SENIOR MEN’S STATEWIDE CHALLENGE REPORT

Report by Men’s Senior Selector Nigel Pedley

Round 5 and 6 of the Bowls Tasmania Senior Men’s Statewide Challenge was played at North Launceston on Tuesday 27th February 2024.

Bowls North was represented by:
Rink 1 – N Pedley (SK), D Bassett, P Elmer, R Groenewegen.
Rink 2 – P Barrett (SK), M Billing, D Campbell, R Boutcher.
Rink 3 – S Gurr (SK), P Zoon, D Walker, W Foster.

Coming into round 5 Bowls North was sitting in 3rd spot on the overall ladder with 2 important games against Bowls South and Bowls Tasmania to be played. First game was against Bowls South.

In a tight start to the game Peter Barrett’s rink 2- 4 down after 4 ends won the next 7 ends to lead 14 -4 before going on to win 19-10. Nigel Pedley’s had a very tight battle with C Martyn rink 7-8 down after 11 ends won 5 of the last 7 ends to win 14 -10. In the final rink Shane Gurr had a tight battle with opponent before going down by 4 shots. Final scores Bowls North defeated Bowls South 48 – 39 on 2 rinks. In the other game Bowls Northwest defeated Bowls Tasmania 49- 42.

After the Morning results it made the overall ladder very tight.

Round 6 was against the Bowls Tasmania side with Nigel Pedley playing Tony Vince, Peter Barrett playing Ricky Richardson and Shane Gurr playing Chris Norris. In a tight battle from the start Peter Barrett’s rink finally got on top to win 21-16. Nigel Pedley’s rink scored 4 on the first end and never looked back in a great team effort to win 33-11. The final rink Shane Gurr had a tight battle before winning the last 4 ends, to win 17-15. Final scores Bowls North defeated Bowls Tasmania 71-42 winning on all rinks. In the other game Bowls Northwest defeated Bowls South 59-53

Overall standings:
Tasmania         44
Bowls North    38
Bowls South   32
Northwest       30

With Bowls Tasmania ineligible to win the shield, Bowls North finished on top.

A special thanks must go to all players that played in the competition. Thanks to the North Launceston Bowls Club for the splendid greens that we were able to play on and the meals that we enjoyed, also congratulations to the women’s side on winning as well.