vast majority of bowlers to simply to turn up and play.

The winner has spent not only the previous season in both these roles but many years, that person being Patsy Smith from Halls Head Bowling Club.

Bowls WA Board Member Vince Del Prete presented Patsy with her trophy on the night.

Patsy said her journey as an umpire basically started out through educating herself around the rules of the game, adding that her husband pointed out when she took on the role of Vice Captain after just a few years playing that she should get a rule book and learn the rules if she wanted to do the job properly.

“So I did that but I wasn’t an umpire and I really did study that book, so much that I thought I knew my rules really well.”

“We had very experienced bowlers who sometimes disagreed with me, so I thought I better do my umpires course.” Which of course added the credence she needed when issues around the rules arose.

As Master of Ceremonies Clive Adams noted Patsy has been an umpire for many, many, years with her knowledge no longer in question.

Patsy has also worked hard to help not only her club but many others in developing a software program called PAMI which assists in generating draws for round robin carnivals, she has worked on Match Committee at her club understanding the importance of how competitions are run successfully.

She also noted that the club has a big project happening at the moment, specifically around mentoring, etiquette, and helping new bowlers.

20

• Patsy Smith.

Something which she is helping with, and feels is very important for her club given how large it has grown. A tremendous contributor to our sport and a well deserved winner as our first Club Official of the Year we say well done once again to Patsy Smith.

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

BCIB Insurance Brokers, we work harder for you

Kristina Kristic is a BCIB Brand Ambassador

Contact the BCIB Team today: WA Account Manager Steve Glasson Ph: 0413 484 628 E: steve.glasson@bcib.com.au P (02) 4255 2855 F (02) 4255 2866 BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

E info@bcib.com.au

visit us online WWW.BCIB.COM.AU

21

Awards Night 2022 Volunteer of the Year

Carol Lee our top Volunteer We all know that the most important part of our sport are volunteers as they are the life blood of our clubs. This year many nominations were received and the judges had a difficult choice so it's worth reminding everyone of the finalists and congratulating them all for their efforts.

The finalists being: Albert Parravicini Bayswater Patricia Wardell-Johnson Ellenbrook Richard Young Hilton Park Peter Barrow Manning Ken McCabe North Perth Joan Bradshaw Scarborough Carol Lee Victoria Park Carlisle Bowls WA Board Member Vince Del Prete had the pleasure of announcing the winner noting the massive amount of work volunteers do within sport and recognising that National Volunteers Week had only just occurred.

Strong applause surrounded the room when Vince read out the winner’s name as Carol Lee from Victoria Park Carlisle.

Carol has been a stalwart at her club for many years or as Master of Ceremonies Clive Adams stated, “Put simply you’re the rock of Victoria Park Carlisle. There is barely a task you don’t do with just a few of them over the years being Tournament Director, Club Secretary, Council Liaison, Policy maker and Student program supervisor, so just about everything imaginable.”

So just why does Carol do so much at her club? Carol responded by saying “Well ever since I started playing bowls I’ve been involved in volunteering and running events. I was a teacher originally, so I guess it comes naturally. We have been running the Touch of Style for a very long time and it’s a great event and I just love everyone coming.”

22

• Carol Lee.

When speaking of her club she added, “It’s a great club, and I felt that I’ve helped move it along the tracks. Particularly this year when we had a bit of damage to the green, we had to go to Como to play and it really brought the club together.

Everyone has hopped in and helped, and it’s just been really marvellous.”Carol also mentioned and recognised many of the other contributors at the club, most of them being at the Awards night to support and help celebrate her achievement.

Clive Adams asked Carol to sum up what it means to be a volunteer and their importance, noting Carol has been a great one, one of many hundreds in WA clubs.

“When I have meetings with councils and other community groups they ask, so how many days of the week do you work? and I say well I’m here every day and they say, how much do you get paid? and I say nothing, I just enjoy being part of the club and helping the club survive and I’m sure that is why all the volunteers do it in every club. Clubs don’t survive without volunteers,” said Carol.

