BOWLS NORTH CLAIM OVERALL MEN’S & WOMEN’S SECTIONS IN BOWLS TASMANIA STATEWIDE CHALLENGE 2020-21
BOWLS NORTH STATEWIDE CHALLENGE ROUND 3 REPORT (Report by Madge Strochnetter & David Heron)
The Northern Women’s & Men’s sides travelled down South to Claremont Bowls Club and we were pleased to find the Claremont greens running free and the weather conditions were perfect. Both the Men’s & Women’s side was in an extraordinarily strong position in the Statewide Challenge Series titles for 2020-21.
WOMEN’S REPORT:
The Open Women’s side played South 2 in the morning round. A nice display of bowling was exhibited by all our ladies.
The rink led by Rae Simpson took control of the game from the onset and came out winners 29 to 10. Kim Saunders rink had a good tussle then took charge midway through and come out winners 17 to 9 win. Rebecca Van Asch led her rink through a tight game to only go down by 1 shot, 16 to 17. A successful morning for our ladies gaining 10 points.
In the afternoon round against the South’s number one side, Rae’s rink was on fire again with a commanding display of bowling to finish with a 24 to 10 win. Rebecca’s rink had an even start with their opponents and from about the 8th end took over the game to have a 22 to 11 win. Kim Saunders rink had a close game for the entire time finishing 16 all after 17 ends. With some exceptionally good bowls by all players, they managed to score 3 shots to give them the victory.
A fantastic day by all the team, with bringing home the shield as overall winners of the Women’s Statewide open series. All were immensely proud of their achievement, not forgetting the contributions made by who were unavailable for Round 3 but played in the previous 2 rounds.
I am sure that all our Northern bowlers are feeling proud of their team. We are also so proud of our Men’s side who also put on a great exhibition of bowling, reaping good results as well, as you will see from the Men’s report.
We are all looking forward to next year’s events.
MEN’S REPORT:
An extraordinarily strong performance was displayed by our players against a particularly good Southern number 2 side in the morning match.
NORTH 63 def SOUTH 2 44
J Appleyard 14 lt G Wakefield 18
M Sims 32 def J Fowler 10
M Strochnetter 17 def A Norris 16
This was a strong performance by our players against a particularly good number 2 Southern side. Michael Sims rink was always in control creating pressure end after end and recorded a couple of big scores on their way to a convincing win. Mark Strochnetter’s rink led throughout and withstood a late challenge to record another solid win.
Our players all performed well and consistently created chances. Josh Appleyard’s rink encountered strong opposition throughout with the Southern Skipper pulling off some big saves at times when we looked to be getting on top.
The overall win ensured that we could not lose the Shield, and this took the pressure of our players as we faced up to the top Southern side in the afternoon round.
NORTH 62 def SOUTH 48
J Appleyard 11 lt N Curto 27
M Sims 22 def P Bannister 12
M Strochnetter 29 def W Coad 9
This was a terrific effort from our players given that we had already won the title, but the team desire was to finish off the series in style leaving no doubt as to who the best side was. Josh Appleyard faced a Southern rink that got away to a flyer and full credit must be given to this Southern rink that played very well all game.
Mark Strochnetter’s rink recorded an all the way win to complete a big day for this rink and also a great overall series. Michael Sim’s rink recorded his second big win for the day to complete a terrific series as well.
The Bowls North Open Men’s selectors, Chris Lee, Graeme Burnie, and David Heron would like to congratulate all player’s who represented the North in this series for their professionalism, attendance at the practice sessions and their gameday attitude and preparation. There are nay highlights including a top win by our Number 2 side over the South which lifted everyone.
The rinks gelled well together and there was a noticeable team spirit amongst the players. We are proud of everyone’s performances and we should achieve a strong representation in the State side.
We look forward to next year and the opportunity to defend our title and keep the North as the top region in Tasmanian Bowls.