The contenders for the 2017 Tuross Head Men’s Bowls Champion has been narrowed to two after play on the weekend of May 27 and 28. After the rain of the previous week the remaining quarter finals and semi finals were completed.
The highlight of the quarter finals played on Saturday was a cracker of a game between Peter Davies and Noel Downie. Downie went into the game under a cloud as he has been suffering from an injured back. But despite this he was able to play outstandingly well in a very high standard match.
Davies had an early break but by the 7th end the scores were locked at 6 all. What followed was an extremely close match. Davies created another break to lead 16 – 8 but Downie fought back again to snatch a 19 – 18 lead.
After another 10 ends the players were locked at 25 all before Davies won 5 consecutive ends to move to 30 -25. Downie had one last effort and pulled back to 30 – 28 before Davies finally ground him down to win 31 – 28 in a great exhibition of bowls.
Peter Bird and Stuart Graham also had a tight struggle in their quarter final. Graham seemed on the way to victory when he led 25 – 15 but Bird took control to win six ends in a row to grab the lead at 26 – 25. Graham won the next end but the momentum was with Bird who pulled away to win 31 – 27.
Above: Peter Davies watches Peter Bird Bowl
Alf Winch had the better of the earlier part of his game with John Monks and this become the foundation of a tight win. Winch lead 16 – 7 before Monks hit his straps and drew within 2 shots at 22 – 20 before Winch pulled away to a 28 – 21 lead. Monks kicked again but Winch hung on for a well earned 31 – 27 win.
The two semi finals were played on Sunday and followed a very similar pattern. Davies played Bird and Winch played John Fahey. Davies started well and opened up a 12 – 3 lead before Bird fought back. However, Davies was able to play the big bowl when it mattered and pulled away to win 31 – 17.
Fahey also had the better of the earlier stages of his game with Winch and lead 13 – 6 before Winch came back to trail by just 14 – 11. As in the other game Fahey was far too consistent and recorded a convincing 31 – 17 win.
Above: Alf Winch (L) and John Fahey (R)
Davies and Fahey play off in the final next Saturday. At the same time the Club will host the first rounds of the District President Reserve Singles. There will be some great bowls played.