It is without doubt Victoria Park Carlisle is very lucky to have a person such as Carol Lee and we congratulate her on winning the Volunteer of the Year Award.

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

Awards Night 2022 Club Coach of the Year

Marilyn, outstanding Club Coach The Bowls WA Club Coach of the year was presented by State Academy Coach Linda Warburton, one of the many great coaches we have in WA. As we know coaches play an extremely crucial role in our sport and we thank all the club coaches for the outstanding work they do.

This year’s recipient was Merriwa AFA’s Marilyn Bradbury who was perhaps the most surprised of all the award winners on the night and was barely able to speak at times given how excited and overwhelmed she was to win the award.

Marilyn was also pleased to be interviewed by Master of Ceremonies Clive Adams who she noted presented her with her club coaching accreditation after she successfully completed the required course to become a club coach.

Her passion for coaching is very evident with Marilyn taking on a range of bowlers but perhaps her specialty has come in the form of coaching for players who are transitioning to bowling arms.

This coaching has been really important at her club which also doubles as a retirement village and has many older players who have kept active in the game through her guidance with the use of the Bowlers Arm. Marilyn herself is an accomplished bowler having won the club singles six times. Marilyn has won the singles title with and without the use of an 'arm', so is well qualified to coach both forms of the game.

She started coaching in October 2017, and rather than having set coaching times, she fits in with the players' schedule. "I like one-to-one sessions and after each one I keep a record of how the player is going and what we have worked on."

Marilyn has one burning ambition and that is to teach the game to children and hopes to bring that to fruition by getting the grandchildren of current Merriwa members to try it out.

In that way she hopes the parents might also be interested, which could be a means of attracting new players.

Marilyn although short on words summed it up best when she said, “I just love my bowls and I just love helping people.”

• Marilyn Bradbury.

• Marilyn Bradbury with Gavan Ebsworth at the Bowls WA Awards Night.

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

23

, Awards Night 2022 Men s O60s Bowler of the Year

Eagles soars as best male O60s An exceptionally consistent season saw Sorrento’s Bruce Eagles named as the Male Over 60s Bowler of the Year winning the Trevor Barron Award at the Bowls WA Awards Night.

Presented by Bowls WA CEO Ken Pride on behalf of Life Member and Past President Trevor Barron it was noted Bruce had won the award by a fair margin given his exceptional year. Bruce won the Men’s Over 60s Singles and reached the semi final in every Over 60s event which included the Men’s Pairs, Triples and Mixed Pairs becoming the first player to ever do so.

Master of Ceremonies Clive Adams was straight to the point when chatting with Bruce asking him, “What’s the secret?”

Bruce’s reply was, “I try to look after myself, I practice a lot and I enjoy the game immensely.”

Bruce who was a relatively late comer to the sport has really excelled in recent years winning the Men’s State Pairs in 2020 with teammate Greg Taylor, someone who he has forged a great partnership with along with his other Sorrento teammates who have supported him.

The Over 60’s events are of course an important part of the bowls calendar and as Bruce pointed out being in the mid seventies age wise it provides a highly competitive series of events which people can aim at later in life.

However, it is also a good event for building friendships making it a beautiful space in which to play bowls, to use Bruce’s own words.

Bruce saved his final thanks to Graeme Whitehorn who he labelled a superb friend, mentor and encourager along the way and someone instrumental to his development as a player from when he started at Sorrento Bowling Club just over a decade ago.

Congratulations once again to Bruce Eagles on a fantastic season and the Trevor Barron Award winner as the most Outstanding Men's Over 60s Bowler of the Year.

24

• Bruce Eagles.

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

, Awards Night 2022 Women s O60s Bowler of the Year

Andersen – a true star recognised Mosman Park’s Kerry Andersen the Women’s Over 60’s Award for best bowler of the year receiving the Norma Samuel Trophy for a third time in another very successful season.

Bowls WA CEO Ken Pride presented the award to his exboss on behalf of Norma who was unfortunately unable to attend. He did pass on her apologies noting that Norma loved attending the Bowls WA Awards Night and only poor health had prevented her being at Royal Perth Golf Club for the prestigious evening.

