At Yamba, familiar finalist, Steve ‘Sparra’ Colley of Brooms Head again found his way to the final having overcome the challenges of Frank Gilmour of Wooli, the determined and improving Jake McHutchison of Yamba and Brooms Head clubmate Scott Swain in the process.

‘Sparra’ needed to overcome a bowler that he had never faced previously, in Rob Wetzel of Maclean, if he was again to reach the summit of the division. Rob had shown impressive form in the preliminary rounds and was a worthy finalist having defeated Garry Gumbleton (GDSC), Bill Andrews (Yamba) and Kim Frazer (Maclean) in imposing style on his way to a showdown with the Baron of Brooms Head.

The match was a beauty! After 17 ends of play ‘Sparra’ led by 17 shots to ten and had gathered considerable momentum. However, ten ends later Rob had surged to lead by 27 shots to 21. The next eight ends were worthy of a final anywhere with great skill, poise and determination on display. Ultimately, and after an impressive display of talent and sportsmanship by both bowlers, Rob took the contest 31 shots to 26 to qualify for the Zone finals.

Don Freeman

Picture Yamba Section Zone 1 South Reserve Singles qualifying finalists: Rob Wetzel (Maclean) and Steve Colley (Brooms Head). Image: contributed