FEBRUARY 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

New JUNIOR

STATE CHAMPIONS!

regulations on game anomalies

75 years for

south johnstone

YOUR COMMUNITY BOWLS MAGAZINE

Providing expert advice Providing expert advice to help to help more clubs succeed more 1980 clubs succeed since 1980 since At Mullins, we understand the important role clubs play in the community where vibrant and viable clubs provide many benefits. With over 30 years' experience working alongside small community-run organisations to large sporting clubs with multiple venues, we offer expert advice to help clubs succeed or to enhance their existing success.

Learn more about how we can help

07 3224 0222 | mullinslawyers.com.au

Since 1989

THE VERY BEST IN BOWLS CLUB SHADES AND SEATING SINCE 1989

THE VERY BEST IN BOWLS C SINCE

The Best in Bowls Club Shade, Seating & Scoreboards What could we do at your Club?

5 YEAR shadex.com.au warranty (07) 5574 5911 on shades

5 YEAR

warranty

on shades

CONTENTS

Cover

New JUNIOR

Junior Singles Champions Chaz Doherty, Cooper Sutton, Todd Brain, Lacey Gerick & Lilly Vardy Photo: Sue Busch

regulations on

game anomalies

75 years for

south johnstone YOUR COMMUNITY BOWL S MAGAZINE

Volume 47 Issue 1

10 – Junior State Championships 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

STATE CHAMPIONS!

23 – Junior Scholarship Awarded

26 – South Johnstone Celebrates 75 Years

31 – Bribie Island BC Unveils Undercover Greens

7

26 club news

Q7s summer competition

The Q7s is set for a bumper season

Catch up on news from clubs across Queensland

20 DEVELOPMENT

32 PIALBA’S CLASSIC FOURS

Are you up for the challenge?

Two day carnival attracts top players

24 UMPIRE

34 COACHING

Joan Brotherton discusses game anomalies

Dennis O’Toole on the values of etiquette

Editor: Jo Grey

Subscriptions: To subscribe, send your contact details, together with a cheque for $48 (incl gst) to:

Reporters/Photographers: Kelsey Cottrell Sue Busch Editorial Assistant: Dee Ayre Contributions to the Bowler: Email your story and photos to media@bowlsqld.org - photos should be at original size and high-resolution.Photo size when attached to email should be 1MB minimum. We do not accept compressed or low-resolution photos for print.

4 Queensland Bowler February 2024

Editorial contact: E: media@bowlsqld.org Ph: (07) 3354 0777

Advertising: E: ads@bowlsqld.org Ph: (07) 3354 0777 Ask us about special discounted rates for clubs.

Queensland Bowler Subscriptions PO Box 476, Alderley, Qld 4051.

Copyright: All material appearing in this magazine is copyright. Reproduction in whole or part is not permitted without permission from the publishers.

Notice: While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility is accepted by the publishers for material supplied by an individual, company or organisation or for any typographical errors. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the view of the publisher.

Send an email to media@bowlsqld.org to be added to our email distribution list.

Bowls Queensland Patron: Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland

2024 QLD STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS VENUE ANNOUNCED Bowls Queensland is pleased to announce the 2024 State Championships Finals will be held at Club Musgrave on the Gold Coast.

Held from May 13-26, 2024, Club Musgrave will host all the finals of each event and the bulk of sectional/post sectional play.

Thank you to Experience Gold Coast and Club Musgrave for their support of this event to be held in the Gold Coast Region.

Sectional play will also be held at various clubs on the Gold Coast.

Entries are open, so find out more details by visiting the BQ website: www.bowlsqld.org/events/state-championships/

2024 JUNIOR STATE SQUAD ANNOUNCED Following on from the Junior State Championships held in Bundaberg, the Queensland Selectors have chosen a new Under-18 State Squad. Congratulations to all selected!

Girls Ashlin Johnson (South Townsville) Lacey Gerick (Kawana) Lilly Vardy (Tweed Heads) Logan Hughes (Solander Lake) Makayla Gainsford (Glasshouse) Mia Haylock (Roma) Phoebe Russell (Burnett) Tilah Mason (The Albert) Boys Brody Carter (Pialba) Cooper Sutton (Pialba) Jack Hayward (Thuringowa City) Rhys Gillman (Marlin Coast) Riley Gerick (Capalaba) Thomas Brehmer (Algester) Todd Brain (Algester) Trent Brehmer (Algester)

From the President with BQ’s Peter Williamson

The State Junior Championships were played at Burnett and Across the Waves Bowls Clubs in Bundaberg. BQ sincerely thanks both these clubs for hosting the event.

Thanks to local businesses Whole Life Pharmacy, Arcon Recyclers Australia along with the Bundaberg Regional Council and the Queensland State Government for their sponsorship, without which junior sport would not exist.

It was quite noticeable to see how the standard of bowls has improved with more coaching available to juniors over the past three years. The Under-12 championships is now an established event and player commitment to the sport shows it is a sport for all ages. Selectors were in attendance and a squad was selected for upcoming events.

The Board of Bowls Queensland is now going through the appointment process of finding a replacement Director following the sad and sudden demise of Martin Corr.

The BQ Board extends our sincere condolences to the Knight family on the sad passing of Ashlee who was much respected by all.

By the time this magazine goes to print, all nominations will be received and everything will be in place for the forthcoming BQ AGM elections.

The BQ Board requests any questions which districts wish answered at the Council meeting be submitted in writing prior to the Council meeting, so that appropriate answers can be made available.

I wish to thank the Board for their commitment; time and effort put into ensuring the proper functioning of BQ Staff and Committees throughout 2023.

Back L-R: BQ’s Chrissy Pavlov, Logan Hughes, Tilah Mason, Lacey Gerick, Todd Brain, Trent Brehmer, Brody Carter, Rhys Gillman, Riley Gerick.

Front L-R: Ashlin Johnson, Mia Haylock, Phoebe Russell, Lilly Vardy, Thomas Brehmer, Jack Hayward, Cooper Sutton & BQ’s Brad Harris.

Absent: Makayla Gainsford

I am sure the new Board will function with renewed ideas for the betterment of the sport in 2024.

Peter Williamson Queensland Bowler February 2024 5

CEO REPORT with BQ’s Brett Wilkie Welcome one and all to another exciting year of bowls in Queensland. The QLD Junior State Championships is complete and summer competitions are either underway or about to start. All the best to districts, clubs and members across the State for the year ahead.

We all need to contribute at all levels of the sport to help promote our great game and the services our clubs offer to the community.

Thank you to the Bundaberg Regional Council, Arcon Metals Recycling and Wholelife Pharmacy & Healthfoods West Bundaberg for their sponsorship of this event. All six days were live streamed. Thank you to the Bowls Gold Coast Tweed Media Team for providing this service.

Congratulations to the eight girls and eight boys selected in the 2024 QLD Junior Squad at the completion of the QLD Junior State Championships.

BQ Board and AGM: Nominations closed on January 31 for the role of Vice President, Director of Finance and two Board Directors on the Bowls QLD Board. Details of nominations received will be in the March Bowler.

The Bowls QLD AGM will be held on Wednesday, March 20.

QLD High Performance Academy: This new initiative is already 12 months old. Thank you to Bowls Australia QLD Pathways Coach Lynsey Clarke and BQ Coaching Committee Co-ordinator Alan Thorp who have led this program over the past year. This program has been great for the rising stars of the sport in QLD. Thank you to Lynsey and Selection Committee Co-ordinator Christina Pavlov who did a coaching/selection presentation at the QLD Junior State Championships, which was well received.

Weather Events: Our thoughts go out to clubs and members who have been affected by recent weather events in various parts of the State. Stratford and Cooktown Bowls Clubs suffered damage from flood water; Mareeba and Tully had green damage due to water and Paradise Point suffered some damage to buildings, fences and retaining walls.