Like her male counterpart Bruce Eagles, Kerry was extremely active in the later stages of major events for the 2021/22 season. Her accolades include Winner of the Women’s Over 60s Pairs, Runner up in the Women’s Over 60s Singles and Women’s Over 60s Triples, Winner of the Women’s State Triples and Semi-finalist in the Women’s State Singles and Women’s State Pairs.

Kerry was quick to recognise her teammates and good friends in particular Linda Warburton and Lee Poletti who very much contributed to her success in the team events during the year.

• Kerry Andersen.

Master of Ceremonies Clive Adams noted that Kerry has pretty much done it all in bowls both on and off the green as since retiring as Bowls WA President she had moved into a role as Head of High Performance with Bowls WA and posed the question of what was next. Kerry responded by saying, “God willing I hope I will be here for a bit longer, I just enjoy my bowls and I will do whatever I can to help the game in WA.”A statement which surely epitomises her attitude to playing and volunteering with our sport.

Kerry also acknowledged her club Mosman Park where she has many friends, noting the terrific club camaraderie and community spirit that exists, of which she is very grateful to be apart of.

A true star of our sport we once again congratulate Kerry Andersen as the Women’s Over 60s Bowler of the Year.

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

25

Awards Night 2022 Hall of Fame

Kathy Gobbart enters Hall of Fame The Hall of Fame is the highest honour a player can achieve in the sport of bowls in Western Australia. Eligibility into the Hall of Fame is restricted to players who have represented WA at National level or Australia at International level.

Hall of Fame Inductee’s must be of exemplary character and will have made a significant contribution to the promotion of the sport, so it is reserved for the very best our game has seen.

Kerry Andersen on behalf of the Hall of Fame Committee which includes Hall of Fame members Beryl Godfrey and Steve Srhoy was pleased to announce the 39th Inductee, a friend and often worthy adversary on the green for Kerry, Kathy Gobbart.

Kathy’s career in the sport in both long and distinguished.

She first rose to prominence winning the WA Country Bowler of the Year in 1995 after claiming the Country Week Singles and has been a regular finalist and winner since then and most recently she won another Country Week Singles and Champion of Club Champions Singles this year. She represented WA on 154 occasions and played for Australia in the Trans-Tasman Development side.

She has won five state titles including the 1999 State Singles and seven Country Week titles.

A remarkable career which is truly worthy of recognition alongside the champions of our sport. Kathy began her bowls at Dandaragan before moving to Gingin which is where she is most well known but also had a few years playing at Sorrento Bowling Club.

Along with recognising the many great players she was joining, some of which she had played with or against it was her family that really gave her the desire and support to be the great competitor on the greens that she would become.

Kathy recalled on the night. “My journey to become a competitive bowler began when I was born into a family of highly competitive boys who excelled at most sports, and I had to fight to get a look in. I was seen to be a little four-foot girl with a pole vault stick trying to compete with my brothers who were flying over great heights. My father always said that I was his toughest child as I would never give up. After returning from New Zealand with my son and when he started kindy, my mother suggested that I play bowls. My main concern was the outfit as I had just met my late husband and I thought that if he saw me in ‘the outfit’ it would have been a definite deterrent.

This wasn’t the case as Colin became a great supporter of my bowls as does my husband Norm now. “My club mates and friends have always been very supportive, some of them are here with me tonight.”

26

• Kerry Andersen with Kathy Gobbart.

And of course, you don’t win these things without having people support you in the game. I have been lucky in Singles but also, I’ve had some team event successes and I look at people here who have helped me along the way.” Kathy added acknowledging those who had supported and helped contribute to her success, along with thanking Bowls WA for the Induction into the Hall of Fame.

Kathy whilst largely acknowledged as a terrific player also contributes to the game via coaching something which she has been very active with in helping the next generation of players come through, particularly around the country areas in the Northern Zone.

We salute a champion of our game in Kathy Gobbart and say well done on an amazing career in the game.

