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Navy
hopes at national lawn bowls titles left... IN THE DITCH
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Navy
lawn bowler AB Vanja James is a picture of concentration
during this delivery at the Australian Services Bowls Association
National Championships in Brisbane.
Photo by SGT Scott Kohler.
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The
Navy team.
Photo by SGT Scott Kohler.
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Navy
lawn bowlers put in a gallant performance despite being bowled over
by Army and Air Force at the Australian Services Bowls Association
(ASBA) National Championships in Brisbane from September 16-20.
Army led Air Force 49-47 mid-way through the 21-end match, with
Army effectively winning the game on the 17th end, picking up 13
shots including a maximum eight on one of the four rinks to run
out 92-72 winners.
Both teams defeated Navy leading up to the final, with Army’s
ability to cope with the fast greens and blustery conditions enabling
players to regain the Service trophy they last won in 1999.
The Barbarians, a composite of southern state players, and NSW were
both undefeated going into the State championship final with hard
fought wins over NT, ACT and Queensland. The Barbarians led from
the outset and proved too strong.
Fifty lawn bowlers competed in the championships under the watchful
eye of Royal Queensland Bowls Association State selector Don Ryan.
Mr Ryan selected 16 players to represent the Australian Defence
Force on the final day against host club Ferny Grove.
Navy team members AB Darryl Wagstaff and PO Wade Vidulich were both
named in the side.
The tri-service team appreciated the still conditions and recorded
a comfortable win.
The 3rd Asia Pacific Masters Games, held on the Gold Coast the following
week, provided the ASBA side with an opportunity to send four bowlers
into action against competitors from the local area, interstate
and also several from overseas.
A number of bowlers were ineligible, however the ASBA’s depth
ensured it fielded a strong team.
Army’s WO2 Mick Carley (ARTC Kapooka) and WO2 Gary Kern (HQ
RTC Canungra) conquered allcomers, winning the pairs gold medal
with SGTs Pete Nixon (RAAF Laverton) and Scott Kohler (RAAF Williamstown),
both Air Force, collecting the pairs bronze medal.
The teams joined for the fours competition and although tipped as
the favourite, came in 5th from a very strong field.
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