Coaching and Umpiring Courses: Bowls Queensland was fortunate to receive a grant from the QLD Government to assist in travel costs to run coaching and umpiring courses/sessions in various regional areas in the next two months: Longreach – 24 & 25 February; Weipa - 9 & 10 March; Thursday Island - 12 & 13 March; Mt Isa – 23 & 24 March; Charleville – 13 & 14 April. Thank you to the QLD Government for its support of this initiative.

2024 Junior State Championships: Well done to all juniors in this event on their performance and sportsmanship displayed; this was a real credit to themselves, parents/carers and coaches etc. Thank you to the parents/carers/family/coaches/friends/clubs and districts who supported the juniors to attend this event.

Thank you to Des Kemp, Chair of the Burnett Bowls Club and Bundaberg District Junior Liaison for his assistance, and thank you to host clubs Burnett and Across The Waves Bowls Clubs along with their volunteers and staff. Well done to our Match Committee and BQ staff for co-ordinating and running this event, also to BQ’s Umpire and Selection Committee for their time and effort at these Championships.

Bowls QLD Event Hosting: Expressions of Interest are open for any clubs interested in nominating to host the following Bowls QLD events: 2024 State Champion of Club Champion Finals Series; 2024 State Pennant Finals; 2024 8 A-Side Mixed Event; 2024 State District Mixed Pairs; 2025 Junior State Championships and 2025 State District Sides. Expressions close on February 12.

2024 State Championships: Bowls Queensland is pleased to announce the 2024 State Championships Finals will be held at Club Musgrave on the Gold Coast.

Held from May 13-26, 2024, Club Musgrave will host all the finals of each event and the bulk of sectional/ post sectional play. Thank you to Experience Gold Coast and Club Musgrave for their support of this event to be held in the Gold Coast Region. Sectional play will also be held at various clubs on the Gold Coast. More event information is on the BQ website: www.bowlsqld.org/events/state-championships/ 2024 District Sides Championships: This event will be held at Club Musgrave, Club Helensvale, Paradise Point and Broadbeach Bowls Clubs from May, 8-11.

Vale: It was extremely sad to hear of the passing of Martin Corr and Ashlee Knight.

Condolences to Martin and Ashlee’s families, close friends and bowling friends.

Brett Wilkie

Proudly sponsored by

6 Queensland Bowler February 2024

Q7s set for a bumper season Q7s is ready for, and excited about, season 2024 after the competition commenced on Saturday, January 20. There are two Double Header weekends as per last year. The first was played in week one, with the follow up in week six. This will make the season an eight-week competition with 10 rounds played.

Q7s is one of the largest bowls competitions in Southeast Queensland. The event provides a sides game format with 3 Bowl Pairs, 4 Bowl Pairs and 2 Bowl Triples teams consisting of players of any age, gender or skill level.

Last year (2023) saw 130 teams from 56 clubs participate in this event.

Chairman/Tournament Director, Shane Johnstone, was very pleased to confirm the alliance with Club Pine Rivers was extended for the 2024 Finals. Q7s have the support of long-term sponsors BCIB, Bank of Queensland, Sky Marketing and the Salisbury Community Sports Club.

Season 2024 will see the continuation of prize money of $7,000 for the winners across all divisions. Divisions have altered a little for 2024, with Divisions 1 and 2 now a single division including Open, and the introduction of a Division 7.

Nominations in Divisions 1 and 2 have been reducing over several years and the new Division 7 will assist smaller clubs to compete at a level better suited to their expectations, giving them a higher chance of walking away with $7,000.

We wish all the other competitions every success in 2024, and to every club competing in Q7s-Qld 2024, may you have a very entertaining and profitable season.

Contributed by Bob Proctor

BOWLING GREEN CANOPIES

Designed & Engineered In Queensland

THE AERO STORY Aero started at a coffee shop in the Tweed Head shopping centre. Walter Jacobs (founder of Aero) and good friend, Kelvin Kerkow, were discussing making a bowl that would be the same line every time, with every set of that model being exactly the same. This had never been achieved in the manufacture of bowls.

Walter and Kelvin agreed that, if this could be done, it would be a sure-fire winner and guarantee players an accuracy that had never been seen on the green. Walter searched for machinery and, after many months, found robots which manufactured to tolerances that would make bowls sets more accurate than ever before.

The opportunity was too good to miss and the major commercial venture was born. The duo found a factory, ordered the machinery and created the infrastructure to run Aero Bowls.

Together with Kelvin, Brett Wilkie and other top bowlers, a discussion took place on the models to make and the various biases to manufacture to suit conditions worldwide. The result, everyone now knows, was the Optima, which has become Australia’s number one selling lawn bowl, followed by the Dynamic, Turbo Pro and others, together with a range of overseas models to satisfy markets worldwide.

Aero’s precision manufacturing robots ensure “the same line every time”

Most importantly, all bowls have the same line every time for that particular model. Also, Aero make four grips, all of which are registered designs, with another arriving soon.

The Aero colour range is now legendary with more than 65 colours from the rainbow pattern. The Picasso and Quad designs, and now the Swirl (which is becoming the most popular range) has a patent pending methodology. The Swirl colour range is currently being used by Australia’s best bowlers with many orders being sold and sent overseas.

Today, Aero has three retail outlets: Perth, Gold Coast and Tweed Heads, plus we sell bowls, bags and shoes from the Sydney factory. Aero designs all its own bowls bags and shoes. The bags are all-purpose, made for bowls and are at the premium end of the market. Aero’s shoes are a popular choice amongst bowlers, who say they are “the most comfortable bowl shoes ever”.

Aero is now the largest bowls manufacturer in the world and exports to South Africa, Malaysia, USA, Hong Kong, UK and many other bowls’ countries.

New “Swirl” bowl

Aero has produced over 400,000 bowls, the same line every time using only robotic machinery with one of the robots working 24/7.

Aero’s excellent team, many of whom have been with the company since its inception 13 years ago, provides outstanding service and knowledge. With Aero breaking sales records every year, and with a stable of the world’s finest bowlers, they look forward to a very bright future.

Improve your game with Aero.

Aero Bowls Approved Manufacturer

The Swirl Design Patent pending

Over 65 Colours

The most accurate lawn bowls ever made

Aero Shoes designed for bowls …Total Comfort and Support

Midnight

Royal Ice Jackaroo Storm

Aero Bowls Bags are legendary for their quality and design.

They contain 2x2 Bowls Bags and the LX has a UV/ Waterproof cover

Shops at Mermaid Beach Bowls Club, Tweed Bowls Club, Balca a Perth, Factory Rockdale in Sydney

w w w. a e r o b o w l s . c o m

Email: info@aerobowls.com

JUNIOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS January 7 to 12, 2024

What a start to the 2024 bowls calendar; the Queensland Junior State Championships never disappoint! If you hear anyone challenging the long-term future of the sport of lawn bowls, tell them they need to take a peek at the young faces competing in these Championships.

On these faces you will see enthusiasm, determination and passion for the game they play. Of course, there is competitive spirit, they want to be the best they can be, and everyone, not least these juniors, wants to win! However, it is heartening to observe the respect these young athletes bring to their game. The camaraderie on the greens was evident from the get-go.

Gold U18 Fours L-R: Thomas Brehmer, Trent Brehmer, Todd Brain & Jack Chirgwin (all from Algester)

These boys and girls from all over Queensland, some having travelled a great distance, were given a warm welcome on Sunday, January 7 at Burnett Bowls Club, Bundaberg, host for the Championships for a 5th year, along with Across the Waves Bowls Club.

U18 OPEN FOURS The ‘bowl’ started rolling on the Sunday with the U18 Open Fours Sectionals, culminating with the semifinal between the winner of Section 1 (Hayden Flood, Dekota Brindle, Zach Flood & Jack Hayward) vs the winner of Section 2 (Thomas Brehmer, Trent Brehmer, Todd Brain & Jack Chirgwin). It was a close battle, with the Chirgwin skipped foursome edging into the lead with a final score of 22-18.