HALL of FAME 2022

KATHY GOBBART National • Australian Development Trans-Tasman 2001 and 2002

State • WA Representative 154 games • Australian Sides Series 2011 • WA Country Bowler of the Year 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2008 and 2022 • Champion of Club Champions Singles 2022 • Singles Champion 1999 • Pairs Champion 1988 and 2009 • Triples Champion 1999 and 2013 • Country Week Singles Champion 1995, 2007 and 2022 • Country Week Pairs Champion 2008 • Country Week Fours Champion 2008, 2011 and 2012

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

Speak to us about whether we can access discounts on your current liquor purchases…

• • • • •

One Invoice – One delivery on your total liquor requirement Daily delivery – Monday to Saturday No Admin Fees: No picking fees and no split fees.

Our quote price is our price 3500 stock lines, but if we have not got your product in stock, we will get it!

For personalised service contact: Greg Matson – M: 0413 738 157 • E: greg@liquortradersaustralia.com.au

Preferred liquor wholesaler to Bowls WA LIQUOR TRADERS AUSTRALIA Ph: (08) 9383 7666 Fax: (08) 9383 7738 Unit 1/272 Selby Street, Wembley WA 6014 Email: admin@liquortradersaustralia.com.au Web: liquortraders.com.au

Awards Night 2022 Metro Club of the Year

Manning our Metro Club of the Year After what can only be described as an amazingly outstanding season Manning Memorial Bowling Club were announced as the Metropolitan Club of the Year for season 2021/22.

Announced by MLA Geoff Baker this award is presented to the club adjudged most outstanding during the season. The criteria to be successful includes on green performance in Pennants and participation by members in State Championships along with off green achievements and community participation by the club.

On the green Manning had no peer this year winning both the Men’s and Women’s Premier League Metropolitan Pennant plus the Men’s Premier South Midweek Pennant flag along with both the State Singles titles with Hailey Packer and David Downey who were separately recognized on the night.

All their pennant teams featured high up on the ladder.

Manning may boost a lot of quality performers but the team success does not just magically happen as incoming President Steve Salamon made clear on the night.

“These achievements are a credit to the people we have got at Manning, every single one of the players, Men’s and Ladies. We are a very strong club in terms of players, and it meant a lot of people play a lot lower than they might at another club but they take it on board, play where we ask them to play, never whined or complained did the job and the results speak for themselves.”

The club runs a very successful Jack Attack program originally started by Matt and Kate Mitchell which means the club always has the next good bowler at the club.

“Its just a platform for people who then become involved in the more serious side of bowls. They start playing Jack Attack on a Wednesday night or people join us and start playing in the winter, we have some outstanding coaches who get these people into bowls, get them playing good bowls and get them ready to join the pennant sides and add value to what we have already got,” said President Steve.

Off the green the club has been equally hard at work. Thanks to the City of South Perth the club is currently completing a full upgrade of its toilet facilities along with upgrading all the furniture with a view to modernising the club house.

Outside there have been further upgrades will lighting on the C and D greens, the new LEDs available with not only provide better and brighter coverage but reduce the power costs involved. “Its like playing in daylight now and we hope to get some more activities happening on a summers evening increasing participation in the club,” added Steve.

28

• Steve Salaman accepts award on behalf of the Manning Club.

Of special mention by Master of Ceremonies Clive Adams was the World Record set by Manning member Shane Knott who not only bowled for 30 hours straight against an array of players but also raised a significant amount of money for charity towards Men’s Mental Health in doing so.

Steve made a special mention to the outgoing President Greg Hogg. “Greg guided us through a tough period of covid, a very difficult time. Along with his executive they performed a tough job and did it extraordinary well. The clubs is in a very healthy position so to him and his team congratulations,” said Steve before closing with these remarks.

“To the members of Manning congratulations to everyone of them, absolutely fantastic people but I want to make a special mention to Peter Bowden. When I joined the club they were struggling in third division and they got Peter to the club, he turned the club around. He built the culture we have got today, the culture of success, the culture of inclusion, and the culture of participation, so thank you Pete – the club is where it’s at because of you,” referring to the clubs long time coach and motivator.

