The Regional Senior and State Singles finals were held on Monday May 22 in the pristine surrounds of Red Rock Bowling Club under cloudless blue skies – conditions couldn’t have been better for the many spectators from near and afar – all here to cheer on the various players from their neck of the woods.

Jason Pinnock (NSW Regional Bowls Manager) was the Controlling Body for the day and also maintained a livestream of all results to Bowlslink throughout the day.

Refreshed by morning tea provided by the very hospitable Red Rock ladies – players took to the greens for the semi-finals vying for a spot in the afternoon finals.

Some wonderful bowls were produced by all players – but in the wash-up there can only be one winner and in the State Singles semi-final it was Coral Nathan (Tweed Byron District) who earned her spot in the afternoon’s finals by defeating Christine Sheridan (Mid-North Coast District) 25-16. And on the adjacent rink Susan Grady (Northern Rivers District) defeated Gillian Wakefield (Clarence River District) 25-17 – setting up an afternoon final between Coral Nathan and Susan Grady.

In the Senior Singles semi-finals, it was Wendy Clarke (Northern Rivers District) coming up against Johanna Bathgate (Mid-North Coast District). Wendy came out victorious in this game with a 25-13 win earning her place in the final after the lunch break and will meet Carol Ritale (Clarence River District) who defeated Barbara Sprengel (Tweed/Byron District) 25-17 on the adjoining rink.

After a refreshing cold meat and salad lunch, players were fortified to take to the greens for the all-important final – the winners earning their places in the State finals at a later date.

Again, spectators were thrilled by some of the great bowls played by each and every contestant but at the end of the day the Regional Champions emerged.

In the State final Coral Nathan had her nose in front for most of the game and despite some wonderful bowling from her opposition Susan Grady – took out the game (25-15).

In the State Seniors final Carol Ritale put up a great fight against Wendy Clarke but to no avail with Wendy taking the title with a 25-20 scoreline.

In summing up, congratulations not only go to the finalists, who each in their own right played skilful bowls to achieve their ends – but also to all players on the day – each and every one who entertained the many spectators with entertaining bowls.

Many thanks to the Markers for the day – namely Red Rock’s Carol Newman, Zoe Ferrington, Gail Grillenberger and Andrea Rudd (morning games) and in the afternoon it was Andrea and Zoe again who marked the finals.

Also, thanks to Umpire – Red Rock’s Dee Murphy and also to Jason Pinnock for his attendance and assistance on the day.

Also not forgetting the Greenkeepers who worked hard to provide a fine running surface for the Finals.

Thank you, Red Rock Bowling Club, for your warm hospitality – making it a very pleasant day for players and spectators alike.

 Jude Pryor