Thomas Brehmer, Trent Brehmer, Todd Brain and Jack Chirgwin continued in fine form in the finals, and defeated Nic Marinelli, Xavier Parkinson, Corey Marshall and Samuel Collier after taking an early lead as they racked up a score of 7-1 after 4 ends. After 9 ends, Collier’s skipped team bounced back to trail by only 1. Their comeback was short-lived though, as Chirgwin’s skipped team steamed on to win 6 of the next 7 ends to lead 19-9 with 2 ends to play.

The next end only saw Collier’s team score 1 shot, leading the two teams to shake hands, with Chirgwin’s rink claiming the gold in a 9-shot win with a final score of 19-10.

Silver U18 Fours L-R: Corey Marshall (Algester), Samuel Collier (Algester), Xavier Parkinson (Broadbeach) & Nic Marinelli (Broadbeach)

10 February 2024 Queensland Bowler

Bronze U18 Fours L-R: Hayden Flood (Glasshouse), Zach Flood (Glasshouse), Jack Hayward (Thuringowa City) & Dekota Brindle (Lowood)

In the bronze medal match, Hayden Flood, Dekota Brindle, Zach Flood & Jack Hayward took the lead on the eighth end after being left behind for the first six ends. They managed to keep the pressure up for the remainder of the game to overcome Keala Nukunuku, Ashton Vardy, Sophie Allan and Stella Palmer to claim bronze 19 shots to 11.

U18 OPEN FOURS FINAL RESULTS Gold/Silver: Thomas Brehmer, Trent Brehmer, Todd Brain, Jack Chirgwin def Nic Marinelli, Xavier Parkinson, Corey Marshall, Samuel Collier 19-10.

Bronze: Hayden Flood, Dekota Brindle, Zach Flood, Jack Hayward def Keala Nukunuku, Ashton Vardy, Sophie Allan, Stella Palmer 19-11.

U18 OPEN PAIRS The recommendation from the broadcasters for the finals U18 Open Pairs game was “to strap yourselves in” and the game certainly lived up to that advice.

Sam Collier and Stella Palmer were pitted against Todd Brain and Jack Chirgwin and, whilst both leads put on a great display, it was Brain and Chirgwin who got off to the better start with a lead 9-2 after 8 ends until a magnificent conversion from Palmer with her last bowl claimed a full count of 6 shots.

The tables had slowly turned by the 11th end after Collier and Palmer had staged their remarkable comeback and crept ahead by two shots to 11-9. The score was an even 13 after 16 ends, but at the 18th end Collier and Palmer had inched ahead and picked up the two shots required on the last end to take the win by one shot, with a 15-14 win against defending champions Brain and Chirgwin.

Gold Open Pairs U18 Stella Palmer (Broadbeach) & Sam Collier (Algester)

The bronze match was a close battle throughout. However, Rhys Gillman and Riley Gerick edged ahead, defeating Corey Marshall and Trent Brehmer 19-15.

U18 OPEN PAIRS FINAL RESULTS Gold/Silver: Sam Collier & Stella Palmer def Todd Brain & Jack Chirgwin 15-14.

Bronze: Rhys Gillman & Riley Gerick def Corey Marshall & Trent Brehmer 19-15.

Silver Open Pairs U18 L-R: Jack Chirgwin & Todd Brain (both Algester)

Bronze Open Pairs U18 Riley Gerick (Capalaba) & Rhys Gillman (Marlin Coast) Queensland Bowler February 2024 11

U15 OPEN PAIRS The U15 final was another thriller, with homeboy Marley Peters and Cooper Sutton defeating Thomas Brehmer and Ben Harrison by one shot to win the gold. Sutton was the runner-up in this event last year with Bryce Jarrett, so was keen to beat his 2023 performance. Peters and Sutton looked safe for a win after 10 ends with a 12-6 score. However, the scores were to be levelled at 15 all after 13 ends, then 16-all after 15 ends. Peters and Sutton then kept their opponents at bay over the last few ends, to claim their first U15 Pairs title.

An exciting finish was again in store for the bronze medal game, with Cade and Shae Daly edging out Eric Masen and Nic Marinelli by one shot.

U15 OPEN PAIRS FINAL RESULTS

Gold Open Pairs U15 Counsellor Vince Habermann (Div 7, Bundaberg Regional Council), Marley Peters (Burnett), Cooper Sutton (Pialba) with BQ President Peter Williamson

Gold/Silver: Marley Peters & Cooper Sutton def Thomas Brehmer & Ben Harrison 19-18.

Bronze: Cade Daly & Shae Daly def Eric Masen & Nic Marinelli 14-13.

Silver Open Pairs U15 Ben Harrison (Paradise Point) & Thomas Brehmer (Algester)

Bronze Open Pairs U15 Cade Daly & Shae Daly (both Paradise Point)

OFFICIALS AT THE WELCOMING CEREMONY L-R: Tom Smith MP - State Member for Bundaberg, Kerry Green - BQ Vice President, Brian McMah - Across the Waves BC Maxine Stauffer - Bundaberg District Ladies Section Chair, John Clough - Bundaberg District Board Chair, John Kemp - Bundaberg District Men’s Section Chair, Jim See - BQ Match, Jess Cannon - BQ Umpires, Des Kemp - Burnett BC Chair, Peter Williamson - BQ President, Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Jack Dempsey & Cr Vince Habermann

12 Queensland Bowler February 2024

U18 OPEN TRIPLES Todd Brain, Samuel Collier and Jack Chirgwin claimed their second gold medal after they overcame the formidable trio of Lacey Gerick, Travis Pearce and Riley Gerick by 8 shots in a quality final.

Brain, Collier and Chirgwin came out firing and raced to a 15-1 lead after 8 ends. Pearce and the Gerick duo rallied over the next few ends, picking up 5 shots on the 11th end, reducing the gap to 7 shots.

Both teams traded ends for the remainder of the game; however, Brain, Collier and Chirgwin held their margin and claimed the gold title without even playing the last end.

This was the second gold medal for each of the boys, with Collier winning the U18 Pairs and Brain/Chirgwin winning the U18 Fours the day before.

The Gerick siblings were defending champions after winning the triples title with their brother, Cody, last year. Collier was happy to be back on the podium after winning the same event in 2022.

Gold U18 Triples winners L-R: Jack Chirgwin, Todd Brain & Sam Collier (all Algester)

In the bronze medal match, after being 5-all, Brody Carter, Steven Bird-Monk & Rhys Gillman took the lead and never looked back, going on to defeat Xavier Parkinson, Zedd Peters & Christian McLellan by 5 shots.

U18 OPEN TRIPLES FINAL RESULTS Gold/Silver: Todd Brain, Samuel Collier & Jack Chirgwin def Lacey Gerick, Travis Pearce & Riley Gerick 19-11.

Bronze: Brody Carter, Steven Bird-Monk & Rhys Gillman def Xavier Parkinson, Zedd Peters & Christian McLellan 19-14.

Silver U18 Triples winners L-R: Lacey Gerick (Kawana), Riley Gerick (Capalaba) & Travis Pierce (Kenilworth)

Bronze U18 Triples winners L-R: Brody Carter (Pialba), Rhys Gillman (Marlin Coast) & Steven Bird-Monk - middle (Burleigh Heads)

February 2024 Queensland Bowler 13

sINGLES The 2023 State Junior Championships concluded in Bundaberg with remarkable finals contested between our State’s brightest young stars.

Before Bowls Queensland selectors made their final deliberations over the State Squads for upcoming representative events, they witnessed finals of the State U18 Boys and Girls Singles, State U15 Boys and Girls Singles and the inaugural U12 Open Singles.

Spectators knew they would be in for a treat witnessing the State’s aspiring young stars compete for the top medals. They were not disappointed.

