Lawn
Bowls
By SGT Scott Kohler
 |
|
PO
Ray Sangster from Williamtown (Navy) goes to the tape with
Army's WO1 Steve Sobolewski (8CER Newcastle). Photo by Bill
Cunneen
|
A
sea-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, extending their lead to 12 shots after
32 Ends thanks to skipper WOSTD 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,
and they 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.
Army’s 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 scraping home
by three shots.
With one game still on the green it came down to the last End.
WOSTD 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 to be held in Brisbane
from September 1 - 5.
