Sixteen teams from Urbenville, Lismore, Warwick, Southern Cross, The Summit, Stanthorpe, Inglewood and Tannymorel as well as Tenterfield – in fact all clubs from the Southern Downs District – competed in the Tannymorel Open Fours Carnival, making the local team’s achievement even more prestigious.

The win didn’t come easily, however, with the decision coming down to the wire after the local team and the home team were even at the end of day’s play.

Tenterfield’s team of Greg Ambrose, Dave Smith, Gil Battersby and Neville Richardson were tied at the end of three rounds with the team from Tannymorel, however, on a countback of margins over the three rounds, Tenterfield was declared the winner.

Richardson said the very fast green was a challenge to all players, and a real test of patience.

“The Tenterfield side worked well as a team and showed good fighting qualities to come back from an 11-1 deficit in the first game against Urbenville to record a resounding win 32-17,” he said.

The other two rounds were close and while individually none of the players excelled, Richardson said they clicked as a team.

“It was just a good team effort.”

Tenterfield was particularly chuffed that they relegated a Southern Downs rep team down to third place.

“As usual, this carnival is always well-attended with great hospitality shown by the hosts. The Tannymorel ladies spoilt all players with humungus morning teas and lunches, a particularly devious plan to overload visiting players and prevent them from bowling at their best,” Richardson said.

“This away win is the first for Tenterfield Men’s Bowling Club for some years so we’re sure that the other district clubs will be after revenge when they contest Tenterfield’s next carnival: the Sexton & Green Triples on June 11, the Queen’s Birthday weekend.”

This week Richardson was bowling in the the Qld District Sides competition at the Gold Coast for Southern Downs, against teams from 20 other districts.

He’s one of 16 players selected from clubs throughout Southern Downs to represent the district at the state-wide competition. He said it’s an opportunity to match his skills against those of the best bowlers in Queensland.