U18 GIRLS Firstly, two very deserving finalists took to the green for the U18 Girls Singles championship title, Tilah Mason from The Albert, Gympie and Club Tweed’s Lilly Vardy. Both girls had been highlighted during the week in earlier games. Mason’s bowls has gone from strength to strength since Cody Gerick asked her to Gold Girls Singles Winner U18 Lilly Vardy (Club Tweed) partner with him in the Secondary School’s Cup in 2021. She came out of the box first up in this final with two great bowls. The scores were locked in at 6-all in the early stages before Vardy commenced her domination of the remainder of the match to win by 11 shots and take home her first Qld Junior Championship gold medal.

South Townsville’s Ashlin Johnson claimed the bronze medal after winning her section and then losing to Lilly in the post sectional round.

U18 GIRLS SINGLES FINAL RESULTS Gold/Silver: Lilly Vardy def Tilah Mason 21-10.

Bronze: Ashlin Johnson.

Silver Girls Singles Winner U18 Tilah Mason (The Albert)

14 Queensland Bowler February 2024

Bronze Girls Singles Winner U18 Ashlin Johnson (South Townsville)

U18 BOYS It was an all-Algester affair in the QLD Under 18 Boys Singles Final between Todd Brain and Trent Brehmer. After having watched both boy’s performance earlier in the week, it was anticipated that this would be a cracker of a game.

The boys didn’t take long to get into the rhythm of the game, with the first bowls rolled coming in close to the head, with Brain taking the first toucher at the start of the second end to give him a 4-0 lead. Brehmer came up with four good bowls on the next end to put some pressure on Brain and even the score up to 4-all.

The game, and reflected score, was on an even keel at 10-all until Brain picked up the maximum shots, giving him a margin of four.

He then held on by a small margin, keeping Brehmer’s score at 16 and winning the game by 5 shots.

Brain had capped off his outstanding week by winning his third gold medal and overcoming winning Fours’ teammate Brehmer in what was a great final.

Gold Boys Singles U18 Todd Brain (Algester)

Burnett local Zedd Peters won the bronze after asserting his dominance early in the game and defeating Atherton’s Andrew Lawrence by 6 shots.

U18 BOYS SINGLES FINAL RESULTS Gold/Silver: Todd Brain def Trent Brehmer 21-16.

Bronze: Zedd Peters def Andrew Lawrence 21-15.

Silver Boys Singles Winner U18 Trent Brehmer (Algester)

Bronze Boys Singles Winner U18 Zedd Peters (Burnett) February 2024 Queensland Bowler 15

U15 GIRLS With only four entries in the QLD Under 15 Girls Singles, Club Kawana’s Lacey Gerick went through undefeated to claim the gold medal.

The sectional ladder from Thursday, with one final round to play on Friday morning, showed Lacey Gerick 4+12, Mia Scurr 2+4, April Lawrence 2-2 and Rebekah Blackley 0-14.

While the play was excellent and the results changed after the final round, the position set on the Thursday remained.

Mia Scurr from Millmerran took home silver after winning two games while Atherton’s April Lawrence picked up the bronze and Burnett’s Rebekah Blackley finished fourth.

U15 GIRLS SINGLES LADDER Gold: Lacey Gerick 6+23 Silver: Mia Scurr 4+15

Bronze: April Lawrence 2-13

Fourth: Rebekah Blackley 0-25

Silver Girls Singles Winner U15 Mia Scurr (Millmerran)

OFFICIALS AT ACROSS THE WAVES Officials at Across the Waves L-R: Linda Morish - BQ Match, Glennys Lock and Ron Witton - ATW Umpires, Brian McMah - ATW Games Director and Keith Jobling - ATW President

16 Queensland Bowler February 2024

Gold Girls Singles Winner U15 Lacey Gerick (Kawana)

Bronze Girls Singles Winner U15 April Lawrence (Atherton)

U15 BOYS Pialba’s Cooper Sutton took home his second gold medal of the Championships after defeating Burnett’s Jamieson Morgan in the QLD Under 15 Boys Singles Final.

The post sectional match saw Sutton claim his spot in the semi-finals after defeating Ben Harrison 21-4.

Prior to that, the sectional winners were on top form with: Section 1: Taylor Baart 6+28 Section 2: Jamieson Morgan 4+28 Section 3: Ben Hagan 6+18 Section 4: Ben Harrison 4+29 Section 5: Cooper Sutton 4+34 In the final, the boys were having a great tussle with Sutton leading narrowly at 14-11. Sutton then won 3 of the next 4 ends to win another gold after winning the U15 Pairs earlier in the week.

Ben Hagan from Club Pine Rivers jumped out of the blocks and never looked back in the bronze play off to defeat Taylor Baart from Darra Cementco with a tidy 21-13.

Gold Boys Singles Winner U15 Cooper Sutton (Pialba)

U15 BOYS SINGLES FINAL RESULTS Gold/Silver: Cooper Sutton def Jamieson Morgan 21-12.

Bronze: Ben Hagan def Taylor Baart 21-13.

Silver Boys Singles Winner U15 Jamieson Morgan (Burnett)

Bronze Boys Singles Winner U15 Ben Hagan (Pine Rivers Memorial)

February 2024 Queensland Bowler 17

U12 OPEN SINGLES The second U12 Open Singles was a great success again this year, with 14 of our youngest superstars taking to the greens in what was an exciting event.

Burnett local Chaz Doherty had a good day on his home green defeating Laidley’s Keegan McGuire.

Doherty led from start to finish with McGuire unable to counteract until a last-minute surge but was too late.

Chaz Doherty is the son of the owners of Arcon Metals Recycling, great supporters of this event over the past two years.

Shae Daly from Paradise Point won the bronze after defeating defending bronze medallist, Beenleigh’s Keala Nukunuku by 21-13.

U12 open SINGLES FINAL RESULTS Gold/Silver: Chaz Doherty def Keegan McGuire 21-13.

Bronze: Shae Daly def Keala Nukunuku 21-13.

Bowls Queensland would like to congratulate all the competitors and thank each and every one of them for their entertaining bowls, but more importantly for their wonderful sportsmanship shown toward each other.

Gold Open Singles Winner U12 Chaz Doherty (Burnett)

Thank you to sponsors Burnett Bowls Club West Bundaberg, Across The Waves Bowls Club, Arcon Metals Recycling, Bundaberg Regional Council & WholeLife Pharmacy for their support. Thank you to Sue Busch for the photos, and thank you to all the volunteers, officials and the Gold Coast Tweed District media team for live streaming the event.

Silver Open Singles Winner U12 Keegan McGuire (Laidley)

18 Queensland Bowler February 2024

Bronze Open Singles Winner U12 Shae Daly (Paradise Point)

The future of bowls all ready for the 2024 Junior State Championships

TRIBUTE TO ASHLEE KNIGHT Bowls QLD was saddened to hear about the recent passing of Ashlee Knight from Mackay City BC, and sends condolences to her family and friends.

Ashlee represented the QLD U25 Team in 2022 & 2023 versus NSW, won the QLD Secondary Schools Cup in 2019, was runner up in the QLD U18 Girls Singles in 2021 and was an inaugural member of the 2023 QLD High Performance Academy.

Ashlee loved playing bowls and played for10-12 hours most weeks, and also used to enjoy playing golf. She was proud of winning the 2019 State Schools Cup with her friend, Maddison Andreassen, and also being selected for the Queensland team.

Ashlee Knight (centre front) representing Queensland in the Under-25 team

She admired Karen Murphy and her mentors, Robyn Beale and her dad Joe Taylor.

Playing bowls was a positive experience for Ashlee as her whole family played, and she always encouraged any beginner bowlers to “practice hard and listen to your coaches”.

Rest in peace, Ashlee.

Ashlee at Mackay City BC’s 100th anniversary

Ashlee in action February 2023 Queensland Bowler 19

Development with Micheal Sorrensen

Here’s the challenge!

Here is the challenge. We are looking at making the 2024 Bowls Queensland Secondary Schools Cup the biggest and best one yet.