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

Awards Night 2022 Small Metro Club of the Year

Mt Lawley back to back Club of the Year For the second consecutive season Mt Lawley Bowling Club was announced as the Bowls WA Small Metropolitan Club of the Year at the annual Awards Night.

Announced by MLA Geoff Baker this award is presented to the club adjudged most outstanding during the season with less than 125 members. The criteria to be successful includes on green performance in Pennants and participation by members in State Championships along with off green achievements and community participation by the club.

Mt Lawley President Terry Conley received strong applause from the crowd in attendance along with some extra whistles, hoots and hollers when he arrived on stage in a bright pink jacket which certainly raised the fashion stakes in the room. The reason behind the jacket was soon explained by Terry.

“If you’re wondering why I’m in the pink, this is a Jacket which is called the Jacobsen’s Ladder Jacket. It’s a competition that we started two years ago when covid was right through the state and we had to do something to keep the club active through the winter season, so we ran this event.

"Norm Jacobsen is one of our Life Members, who is not in great health, and I thought it would be nice to come up in this jacket tonight if we did win and say thanks to Norm and to the other Life Members of the club. A wonderful tribute which rightfully received more applause.”

As recognised by Master of Ceremonies Clive Adams, Mt Lawley is certainly a club on the rise with the back to back awards coinciding with back to back rises in Men’s Pennant competition which will see the club return to Premier League after a 60 year absence.

Even bigger than that the club achieved seven promotions split amongst both Men and Women’s competitions.

As Clive explained he attended the Mt Lawley Bowling Club presentation night and they asked everyone who had achieved a promotion to go up the front of the room which just left about 10 people in the rest of the room such was the shared success across the club.

Special mention was also made of well known media personality and popular club member Russell Woolf who passed away suddenly during the season.

“Russell always wanted to get his name on the honor board and his team won the first round of the club fours and he never got to play the second round. So we added him to the board for that and we now have a new award called the Woolfy’s.”

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

• Mt Lawley back to back Club of the Year.

“In pennants if you get an 8 you get an 8 badge and that’s terrific but if you’re the person who caused the team not to get an 8 (i.e. just a 7) you now get a Woolfy. That’s Russell to a tee,” said Terry reflecting on the amazing personality of Russell Woolf.

“We miss him, and we also miss Laurence Goodman our Vice President for a few years who passed away at a similar time.

We named the Men’s Singles after Laurence and it was won by one of Russell’s best mates in Anthony Einfeld.”

Outside of on green performance the club which replaced two greens in 2019/20 then completed state of the art lighting on both of those in 2020/21.

The clubs hopes to make good use of these lights having already hosted the Men’s Masters Singles under lights.

“Community is very important to us, so is the competition all the players on and off the green and then the commitment everybody has to the success of the club. All of which make Mt Lawley a great place to be," added Terry, reflecting on the hard work and success of the committee and members of the club.

It has been a fantastic year for Mt Lawley culminating in the win at the Australian Championships by the state fours champions in one of the true underdog stories in bowls.

29

, Awards Night 2022 Men s Bowler of the Year

Nairn back to back Champion Bowler Cambridge’s Blake Nairn has joined a very select list of past champions in winning the Rosenthal Medal for the Most Outstanding Male Bowler of the Year in back to back season.

Bowls WA Hall of Famer Beryl Godfrey made the announcement and presented Blake with his medal on the night. Just three others have won back to back Rosenthal Medals with Les Holloway from Cockburn 1979 and 1980, Dennis Katunarich from Doubleview in 1986 and 87 and Thomas Mitchell from Victoria Park Carlisle/Manning in 2015 and 16 which shows just how hard it is to put together two successive outstanding seasons of bowls.

Blake had an exceptional season winning both the State Pairs and Fours, was runner up in the State Triples and also won the Masters Triples.

Nairn who shed a few tears when he won the award for the first time twelve months earlier was more composed the second time around. “It’s just been a really good twelve months,” said Nairn before going into some quick thankyous.

“I would like to thank my wife, Cambridge Bowling Club for their support over the last three years I have been there, Clive (Adams), you’re a hard critic but awesome to play bowls with, and in the Fours Dale (Marsland) and Ranks (Dave Rankin) we did awesome.”

