Past Presidents’ Novice Event

Sunday January 10th saw 52 novice bowlers from 16 clubs in the MPB region playing in the annual Past President’s Novice Singles Championship.  The tournament was held at City of Frankston Bowls Club and the action on the greens was as hot as the temperature.

Mt Martha had 8 bowlers participating and overall, despite not winning the event, every Mt Martha bowler had a great day and we won more than our share of matches.

Geoff Gilsenan drew the “group of death”, having to play against two Div 2 North bowlers (one from Rosebud and the other from Belvedere), so it really was an outstanding effort that he was able to win his group.

Lynette Taylor had the unluckiest draw, coming up against the eventual winner in her opening game.  She lost 6-8 which was the closest anyone got to beating him.  And Glenda Marsh was drawn against the runner-up in her sectional draw.  Glenda won that match but didn’t progress, losing on a countback.  Katriona Newman also came equal top in her group, but she too missed out on countback.

Three of our players (Geoff Gilsenan, Judy Woods & Mal Davy) made it through to the knock-out stage with all three winning their way to the Quarter Finals.  It was great to see all Mt Martha players stay on to support those that progressed through with quite a few staying on to watch the final.

The highlight was Judy’s last bowl in the Quarter final.  Needing 3 shots with one end to go, she drew in 2 great shots.  With very little margin for error she bowled her last bowl and gently drew it into her 2 shot bowls without disturbing the head to snatch a semi-final birth.

In the semi-final, Judy led by 3 shots with 3 ends to go, but the fairytale ended there.

Redemption awaits on February 21 when the Pairs event will be held at Mornington Civic.

Danny Tamburrini

Competitions Committee