To be held on August, 21-22, this challenge is for every registered junior in grade 7 through to grade 12, clubs that have a junior and every member who has a child in high school to go out and get another school mate from the same school and put in an expression of interest for a start. From there, your Bowls Australia Club Support Manager will contact you and work with you to find a coach and set you along the way to possibly win a state title for yourself and your school.

The Secondary Schools Cup is a school-based competition. In the past, we had to wait for the schools to come to us.

We believe this needs to change, and have the sport go to the schools. To show the interest we have in the great sport of lawn bowls, and the benefits our sport has within the school system, we still encourage clubs to make contact with their local school(s) to promote our sport.

The championship works along the same lines as the Champion of Champions, with each of the entrants winning through their school, then you progress through to the district play off if needed, and from there will emerge our state finalists. There are 20 districts within our state and the challenge is to find representatives from all 20 to play off at the state final.

For those who have to travel from our furthest districts, they will have travel and accommodation covered by Bowls Queensland. The state final will be played at Club Pine Rivers.

Each of the finalists will have to go through the school in order to compete at the state finals. Permission will need to be sought from the school and a chaperone or coach appointed to travel with the teams.

So, the challenge is there for every registered junior in grade 7 through to grade 12, clubs that have a junior and every member who has a child in high school to make the 2024 Secondary Schools Cup the best ever.

Fill in the expression of interest QR code on this page and send it through to Bowls Queensland. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact myself or David Barnes, our contact details are below.

Contact your CSMs David Barnes at 0429 442 818 and dbarnes@bowls.com.au or Micheal Sorrensen at 0447 507 040 or msorrensen@bowls.com.au

2023 Secondary Schools Cup finalists

20 Queensland Bowler February 2024

PLAN SOMETHING REALLY MEMORABLE IN ‘24 Travel is such an enriching experience! We all have the opportunity to occasionally break away from the ordinary, and do something really special - something that lights up our life! The world offers amazing destinations that are so completely different from what we’re used to here in Australia. Plan your next holiday that’s ‘out of the ordinary!’

Long-established Gold Coast Travel Agents, Travel Masters and The Travel Studio, have been industry leaders and award-winning holiday specialists for over 30 years. Their teams of friendly well-travelled Senior Travel Advisers are experts at building on your suggestions, to offer a holiday package that’s perfectly suited to you.

These Travel Agencies have extensive personal travel experience, and specialise in top-quality holidays to all corners of the planet. They’ve been organising and conducting exclusive small group tours to off-thebeaten-track destinations on every planet for decades. They’re among Australia’s leading cruise agents, and organisers of Australia’s longest-running and most successful Annual Cruise Sale Day. With an emphasis on friendly personalised service and careful attention to detail, these Travel Agencies are global destination experts, and recognised specialists in air safaris, luxury rail travel, luxury coach touring, river cruising, and much more. No matter where in the world you’d like to explore, the friendly Senior Advisers at Travel Masters (Nerang) and The Travel Studio (Mermaid Waters) will get you there in style, comfort, and with the best value. Contact award-winning holiday specialists on 1800 672 988.

LAWN BOWLS TOUR

NORFOLK ISLAND 8 DAYS

12 -19 NOVEMBER 2024

LIMITED TO 25 SPACES! BOOK NOW!

Experience the perfect blend of bowls and sightseeing. Play the game you love while exploring a remarkable destination.

PACKAGE INCLUDES Return flights ex Brisbane Group transfers between airport & hotel Full programme of daily sightseeing & activity 3 games of bowls + 2 hour skills and drills session 7 nights at the Paradise Hotel 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, & 6 dinners Services of a Tour Escort - Kerri Cottell Tour shirt, bowls cloth & a bowls carry bag

$3,649* per person twin share $4,309* per person single

SCAN TO VIEW FULL ITINERARY AND HIGHLIGHTS

A non-bowler price available upon request

Q SUPER CENTRE, CNR BERMUDA & MARKERI STREETS, MERMAID WATERS, QLD, 4218

FOR MORE INFORMATION/ BOOKINGS CONTACT KERRI COTTELL (07) 5572 7272 kerri@thetravelstudio.com.au

*Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.travelmasters.com.au for full details.

VALE MARTIN CORR Bowls Queensland was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Martin Corr, Bowls Queensland Director.

Martin was involved in various bowls administrative positions from club, district through to State level over a 20year period. His first position in bowls administration was when he became involved with the Proserpine Bowls Club as Secretary in 1993. He then held various positions at the club with his more recent post being as Chairman.

Martin joined the Mackay District Bowls Association as Junior Vice President and a member of the Match Committee in 2012. He held various positions on the District executive since then including President and a District Delegate to Bowls Queensland from 2014 to 2023.

In March 2023, Martin was elected to the Board of Bowls Queensland as a Director.

Martin also devoted much time to the Proserpine Nursing Home and Whitsunday Dog Obedience & Agility Club.

Bowls Queensland’s Board, staff and committees express their condolences to Martin’s wife Gaye, family and close friends.

FOURTH ANNUAL TOURNAMENT FOR NQ ARM BOWLERS

Towards the end of last year, a group of North Queensland’s arm bowlers held their fourth annual tournament and much fun was had by all. Congratulations to the winners, John Le Roy and Gary Polkinghorne.

Sixteen teams of pairs played three rounds of 16 ends, vying for the arm bowlers’ trophy and badges donated by Ron and Di Jepson, as well as the prize money down to 9th place along with a Sportsman’s team prize.

Winners John Le Roy & Gary Polkinghorne

22 Queensland Bowler February 2024

Thank you to sponsors Signato Family Trust, KJ Steel & Kirwan Sports.

Contributed by Michelle Emmerson

LATTRELL WINS JUNIOR SCHOLARSHIP! Lattrell Lawton was named the 2024 Algester Sports Club Remote Qld Junior Scholarship winner. He was presented with his award by Algester’s Manager Brad Harris at the Junior Championships in front of all the junior bowlers and their parents.

Over the past two years, Lattrell has shown he has a big future in the sport of lawn bowls. Lattrell, who lives in Charleville, some 900kms from Brisbane, will receive mentoring, training drills and ongoing support to further develop his game to the next level.

Lattrell received a $2,000 Scholarship Fund from the Algester Sports Club to help towards his travel to the 2025 Junior State Championships, along with bowls sponsorship from Henselite Australia. Lattrell will receive new Henselite bowls, a bag, shoes and a Henselite shirt so he can be his best on the green.

Brad Harris presenting Lattrell Lawton with a $2,000 Algester Sports Club Remote Qld Junior Scholarship

Brad Harris thanked Henselite for its ongoing support in junior bowls and is looking forward to continuing this great relationship in 2024.

The Algester Sports Club Remote Qld Junior Scholarship will open for nominations in April for the 2025 Scholarship Award. This great award is for growth and support of Qld Junior Bowlers who want to make this sport part of their lives. We will continue to support this program as a club as it is important that juniors are our focus for the future.

Contributed by Brad Harris

SUNSHINE COAST DISTRICT BOWLS ASSOCIATION AWARDS NIGHT The second highly successful awards night of the Sunshine Coast District Bowls Association was held at the Kawana Bowls Club towards the end of last year.

There were over 130 bowlers (men and women) representing most clubs within the district.

Tewantin/Noosa Bowls Club were at the forefront, providing not only pennant winners but the female and male Senior Players of the Year, Tara Ferrier and Robert Briglia. Robert also won the Men’s Singles championship.

Ladies Div 1 Kawana L-R: Meryl Ahearn, Debbie Dallison, Katelyn Inch, Lynda Brownen, Joan Tennent, Di Vitarale, Denice McLean, Leigh Fortington & Maria Rigby

The district’s Junior Female of the Year was Kawana’s Lacey Gerick with the Junior Male of the Year going to Glasshouse Country Club’s Jack Chirgwin.

