Sports

L – R Sponsors Neil and Ruth Payne. Winner of ‘Singles Shootout’ Brian Napper and sponsors Marie and Allan Gough. Image: contributed

“Minor” wins GDSC “Majors” Singles Tournament

The first GDSC Singles Carnival for many years has been run and won on the greens at the GDSC.

Unfortunately, due to Covid, our numbers were reduced, however we were able to bring in some ‘Minor’ bowlers to make up the numbers and we were fortunate to enjoy some lovely winter weather.

A total of 24 bowlers nominated and we also had 12 markers who enjoyed the games and went into the draw for ‘thank you’ prizes’.

The format for the day would see each player play four games of singles with each game being 12 ends only, and the winner of each game would be determined by the number of ends each player won, rather than the actual score. 

This means a player can lose a game and still figure in the prize money at the end of the fourth game. The top eight players would receive prize money, along with the ‘Best Performed Player’ in each round.

There were a lot of close games with narrow margins, and spectators were treated to some exciting games.

At the completion of the third round, Greg “Squizzy” Taylor had a narrow lead of 1 end on the scoreboard, with ‘Minor’ Brian Napper hot on his heels. 

By sheer coincidence though, ‘Squizzy’ and Brian were drawn to play each other in the fourth and final game. This game drew many spectators, but it was Brian who was too consistent, on the day and got the better of ‘Squizzy’ 7 ends to 5 to become our first “Singles Shootout” winner.

Other bowlers to feature in the prize money were Mark Walsh & Gary Harrison on 27 ends, just behind Allan Knox, Squizzy, and President Tony Lickiss on 28 ends, Jason Ryan and Chris Teare on 30 ends and of course our winner Brian Napper on 31 ends.

A big thank you to our markers, including volunteers from the Ladies Bowling Club, Leith Basset who set up the scoreboard as always, and Allan Gough who coordinated the carnival.

Neil Payne on behalf of the sponcors has offered to run the carnival as an annual event and has also offered to sponsor a Minor’s Singles Carnival in the near future. Thank you, Neil.

Gregg Maxted