Second place at NSW titles

By Sgt Scott Kohler
A SEE-sawing battle between Army and Navy culminated in a thrilling draw during the NSW Interservice Lawn Bowls Carnival, held at Windsor from August 12-15.

The RAAF were crowned champions following wins against Army and Navy in earlier matches, however, the fight between Army and Navy for second place proved to be the highlight of the carnival.

The match was fought on four rinks and all eyes were on the master board to see who was leading the thrilling encounter.

Navy started the 84 end match brilliantly leading the Army by seven shots after 12 ends and extended their lead to 12 shots after 32 ends thanks to skipper WO Shakey Lake's team.

The Army drew level at the 44th end; WO1 Steve Sobolewski's team dominating throughout their game to keep Army in the match. It took until the 60th end before Army finally led the master board. Army threatened to run away with the match slipping out to a nine shot lead after 68 ends but were winning on just two of the four rinks.

Maj Paul Brady's team shook off Navy's CPO Paul Cowen's team to record Army's second win 21-13, but Navy clawed back, Leut Mel Delooze's team scrapping home by three shots.

With one game still on the green it came down to the last End. WO Shakey Lake's team led Sgt Andrew Payne's team 25-16 but needed another four shots for the overall win. Navy drew first shot then a second and another but Army stole back the shot.

Navy then rolled out Army's bowl for three shots again until it was reduced to two. Both skips had one bowl left, Shakey Lake knocked out Army's bowl to make it three shots and stood back and watched Andrew Payne's drive thunder through the head just missing the target.

The match was a tie, a fitting result but gave the Army second place behind the RAAF.

The carnival attracted a quality field of 41 bowlers, presenting selectors with the difficult task of choosing the squad to represent NSW at the ADF Lawn Bowls Championships.

Mick Powell, NSW State Manager, said the team was delighted with the swell of numbers for NSW Interservice bowling.

"The skill level shown out there was outstanding," he said.

He was joined by co-selectors Maj Brady and WO Lake; the trio boldly declaring NSW short-priced favourites to win the state title for the first time since 1998.