Once again, Club Kawana took out the Division 1 Pennant in both the women’s and men’s divisions.

This was on top of Kawana member Katelyn Inch obtaining the Women’s Singles title.

Men’s Div 1 Winners Kawana L-R: Mick Tull, Dave Rixon, Kurt Brown, Bill Johnson & Geoff Harrison

District President Graham Tanis welcomed all bowlers in attendance congratulating them on their magnificent team and individual achievements.

Congratulations to all!

Contributed by Barry Ashby & photos by Bruce Angus Queensland Bowler February 2024 23

Umpire with Joan Brotherton Laws on game anomalies A special welcome back to you all and I wish you an enjoyable, successful and safe 2024. I know that you will all be commencing competitions such as club, district and State events and as I have already received some enquiries regarding various procedures covering game anomalies, I thought I would go through these for you.

DOMESTIC REGULATIONS: 2. GAME ANOMALIES – (Commencing on page 111 of Laws of the Sport of Bowls Crystal Mark 4th Edition – April 2023).

2.1 – Definitions: •

2.1.1 Eligible Member: a player who satisfies the eligibility criteria, as stated in the Conditions of Play set down by the Controlling Body for that event.

•

2.1.2 Affiliated Member: a player who is registered with a state or territory association as a member of an affiliated club.

•

2.1.3 Substitute: a player who is appointed to take the place of a team member who is unavailable to play at any time (including the first end of any game), for a reason accepted by the Controlling Body. The replacement player becomes a constituted member of the team.

•

2.1.4 Replacement Player: A player who is appointed to take the place of a constituted player who is physically incapable or otherwise prevented from taking further part in any end (after the first round), for a reason accepted by the Controlling Body. The replacement player becomes a constituted member of the team.

Copy of the new Law Book

2.2 – Team nominations: (I receive many enquiries on this section, as a number of players who nominate find they cannot play when the game commences and any time during the competition).

•

2.2.1 If approved by the Controlling Body, the players nominated to form a team entered in a competition may be changed before their first round in that competition.

•

2.2.2 Any player withdrawn before the first round shall be regarded as not having entered the competition and can act as a substitute or replacement player in that competition.

2.3 - Constitution of teams: •

2.3.1 A team that become constituted when the jack is rolled in the first end of the first game to be played by that team.

•

2.3.2 Players in a team forfeiting or receiving a forfeit shall be constituted and cannot act as a substitute or replacement player in any other team in that competition.

•

2.3.3 If a player in a team becomes unavailable or is incapable of playing, the Controlling Body may authorize the use of one substitute player and/or one replacement player.

2.4 – Substitutes (see definition 2.1.3): •

2.4.1 Only one substitute will be allowed in a team at any one time.

•

2.4.2 Substitutes shall be chosen from “Eligible Members” who have not been constituted in that competition.

•

2.4.3 If there are no “Eligible Members” available, the Controlling Body can approve an “Affiliated Member” to act as a substitute.

•

2.4.4 A player acting as a substitute, may with the approval of the Controlling Body, be changed at the completion of any end during a game or between succeeding games in the same competition.

•

2.4.5 Note: The wording in this clause was changed in the new laws and is as follows: Substitutes introduced after the game has commenced must play in the same position as the player being substituted, except if it is skip. If a substitute is required for a skip, then the other members of the team must rearrange their positions, as necessary. The following clause was added: In subsequent games in the same competitions the position of players may be rearranged (unless otherwise specified in the Conditions of Play for that event) however a substitute must not play in the position of skip.

•

2.4.6 A player for whom a substitute is obtained, will, if they become available and are physically capable, rejoin the team in the player’s original position at the start of the next end and the others must revert to their original positions.

•

2.4.7 A player who has played as a substitute, is eligible to again play as a substitute in that team or another team in that competition.

•

2.4.8 Substitutes are not permitted for a singles player who is not part of a side’s competition.

24 Queensland Bowler February 2024

•

2.4.9 If a replacement player is used in a pairs team, then a substitute is only permitted to take the place of the replacement player and the original team member must be skip. Otherwise, a substitute cannot be permitted.

•

2.4.10 A substitute is not to be approved by a player who is unavailable because of a commitment to play bowls in another event they have entered.

•

2.4.11 A substitute must be permitted for a player who is unavailable to play because of their selection as a player in a recognized National, State or Divisional/Regional Representative Side.

2.5 – Replacement players (see definition 2.1.4): •

2.5.1 Only one replacement player will be allowed in a team and when approved by the Controlling Body, becomes a constituted player.

•

2.5.2 Replacement players must be chosen from available “Eligible Members” and when approved by the Controlling Body can play in any position including skip.

•

2.5.3 Constituted players are ineligible to act as replacement players or substitutes.

2.6 – Absentee players in a side game: (This clause would apply when you are playing many of your present competitions – for example, GR8, Summer District Shield/Team games, Premier League, etc.

2.6.1 If, 30 minutes after the scheduled start time for a game, or sooner if the Controlling Body decides, one player is absent from one or more teams in a side and no eligible substitute is available or allowed, the game must continue, however: •

2.6.1.1 A team with an absent player plays as though the second is the missing player.

•

2.6.1.2 The order of play shall be maintained by the second of the complete team playing consecutive bowls.

•

2.6.1.3 Each player must use the number of bowls specified in the Conditions of Play for that event.

•

2.6.2 If a player has commenced the game, however, is unable to continue the game and no eligible substitute or replacement player is available, play will continue as if one player is absent as per 2.6.1.

•

2.6.3 If an absent player arrives late, they must take their original place in the team when they arrive and enter the game at the completion of the end in progress.

•

2.6.4 If an eligible substitute or replacement player becomes available and is permitted by the Controlling Body, they may be introduced to the game at the completion of the end in progress.

I hope that the above is of assistance to you when playing your various competitions. Please remember to keep drinking fluids, as I am sure the weather will still be very hot. I wish you all the best and most of all: enjoy your game and the friendships you will make.

Congratulations to BQ umpire, Joan Brotherton, on being awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her service to lawn bowls.

Joan has many achievements, including writing a monthly umpire column for the Queensland Bowler. To date, Joan has penned 118 Umpire Columns for the magazine. Well done Joan! Thank you for everything you’ve done for Bowls Queensland and umpiring.

Congratulations to Queenslander Colin Meng, who was awarded an OAM for service to the community through a range of organisations, which included the Souths Suburban Bowls Club in Mackay. The Bowler magazine will report more on these achievements in a later issue, once the medal holders receive their medals.

Queensland Bowler February 2024 25

WHAT’S YOUR CLUB BEEN DOING? 75 Years for South Johnstone!

Last December, South Johnstone Bowls Club (SJBC) celebrated its 75th anniversary with a game of social bowls, barbeque lunch, official speeches, cutting of the special cake and a Christmas Goose draw.

Past and present members joined members of local clubs and special guests, which included Bowls Queensland board member Gary Costigan from Townsville, who presented the club with a special 75th anniversary plaque to SJBC President Shane McInerney. The club’s oldest member and Club Patroness Elsie Sestero, aged 90, received a Matriarch’s badge and she and Club Patron, Wally Kriesel Junior had the honours of cutting the anniversary cake.

The club was established in 1948 and was founded by canegrower James Hing, Director of the South Johnstone Co-operative Sugar Milling Association and the club’s inaugural president. On August 29, 1947, Hing called a public meeting and 16 prospective members interested in forming a bowling green at South Johnstone gathered at the School of Arts Building, South Johnstone. At the meeting, a unanimous decision took place to form the South Johnstone Bowling Club. Inaugural officers included James McFadden (Patron), James Hing (President), F B Wright (Senior Vice President), E O’Sullivan (Junior Vice President), L F Richardson (Honorary Secretary) and G Waddell (Honorary Treasurer). The James Hing Memorial Green is a fitting tribute to the club’s founder and SJBC would not exist today without the unwavering support and backing of South Johnstone Mill (MSF Sugar).

