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Air
Force bows to green bias
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Flight
Sergeant Ian Griffiths, of No. 26 Squadron, sends his bowl
towards the head in Air Force’s closely-fought match
against Army. Photo by SGT Scott Kohler.
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Army
lawn bowlers broke away from their Air Force opponents in a 20-minute
scoring spree to seal victory at the Australian Services Bowls Association
(ASBA) National Championships in Brisbane from September 16-20.
Leading 49-47 mid-way through the 21-end match, Army effectively
won the game on the 17th end, picking up 13 shots including a maximum
eight on one of the four rinks to finish 92-72 winners.
Both teams defeated the Navy leading up to the final, but Army’s
ability to cope with the fast greens and blustery conditions enabled
them to regain the Service trophy they last won in 1999.
The Barbarians, a composite of southern state players, and New South
Wales were both undefeated going into the State championship final
with hard fought wins over Northern Territory, Australian Capital
Territory 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 ADF on the final day
against host club Ferny Grove.
The tri-service team appreciated the still conditions and recorded
a comfortable win. Army’s Corporal Chris Venning from No. 1
Field Regiment was judged player of the championships.
The 3rd Asia Pacific Masters Games, held on the Gold Coast the following
week, provided the ASBA 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.
Segeants Pete Nixon (RAAF Base Laverton) and Scott Kohler (RAAF
Base Williamstown) collected the pairs bronze medal.
Army’s Warrant Officer 2 Mick Carley (ARTC Kapooka) and Warrant
Officer 2 Gary Kern (HQ RTC Canungra) conquered all comers, winning
the pairs gold medal.
The teams joined for the fours competition and finished fifth in
a very strong field.
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