The Bowls NSW Single Gender Pennant Playoffs were contested between the 18th & 20th November.
Our Division 3 side travelled to Dubbo & commenced their campaign with an emphatic 88-45 win over South Tweed Heads with wins on all 3 rinks. Our 2nd game was against the strong Sawtell side. Our guys were behind in the early going due mostly to some great conversions by the Sawtell Skips. As the game moved towards the end, our men started to rally, closing in to be only a couple of shots behind. As hard as they tried, they just fell short going down 59-56. The rink skipped by Steve Blake was a standout winning 24-15. The final game of the section was a do or die clash with Harden with the winner assured a spot in the Quarter Finals. It was not a great start for us, with the Harden boys coming out of the blocks & getting out to an early lead. Things looked dire as Harden’s leads grew with the ends slowing running out. As our guys have done in the past, the began to fight back & were coming home strong. We got to within 3 shots with a handful of ends left, but it wasn’t to be with Harden taking the win 58-52 & thus knocking our 3’s out.
Our Division 4 side travelled to Warilla & began their campaign with a hard fought 64-56 win over Bathurst City. The Graham Williams skipped side led the way winning 34-8 whilst Mark Rashleigh’s side won 21-16. Round 2 saw the guys take on Quirindi. In was what a hard fought battle, Quirindi did just enough winning 69-60. Mark Rashleigh’s side performed well again winning 25-22. The final section game was against South Cronulla with our guys needing no less than a 9-1 points win to progress to the Quarter Finals. Whilst the overall win was never really in doubt, 2 rinks were locked in tight tussles. Graham Williams & his side had an emphatic win 31-9, leaving Mark Rashleigh’s or Ross Koppman’s side to provide the extra point. Rashleigh’s rink held on for a 15 all draw meaning Rossco & team had to draw or win for the side to progress. Down at the head, Ross played a brilliant shot to trail the jack for 3 shots & a win 23-21, giving the side an overall win 69-45, 9-1 on points & thus a spot in the Quarter Finals.
The Quarter Final was against Wallacia (who are also a part of the St Johns Park Group). The Wallacia guys were up for the fight & proved far to good for us on the day, running out winners 70-33.
Congratulations to both sides on making the State Finals.
GO SAINTS!!