Several green sites were inspected; however, most places had tank water, apart from the mill which had its own pumps. The club needed a regular water supply to keep the grass green and the only suitable site was at the south-west end of the South Johnstone Mill’s property, on No 6 Branch Road,

SJBC Patroness, Elsie Sestero & Patron, Wally Kriesel Junior cut the 75th anniversary cake

BQ Director Gary Costigan (left) presents SJBC President Shane McInerney with a 75th anniversary plaque

The official opening of the South Johnstone Bowling Green in November 1949, where Mill Manager, Mr W ‘Dickie’ Richardson raised the club pennant 26 Queensland Bowler February 2024

with water and power nearby. SJBC wrote a letter to the South Johnstone Co-operative Sugar Milling Mill Association Manager regarding the land and assistance needed, and received a positive response.

SJBC ladies founding members and executive committee in 1948 included Mary Hing, Grace Waddell, Bessie McAllister (President), Kath Larsen, Mrs Meyer, Mrs Dalton, Mrs Dickson, Rose Hoskins, Fern Richardson, J. McFadden and Minnie Howe. In 2002, SJBC Men’s and Ladies Clubs incorporated.

During Cyclone Larry in 2006, SJBC lost its clubhouse roof. A Queensland Sport and Recreation Grant contributed $238,000 to the project of a new roof, painting, and refurbishment of kitchen, bar, storeroom and disabled toilets, with an official re-opening in 2009. In September 2013, SJBC replaced the grass green with synthetic at a cost of $242,880, assisted by a Sport and Recreation Grant of $100,000, with lights installed three months later.

Over the years, SJBC has produced District winners and outstanding individual players, including Bruno Panozzo, who represented Queensland and then Australia in the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada and Para Jackaroo Louise Hoskins, who has achieved State and National success.

Currently, SJBC has 39 members (28 active players), with three life members: long-serving President Shane McInerney, Elsie Sestero (Patroness) and Wally Kriesel Junior (Patron).

Contributed by Maria Girgenti

Over 90s with their Junior Development Squad!

Arthur Farr, Charlie Veivers, Vic Garra, Gordon Meinrath,“Reckless” (Maulers President), Billy McDonald (turned 99 years on 1 Feb), Len Williams, Kevin Scullin, Jack Reading & Jimmy Clarke

The Maulers Social Bowls Club, from Musgrave Hill Bowls Club on the Gold Coast, had a stellar turn out of over 90s at their Christmas Bowling Day. As our 92-year-old member Arthur Farr had just returned to bowls, we decided to celebrate by inviting other members over the age of 90.

Six members were invited including Jack from the nearby Benowa Bowls Club. Vic, Len and Jim are in the Over 90’s Youth Development Squad.

All accepted the invitation, with ages ranging from 90 – 98. Numbers were boosted by three members close to qualifying age; referred to on the day as juniors. A great day was had by all with a member of the over 90s in every winning side.

Contributed by Ged Hall Contributed by Ros Newman Queensland Bowler February 2024 27

Ayr’s new Centenarian!

Ayr Bowls Club’s Karl Rummeny was presented with his 100-year gold medallion towards the end of last year (2023) at the club’s breakup and presentation event.

Karl was absolutely thrilled with his medallion and went around to every table, showing it to everyone.

Karl is an amazing man. He doesn’t use a walking aid and only uses a bowling arm on the green. To be still actively playing at that age is pretty incredible.

Congratulations Karl!

Contributed by Pam Power

Karl (left) receiving his 100-year gold medallion from President Mick (Rodney) Olsen

Karl Rummeny in action

Gracemere women celebrate first pennant win Gracemere Ladies Bowls Club recently celebrated their first win in Blue Pennants. CQ President, Patricia Ward, presented the framed flag to President Ros Newman, Captain Anne Mooney and the proud team.

Pictured back L-R: Lyn Sullivan, Lyndell Brooks, Tuppy Davey, Ruth Sorrensen, Jan Boswood, Elaine Buckton & Kaye Debnam. Front L-R: Lyn Fullerton Ros Newman, Patricia Ward, Anne Mooney, Ann Horridge & Linda O’Dea Contributed by Judith Muir 28 Queensland Bowler February 2024

Hamilton vs Hamilton in Men’s District Fours The final of the Men’s District Fours was played at Enoggera late 2023.

This game may have created some history as two teams from the Hamilton Bowls Club were lucky enough to be drawn to play on the opposite side of the draw and both played great bowls to reach the grand final.

The game was of a very high standard and the final score of 18-7 was not a true indication of the game as the winning skip, Dean McWhinney, was called upon twice with his last bowl to snare the kitty and get one shot when the opposing team was holding three. Well done to both teams.

Contributed by Vlad Polich

Winners L-R: Todd McIntosh, Dean McWhinney, Allan Smith & Graeme Shillington

Runners-up L-R: John Newell, Lachlan Moore, Hayden Leslie & Jason Moore

Festive season party at Victoria Point It was a special day for the women at Victoria Point Bowls & Recreation Club in December last year, when they celebrated their annual Christmas Break-up Party Day. Members did a wonderful job decorating the club and setting up the function room. The day kicked off with a very enjoyable morning tea with homemade savouries, biscuits, slices and cakes, followed by a fun game of bowls on the green. When bowls finished, all enjoyed a cool drink as it was extremely hot on the green before enjoying the wonderful lunch with food donated and prepared by all members.

Members enjoying themselves at the Christmas party

The “pick-of-the-table” raffles were then drawn and there were so many wonderful raffles, which were also donated by the members.

The incredibly special fun day then finished with various speeches, thanks, presentations and all members then joined together and sang “We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” This was a great finish to the 2023 year.

Contributed by Joan Brotherton

Display of donated Christmas raffles

Decorated function room with tables set up for Christmas lunch

More raffles for the Skirts vs Shirts night Queensland Bowler February 2024 29

Darra Cementco Fours

Runners-up L-R: Paul Webb, Simon Beddoe, Derek Bone & Derick Webb Winners L-R: Steve Blake, Mitch Mears, Luke Mackenzie-Ross & Shaun Toomey

After a week of uncertain and very stormy weather, the annual Darra Cementco Fours got underway in perfect, albeit hot, conditions with a field of 30 teams.

It was great to see such a variety of teams representing a number of locations near and far, particularly the team from Roma, as well as three teams from Buderim.

It was also lovely to see teams with juniors playing and showing their talents – Mia Haylock (2023 State U15 singles champion) and local junior Taylor Baart.

Third L-R: Jamie Dickson, Karen & Col (Chop) Pollock. Absent: Tony White

Round winners went to teams skipped by Wally Schmidt, Josh Hiara, Neil Jennings, George Passaris and Phil Guihot.

Thanks very much to our sponsors the Darra RSL subbranch as well as the Darra Fishing Club.

Thanks also to all the people who worked so hard behind the scenes to make the weekend a success.

Contributed by Peter Gilbert

30 Queensland Bowler February 2024

Fourth L-R: Paul Delany, Ray James, Steve Kendell & Mike Freer

25 Years for Toombul bowler Karen Rodgers of Toombul Bowls Club was recently presented with the 25-year Meritorious Award by President of the Moreton Bay District Ladies Bowling Association, Helen Lightfoot.

Karen joined Toombul in 1987, where her mother and grandmother played. In 1997 she became an umpire and from then, has held every position in the club but president.

Two years ago, she was nominated for the treasurer of the board of management of Toombul Bowls, a position she is continuing in 2024, as well as treasurer of the bowling division of the Toombul Bowling Club. Karen is a keen and knowledgeable member and very deserving of the award.

Contributed by Ethel Foyle

L-R: Helen Lightfoot presents Karen Rodgers with her 25-year Meritorious Award

Bribie Island Bowls Club Unveils Undercover Greens Bribie Island Bowls Club is thrilled to announce the official opening of its new covered lawn bowls greens, marking a significant milestone in the club’s commitment to providing an exceptional experience for members and visitors.

