Steve Butler continued his impressive run of form this week when he teamed with Bill Williams to claim the 2021 Major/Minor Pairs Championship.

Last weekend Steve qualified for the Zone 1 Singles Championship leaving several well credentialed bowlers in his wake as he cut a swath through the field. This time Bill and Steve took on a quality field and beat them all, including last year’s runners-up, Phil Maddison and Graham Meany, and defending champions, Peter Julian and Cliffe Vagg.

The two form sides of the championship made it to the final with Steve Farrar and Jim Johnson expected to give Bill and Steve a real tussle. Bill and Steve not only had to contest with the persistence of Steve Farrar and the obstinacy of ‘JJ’ Johnson, but also the weather that forced several delays during the evening and subsequent breaks in concentration.

The final was a well-balanced contest in the early stages and the growing crowd were delighted with the display of draw bowls, running shots and full-blooded drives. However, as the contest advanced so did the confidence and domination of Bill and Steve. After 20 ends of play Steve and Jim applied for, and were granted, respite through the ‘mercy rule’ and the championship was awarded to Bill Williams and Steve Butler by 26 shots to 15.

Both sides are congratulated for their sportsmanship and performances throughout the championship and their perseverance during the final.

2021 Major/Minor Pairs Champions: ‘Wild’ Bill Williams and Steve Butler.

Image: contributed

The draw for the Major Singles Championship has been finalised with rounds one and two scheduled for Sunday March 28. The winner not only can boast of being the club’s best bowler for the next 12 months but will also represent the club in the Zone One South Champion of Club Champions finals.

The 2021 Pennant season commences on Saturday 27th March with our grade four side at home to Maclean, grade five (gold) will face South Grafton Ex-Services on our home greens, grade five (blue) will travel to Iluka, grade seven will also be at home against Maclean while grade three have the bye. Members and supporters are requested to get to the club to support their club mates with all games scheduled to commence at 1pm.

Men’s social bowls continues Wednesday and Friday afternoons. All games commence at 1pm and nominations can be made by telephoning the bowls office on 6646 8669 or by recording participation details on the nomination sheet adjacent the bowls office prior to 11.30am on the intended day of play.

Wednesday March 17

Winners: Bob Gunning and Chris Gunning

Runners up: Tony Reynolds and Chris Muldoon

Encouragement: Peter Dockery, Mario Gryl and Glen Fifield

Friday March 19

Winners: Vic Miller, Len Yeomans and Steve Grodzki

Runners up: Steve Farrar and Steve Butler

Encouragement: Keith Smith, Steve Burns and Greg Johnson

Don Freeman