Although not contributing to the award which is done on a points based system from major competitions he also capped his season with a fantastic victory in the delayed 2021 Australian Championships Singles winning the gold medal on the Gold Coast.

• Blake Nairn – Men's Bowler of the Year.

Blake took the final 25-11 in an extremely high standard affair on a day which finished under lights.

“It was a long day. Four games of 25up at that standard is one hell of a day. I had a lot of confidence going into the final, you go that far you may as well throw the kitchen sink at it and hope you get the win,” said Nairn reflecting on the achievement in winning his first National title.

Nairn now has plans to travel interstate for the next period of his bowls journey.

“The wife got a job over in Melbourne so we are going over there for a bit of a trip away. I will try and play some bowls and see how I go,” said Nairn, in his understated way but no doubt WA’s loss will be Victoria’s gain as he will surely make an impact in some big events on their calendar.

The good news for WA is that Nairn will still pull on the black and gold for WA at the upcoming Nationals in October being named to skip for Western Australia. Remarkably it will be his debut appearance with covid having delayed the Australian Sides Championship for several seasons.

30

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

, Awards Night 2022 Women s Bowler of the Year

Featherby rewarded for consistency The Connie Hicks Brooch is awarded to the most outstanding Female Bowler of the Year. It is awarded via points based on results from major competition events through out the season and is the highest individual achievement a player can receive.

Beryl Godfrey who won this award in 1985 announced the winner from a select group of finalists. Generally, the winner of this award has won a couple of major events however this year was a little different with Lisa Featherby claiming it based on the sheer number of competitions in which she reached the final with five in total.

Lisa's season is arguably the most consistent of any player we have seen claim the award. Her major triumph was winning the Women’s 100up Singles whilst she was runner-up in the State Singles, State Triples, State Fours and Masters Pairs.

“Its an absolute buzz, I’m super excited. I had quite a few runners-up this year, far too many to mention with many lost on the last bowl so it’s been a bit frustrating but really happy to receive this,” said Lisa reflecting on the season and winning the award.

Lisa made special mention of the players who were part of the teams she was involved in winning the award with Denise Kelly, Laura Merz and Linda Warburton all involved.

She also thanked her club Mosman Park and her team mates especially the many who have supported her in the finals.

She also talked about her plan to win the State Singles which she credited Ian Hastings for helping her with that.

“I sat down with Ian and tried to formulate a preparation plan and a game plan; it didn’t quite work for the State Singles but it did for the 100up Singles.

It gave me some good focus, so I thank Ian for help in developing my game and my mental toughness. It definitely helped in the Singles final against Hailey to fight back.”

Lisa had trailed 9-20 and was able to level the score at 23-23 before Hailey got over the line. “I think I was still stunned I had beaten Kerry (Andersen) in the semi final that I forgot what I was doing in the final for a while. And I also thank Therese Hastings who has been a good mentor and helped get me to Mosman Park Bowling Club which has been a great move for me. Bowls is great as a community, and I have made many great friendships over the years.”

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

•

Lisa Featherby – Women's Bowler of the Year winner.

In closing Lisa saved her biggest thanks for last, that of her husband Jamie, “Anyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about playing bowls but also giving back to the sport,” said Lisa who is also part of her club committee and a Bowls WA Board Director.

“I spend an awful lot of time away from home, Jamie has got a book called Cooking for One and he uses it religiously. But the sport takes me away from the people I really love in family so Jamie you have made more sacrifice than me because I don’t view it as a sacrifice. So, this award is not just for my commitment to playing bowls its for Jamie’s support and love in letting me do it – so thank you.”

• Lisa Featherby ready to play another bowl.

31

Awards Night 2022 Small Country Club of the Year

Brookton – Small Country Club of the Year

• Brookton – Small Country Club of the Year .

Bowls WA Country Club of the Year Awards take into account on green performance of the club and its members, participation in state and country events as well as off green performance in administration, governance and community engagement.

The Small Country Club of the Year is for clubs with 70 members or less, with the winning club Brookton Bowling Club. The award was presented

by Bowls WA Country Director Ross Warburton and accepted by Brookton President Trevor Allington.