Bribie Island Bowls Club General Manager, Kevin Bertwistle, said the two all-weather covered synthetic greens would provide players with almost 3,500m2 of shaded playing surface available day or night, rain or shine.

“While we do lose out on a lot of game time due to rain, it’s the sun exposure that we are more concerned about, given that at the moment many of our games start in the middle of the day when Club member Lachlan Deakins won the UV is at its strongest,” Mr Bertwistle said. right to roll the first bowl on the new covered greens. Keith Vines very kindly Equipped with advanced lighting systems, the covered greens will donated his father’s wooden bowls to also provide evening play, allowing all to participate in games well use that were crafted in 1929 - the same after sunset, providing flexibility and convenience for bowlers. year the club first opened!

“It’s not just a fabulous development for the club, but it will be fantastic for local community as our bowls tournaments will become a major drawcard on the playing calendar.”

The club is keeping one green as a traditional ‘real grass’ playing surface, while the rest of the back area will become a carpark. As well as the greens, part of the new construction will also include a bowls viewing section, combined with a new alfresco dining and bar area. The outdoor kitchen and barbeque area is also undergoing a renovation to provide greater capacity for bowls events and community fundraising activities. The total cost of the project is under $4 million dollars and will be completed without any government financial aid.

Covered greens opening ceremony Contributed by Leigh Dennis

“This investment reflects our dedication to providing a top-tier bowling experience for all, ensuring that our members can enjoy the sport they love in a comfortable and inclusive environment.”

Queensland Bowler February 2024 31

Men’s Classic Fours Carnival at Pialba

Winners L-R: Brendan Wilson, Mark Armstrong, Graeme Hooper & Nic Gosley with Ingenia Lifestyle Hervey Bay’s Anna Golden (sponsor)

Runners-up: L-R: Steve Springate, Justin Knight, Adam Liddell & Daniel Keogh with Anna Golden

The Ingenia Lifestyle Village, Hervey Bay Men’s Classic Fours Carnival, held at the end of last year at Pialba Bowls Club, had near perfect weather conditions. This successfully run two-day carnival attracted some top names in bowls, including young guns Jacob Nelson, Cody and Riley Gerick, Dale McWhinney-Shillington and Brendan Wilson.

In the end, the local team came out on top with five wins plus 54 ends. Running a close second place were the lads from Windsor and Pine Rivers combining with 5 wins plus 48 ends. Finishing in third place was the extraordinarily strong team skipped by Jacob Nelson with 4 wins plus 60 ends.

The combination of Riley & Cody Gerick, Dean McWhinney and Dale McWhinney-Shillington lost their last game to be relegated to fourth place in what was a nail-biting finish against the Justin Knight team that finished second overall.

The number of volunteers who contributed in one way or another to this carnival is nothing short of amazing, A special mention to our umpire volunteers from Hervey Bay: Anne Dawes, Wendy Jamieson, and Janice Sproson. Thank you for giving up your day to umpire at our event. We must also mention Warren Dawes and Cheryl Colvin for their expertise in computing the scores.

Thank you to our major sponsor, Ingenia Lifestyle Village Hervey Bay and associate sponsors: Hervey Bay RSL, Churches of Christ, Clayton Hearing, Aus-Kerb Concreting, BCIB Insurance, and Fraser Coast Regional Council.

A special thanks also goes to the Gold Coast Live Streaming gurus, Robbie Allen and Brian Marshall, for their coverage of the event.

Contributed by John Walker

Third L-R: John Newell, Scott De Jongh-Fitzpatrick, Jacob Nelson & John Finlayson with Anna Golden 32 Queensland Bowler February 2024

Fourth L-R: Riley Gerick, Cody Gerick, Dean McWhinney & Dale McWhinney-Shillington with Anna Golden

Tully’s Classic Invitational Fours Towards the end of last year, Tully Bowls Club staged its annual event, the Classic Invitational Fours.

The event was well supported with 64 players coming to Tully from Townsville in the south, through to and including Cairns in the North. We also had players from clubs from the Atherton Tablelands. Also, this year, the club welcomed for the first time some female players. Winners L-R: Sean Prinsloo, Darryl Stumbles, John Taylor & Ray Dowling with Rod Bradley

The bowlers, their families and supporters came together for the weekend to enjoy the bowls and a fun time.

This year the committee decided, because of the heat and humidity at this time of the year, to play Saturday’s third game under lights. This was a successful decision as the game was played and enjoyed, with the temperature MUCH cooler. The event was won by a team comprising of four Tully members, the first time for a while that this has happened.

President Joan in her speech to the group thanked those members and volunteers who gave their time to assist at the event.

Upon collecting their prizes, the players commented that this event was one of their favourites.

Contributed by Rod Bradley

Runners-up L-R: Kevin Richardson, Craig Riddel, Barry Myles & Wayne Vella with Rod Bradley

Anton-Brown_Magazine-Ad_Quarter-Page-FINAL.pdf 5 29/08/2023 3:06:50 PM

Third L-R: Michael Hooker, Sno Clark, Michael Roots & Alf Silliato with Rod Bradley

Queensland Bowler February 2024 33

Coaching with BQ Coaching Committee A New Year Reminder on Bowls Etiquette COURSES IN LONGREACH, WEIPA, THURSDAY ISLAND, MT ISA & CHARLEVILLE Bowls Queensland was fortunate to receive a grant from the QLD Government to assist in travel costs to run coaching and umpiring courses/sessions in various regional areas in the next two months. BQ encourages members of these clubs and surrounding areas to support these visits by completing the training on offer: • • • • •

Longreach – 24 & 25 February Weipa - 9 & 10 March Thursday Island - 12 & 13 March Mt Isa – 23 & 24 March Charleville – 13 & 14 April

Thank you to the QLD Government for its support of this initiative.

By Dennis O’Toole Happy New Year to all bowlers from Thorpy, Mal, Jacqui, Eric and myself.

As a member of the State’s Coaching Committee, I am often confronted by players concerned about the level of sportsmanship and common courtesy in our game.

• •

•

As a “Baby Boomer” I was taught etiquette by my parents and at school. Our coaches expected us to comment on opposition’s good play and expect it to be returned. Common decency and respect were, on the whole, “the norm”.

•

Bowls is a sport that encourages social interaction and friendship. Individuals treat one another the way they expect to be treated. This can basically be done by applying common sense, honesty, fairness and consideration of others.

•

Bowls Australia has supplied a Players Code of Behaviour – these are: • •

Play by the rules Don’t argue with officials. Let your team captain or manager approach the official.

•

•

•

Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials, sledging of other players or deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not permitted behaviours in any sport.

Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Accept your position in the team and restrict comments and opinions that undermine the compatibility in that team’s environment.

Be a good sport. Applaud all good shots, whether made by your side or the other. Accept that lucky shots occur and will eventually even out.

Treat all participants as you expect to be treated. Do not bully or take advantage of another competitor.

Co-operate with the coach, teammates, opponents and officials. Without them, there wouldn’t be a sports competition.

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Spectators also need to display good sportsmanship so that players and other supporters are not distracted or offended. We all want our team to win but there are acceptable and unacceptable ways to show support.

Clapping and cheering should be encouraged but should not be done whilst a player is on the mat.

ECKA’S TIP Happy new year to all, remember to treat everyone the way you like to be treated. I hope you have a good year.

34 Queensland Bowler February 2024

Get the QUEENSLAND BOWLER emailed straight to your inbox for FREE!

Enjoy articles, club news, event coverage, umpiring, coaching and official messages from Bowls Queensland!

OR go to: www.bowlsqld.org/newsletter/

BOWLS AUSTRALIA LICENSED SUPPLIER

CUSTOM BOWLS UNIFORMS

aceit.com.au

107 Kenny St, Wollongong E: sales@aceit.com.au