A perfect day greeted the finalists in the IWBC Fours Championship on Thursday February 10.
Our worthy champions are skip – Marg Gosper; 3rd – Kim Mogler; 2nd – Kaylene Toovey and lead – Pam Kennedy. In a nail biting final, which concluded with an extremely close score of 17 – 16, all bowlers competed with a high level of accuracy, consistency and sportsmanship.
It was, however, the final end that had players and spectators captivated as the jack was repeatedly moved by both teams and hence the shot bowl was switched between teams. It was however Marg Gosper who held her nerve to put down a magnificent shot to move the jack once again to find two shots for her team. This meant they defeated their opponents 17 – 16 to be 2022 Fours Champions.
Iluka Fours’ winners (l-r) Marg Gosper, Kim Mogler, Kaylene Toovey and Pam Kennedy.
Runners-up were the team of skip – Ann McLean; 3rd – Janny Franke; 2nd – Kaye Becker and lead – Robyn Arthur. They had fought valiantly to pull back from being down 14 to 8 and then go on to even the score 15 all. Skip Ann had delivered a very good bowl to give them the lead 16 to 15 after 20 ends and this led to the exciting last end previously described.
Runners up were Ann McLean, Janny Franke, Kaye Becker and Robyn Arthur.
Previously in the semi-finals, the champs had defeated the team of Michelle Swan, Ros Duncan, Lyn Briggs and Janice Blaxter. This match was also closely contended and resulted in a difference of only one shot in the final scores. In the other semi-final, Ann and her team had a comprehensive win over Mary Arthur, Anne Rawson, Jenny Watson and Pam Ravet.
Although this year was a shortened competition due to illness and medical appointments, all players agreed it was positive, challenging and friendly.
There are many people to thank for making a championship possible as much work goes into the organising and preparation of the greens. Players are very thankful to have such capable green keepers in Shaun and Jimmy. Our gratitude also goes to umpires Denise and Ros as well as all the members of our ladies committee.
Kaye Becker