Absolutely thrilled to have won the award Trevor noted that where country cluba come into their own is through volunteers and every member contributing to the club, something which Brookton epitomises.

Notable projects for the club included a new 12 rink green which was paid for by members who used a donated farmers field for three years of harvest which raised $218,000 to pay for the surfacing.

Members voluntarily worked the fields, providing fertiliser, equipment, and plenty of dedication to get this achieved.

As part of the Brookton Country Club t he construction of a new store shed 60 feet long by 15 feet high which was painted with an amazing mural depicting the character of the town was another recent highlight.

The mural has become a real tourist attraction for the club who regularly welcome travelling visitors.

On the greens the club had a strong season, was successful in winning the Men’s 1st Division Competition in the Upper Great Southern Bowling League.

Congratulations once again to Brookton Bowling Club on winning the Bowls WA Small Country Club of the Year.

• Part of the mural that greets visitors to the Brookton Country club.

32

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

Awards Night 2022 Country Club of the Year

Gingin – an outstanding Country Club

• Gingin – Country Club of the Year.

Presented and announced by Bowls WA Country Director Ross Warburton the winner of the Jim Murray Trophy for the 2021/2022 season as the best country club was Gingin Bowling Club.

Accepting the Award on behalf of the club was Stephen Beckwith on behalf of the Club President John Fewster who unfortunately couldn’t attend.

Most notable for the club was the installation of two synthetic greens replacing their worn out original greens. The club showing the value of maintaining a sinking fund which meant they were 100% funded by the members.

The club has also been active in recruiting new members and in particular a number from Irish background had strongly contributed to the club and are very keen players.

The increase of 46 members to 59 represents a 28% increase which is amongst the best percentage of any club in WA. This jump was on the back of a very innovative community event known as the Gingin Shire Community Challenge.

The idea was born with Murray Butler the Captain at Gingin who invited all the sporting clubs in the shire to come

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

to Gingin Bowling Club which not only filled two greens it also provided a great social occasion for individuals and gave them a chance to win prizemoney for their own sporting club.

This prizemoney was contributed by both the Shire and the club and proved a real incentive for people to come along and participate in a sport they may otherwise have never tried.

According to Steve, “Probably the best thing was that the Gingin Cricket Club won it. One of the new bowlers this year, that won the Novice Singles was one of those players and it has continued to flow on from that. It was just a terrific story really.”

On the green Kathy Gobbart was certainly a star winning the Women’s Country Week Singles and Champion of Club Champion Singles. “Kathy is our fine wine; she just keeps getting better,” Stephen remarked.

Adding that the club whilst small in numbers has always had top players in both the Men’s and Women’s competitions.

Gingin Black also claimed the Moore Districts Men’s Pennant flag his season.

Certainly, a terrific effort by the Gingin Bowling Club as the outstanding Country Club of the Year, so once again congratulations to the committee and members and well done on a fantastic season.

33

, Awards Night 2022 Men s Country Bowler of the Year

Mitchell – Men’s Country Bowler of the Year The Men’s Country Bowler of the Year Award is known as the Vice Patron’s Medal. Unfortunately the Bowls WA Vice Patron Norma Samuel couldn’t be at the Awards Night which left Bowls WA Country Director Ross Warburton to announce the winner.

In a sign of the strength and future of Country bowls the three finalist were all similar age around 30 years old and spread across the state in Shane Giudice-Nairn (Geraldton), Matthew France (Merredin) and Matthew Mitchell (Emu Point).

With Matthew Mitchell being announced the winner this meant both Male and Female winners of the Champion of Club Championship Singles winners also took home the Country Bowler of the Year Awards with Kathy Gobbart joining Matthew, a rare first in Western Australian Bowls.

Matthew Mitchell would be well known to many in the bowls community having started as a junior in Albany along with his brother Tom. Both have represented WA and been regulars in Premier League and major State Championships over several seasons. Matthew had a sensational year skippering his Emu Point side to a win in the Country Week Fours and of course the previously mentioned Champion of Club Champion Singles title and a semi final appearance in the Country Week Singles his major achievements.

