Organisers were breathing a sigh of relief as they woke to sunny skies on Sunday after weather forecasts had cast a gloom over Tenterfield Bowls Club’s big Australia Day bowls carnival, played January 26, 28 and 29.
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Still it was very hot, with some of the more senior competitors flagging by the last day of competition. The club’s Neville Richardson said it was fortunate to have a lay day on Friday, to give players a break from the steamy conditions on the greens.
He said the heat did make for some fast playing surfaces, requiring a deft touch and feel on the part of the bowlers.
“We’re really happy with the carnival,” Richardson said.
“Everyone enjoyed themselves and many are looking to come back, so hopefully we’ll have similar numbers next year.”
At 56 players the number of competitors in the pairs on Sunday was maxed out, and it was almost the same in the triples on Thursday with 72 bowlers. There were another 72 bowlers contesting the fours on Saturday.
Numbers were up around 50 on last year, with bowlers coming from Murgon, Ipswich, Casino, Ballina, Gold Coast, Penrith, Glen Innes, Inverell as well as Southern Downs District, joining a large local contingent.
Australia Day Triples had 24 teams with Mick O’Leary’s Tannymorel team emerging victorious after three competitive rounds.
On Saturday, Tannymorel again showed its strength to win, and in the process defeated the reigning District Fours champions Stanthorpe. Well done to Peter Collis, Mick O'Leary, Wayne Tucker and Lorna Tucker.
On Sunday, the maximum 28 teams contested the Pairs. The Tenterfield team of Elana Scott and Neville Richardson won the day, ahead of Inglewood and Murgon teams.
Well done to all competitors and especially the visitors for their fantastic support of the Australia Day carnival.
It went Tenterfield’s way on Sunday in the pairs, with Richardson teaming up with Elana Scott to secure the win ahead of Inglewood and Murgon teams.
Richardson was typically humble, crediting the win to the ‘luck of the draw’ in that they didn’t come up against any of the ‘gun’ teams in the three-game competition.
“But you’ve still got to put bowls down and win the ends,” he said, “and Elana played really well throughout the carnival.
“The success of the carnival is a credit to the Tenterfield team who put it all together: the ladies and men, the barstaff, the greenkeepers... everyone.”
The Bowls Club also raffled a free night’s accommodation in its motel on each day of the carnival. Coming back for a return visit will be Anne McDonald (Ballina), Lorraine Callaghan (Inglewood) and Becky Croft (Murgon).
