Ferntree Gully Bowls

News

Dec 11, 2011

CLUB SINGLES CHAMPIONS

Category: Pennant Bowls

Clubs Singles Championships completed.

SINGLES FINALS DAY - SUNDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2011

Report by J Ford (cub reporter), photographs by Harold Boettcher

The four finalists. L-R Geoff Rodwell, Graham Behm, Gail Bowen, Gill Tasker

The Barry Plant Men's and Women's singles finals were held on Sunday 11th December. Although it had rained through the night, and for part of the morning, the skies had cleared as 1.00pm approached, and the rinks were slightly damp, but running true. Initially the spectator crowd was small, but grew as the afternoon progressed, which was good to see. All were treated to some fine bowling by the players.

The Mens Final between Geoff Rodwell and Graham Behm was played on Rink 3, with Tony Jeffery marking. The Ladies Final between Gail Bowen and Gill Tasker was played on Rink 5 with Judy Tournier marking.

MENS FINAL

Geoff had the better of the early ends, and had advanced to a 6-1 lead by the 5th end, but then Graham found his length and rhythm, and, with a sensational 4 in the 6th, clawed his way back into contention. By the 10th end, Graham held a 1 point lead of 9-8, and Geoff seemed to be bowling not quite as well as he had started. The game continued to be very even through the next seven ends and scores were level at this point. In the 18th, Geoff grabbed the initiative with the shot of the day - a fourth-bowl draw around the head to trail the jack and give him 2 up, where he had been 3 down. On the 20th end, he secured an impressive 4, to take the title 25-18.

Graham, a study in concentration.

Geoff in Action. A classic delivery style. Don't know about the hat!

All over. Graham and Geoff immediately after the match.

And again, a bit later, in a much more convivial setting.

LADIES FINAL

Similarly, this match was a close affair from about the seventh end. Gill had moved out to a 6-2 lead by the fifth, and maintained the front position to the 10th where she led 8-6. However, Gail, who had been a little erratic in the early ends, was starting to find form, By the 15th end, Gail had taken a three shot lead, and maintained that margin over the next five ends. Gill fought back strongly, but every time she made inroads into Gail's lead, Gail would restore her margin with a winning end. Gail's greater consistency over the concluding ends saw her win the day 25-18, her third successive singles title. Coincidentally, the same score as the men's.