“Country Week is an amazing event, it really is, for that many people to come to the city and put the effort in, we love it,” said Matthew reflecting on his Country Week achievements.

Special mention was made of Matthew’s second in the fours being Doug Wright who won the 1981 Country Week pairs with a Kellerberrin teammate making it over 40 years between titles. Matthew explained that Doug who was a very good bowler back then got married and moved to Canada for many years before returning to WA in the early 2000s where he again took up bowls.

• Matt Mitchell with the successful Emu Point Country Week Fours team.

34

• Matthew Mitchell – Men's Country Bowler of the Year.

Doug has been a big asset for Emu Point along with close teammate Jon Sharp who Matthew has also won Country Week Pairs with. Together they have taken Emu Point to Lower Great Southern Pennant success and rejuvenated the club.

“I love Sharpy, he is great to play with, the blokes a freak,” said Matthew of Jon and their success on the green.

Matthew along with his young family made the decision to head back to Albany three seasons ago and help run the family farm. This has meant a lot of travelling, commitment, and support to keep playing bowls at the highest level.

Reflecting on the move back to his homeland Matthew said, “I love it, it’s really good but it’s a serious lot of effort to come up to Perth to play these events. My family and especially Kate for the sacrifices that she puts in, I’m away from home a lot when I do come to Perth and for someone to hold the fort at home its pretty special. And to my dad, we have a farm at home and for someone to then look after that as well, love you guys.”

Matthew’s win makes it his second in three seasons as the Men’s Country Bowler of the Year, a terrific achievement and just reward for his effort and commitment to the game.

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2022

, Awards Night 2022 Women s Country Bowler of the Year

Gobbart crowned top Country Bowler The Penny Needham Brooch is presented to the Women’s Country Bowler of the Year.

The winner was Kathy Gobbart from Gingin Bowling Club who has received this award for the sixth time having won it previously in 1995, 96, 98 and 99 whilst at the Dandaragan Bowling Club and in 2008 at Gingin.

The daughter of Penny Needham, Penny Sibon presented this award on behalf of her mother who was a big supporter of bowls in Western Australia, in particular the country clubs for which she was a delegate over a long period of time.

Prior to announcing Kathy as the winner Penny made a rather salient comment around recent covid times.

“I’d like to congratulate Bowls WA, clubs, and volunteers and especially the players for working through a tough couple of years. I think you have shown sportspeople have great fortitude and great courage and I congratulate everyone of you on that.”

Kathy made special mention of Penny’s mother noting, “She was a delightful and wonderful lady. I won this award in 1994 and she was around then so I’m very thrilled to receive this award again. Being a country bowler has never hindered my aspirations in bowls as we have many competitions, we can prove ourselves in.”

Kathy returned to some of her career best form on the greens this year winning the Champion of Club Champion Singles along with the pinnacle for a Country player in the Country Week Singles.

Kathy told a couple of rather endearing stories about her recent successes.

“Being part of a small club has never been more gratifying than this year when I came back to the club after winning the Country Week Singles to a rousing reception.

“One of our young Irish guys who play for us rang his wife and said, ‘the best thing has happened Kathy’s won the Country Week Singles’, as if there was absolutely no hope for someone of my age, and he cried,” exclaimed Kathy on what was an obviously touching moment.

Kathy has played in the Champion of Club Champions Singles final on six occasions previously only to lose on every occasion, so she really set her sights on winning it this time.

It was a case of lucky number seven on this occasion much to her delight and relief.”

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter

• Kathy Gobbart.

After coming back from the Champion of Champions I turned into our street and there were all these cars in front of our house and it was lovely because our friends over there on the table (signaling to a table of guests at the Awards Night) had come up with wine, food and it was very lovely to arrive home to such a reception,” Kathy added before thanking all those at the Gingin table for coming tonight and thanking everyone who had supported her along the way with her bowls.

A true star of the sport well done Kathy Gobbart our 2021/22 Women’s Country Bowler of the Year.

35

36

BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Autumn 2022