The Yamba Classic Pairs – played over two days with 5 games of 14 ends is one of the bigger events of the Yamba Bowls calendar. Sponsored by Elders Real Estate, this year’s competition attracted 100 bowlers from near and far away.

Saturday’s morning start was looking a little bleak for a while as bowlers gathered in the Club for morning tea as the clouds hung heavily overhead and the overnight rain continued. But miraculously as the 9am start approached the clouds lifted a little – enough for bowlers to take to the greens and start their two-day marathon. Luckily enough the morning was only blighted by a few intermittent light showers and the games continued with players battling a rather gusty wind and much cooler temperature.

At the end of the first day and with 42 ends behind them – Graham Meaney and lead Steve Jackson held poll position with 3 wins and a margin of 47. In second place was the team of Chris Willingham and Michael Stead also 3 wins and a margin of 33. In third was locals Cliffe Vagg and Ian Parker – 3 wins and margin 29.

But that was the first day and how things can change in those two final games. Much better conditions for the second day with plenty of sunshine and wind eased a little.

After the two morning games the picture was a little different – with leader Graham winning his first game but losing out to father and son team Brad and Terry Johnson in the final game, putting him out of reach of the major win.

After a well-earned buffet lunch from Mark and his Bistro team the final outcome was reached- the calculations in the capable hands of Robyn McPherson who was also the Controlling Body for the event. Over the two days Robyn was assisted by Wendy Ballantyne, Helen Atkinson, Don Freeman and Peter Forrester. Peter also acted as emcee for the two days – many thanks to all these worthy members.

Before the announcements were made several lucky people took home a little extra from the money board and the major raffle was drawn with one lucky lady winning first prize of a night’s accommodation at either Pines or Aston Villa Motels and many other winners took home liquid delights for their enjoyment.

Then it was on to what everyone was waiting for – the prize-winners. 

Results

Round 1: Col Lindsay and Ossie Moore.

Round 2:  Rod Berry and John McKenna.

Round 3: Alan Boston and Paul Earl.

Round 4: Josh Arndell and Peter Forrester.

Round 5: Beau Simpson and Chris Amos. 

Now it’s on to the overall winners’ circle.

8^th place – Phil Hall and Rod Farmer (4 wins – margin 15). 

7^th place – Steve Jackson and Graham Meaney (4 wins – margin 31). 

6^th place – Terry Johnson and Brad Johnson (4 wins – margin 40). 5^th place – Indy Conlan and Luke Jones (4.5 wins – margin 39).

4^th place – Paul Gray and Don Plummer (5 wins – margin 19).

3^rd place – Chris McHatton and Martin Holden (5 wins – margin 26).

Runners-up for the event were Adam Liddell and Phil Watkins (5 wins – margin 30) and taking out first place for the 2023 Yamba Classic Pairs was the team of Kent Price and Shane Globits (5 wins – margin 51).

Congratulations to all the winners and hope those not in the prizemoney still enjoyed their two days play with us here at Yamba Bowlo and come back next year for another great weekend.

Many thanks to our great Social Committee Julie and her gang, Steve for cooking the beaut barbie on Saturday and special mention of Pauline Chilcott and Lyn Mclean who hopped in to help when needed. Thanks Mark and the Bistro for the great lunch on Saturday.

Thanks to the Umpires for two days of seeing things went to plan on the greens.

Hearty thanks to Robyn McPherson for all the effort she put into all aspects of the two days – keeping things on track.

Thanks Graham and his gang of greenkeepers.  As usual your greens were in fine state for the event.

Last but definitely not least – thanks Elders for your sponsorship, as without it we couldn’t run such a successful tournament.

Jude Pryor