CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES
Two Minor Pairs matches were played under very threatening dark clouds in cool conditions at the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club on Saturday. The first match featured Joanne and Mick Simpson up against the ‘Gorgeous Georges’ – Bradley and Boatswain. The two Georges started strongly against the Simpson couple and were leading 6 shots to 1 after just 3 ends. Joanne and Mick regained their composure and played steady bowls, matching their older and more experienced opponents shot for shot to regain the lead, and beat the eventual rain downpour to win by 15 shots to 10.
Defending Minor Pairs champions Gary McPhee and Marty Tighe struggled all match against the red-hot Brian Townsend and John Wright. Brian and John dominated the majority of the match, playing terrific weighted bowls. As the sky darkened Gary started to find his range and the scores began to tighten up, just as the rain, and then hail stopped the match. Team Townsend are leading 16 shots to 14 after 16 ends. The match will resume this weekend.
ZONE PENNANTS
The wet and dismal weather caused the cancellation of the Division 2 match on Sunday between Parkes Pirates and Dubbo Macquarie in Dubbo.
The Division 3 match between Parkes and Grenfell was played at Parkes on Sunday in truly atrocious conditions with rain and wind throughout the match making it miserable for all 24 bowlers. The 3 Parkes teams beat the 3 highly fancied Cowra teams the previous Sunday in the rain, and were liking their chances as wet weather specialists at home, against the 3 highly credentialed Grenfell teams. The 3 Grenfell Skips played exceptionally well and led their teams impressively against the home teams. Grenfell secured an impressive victory on the big board by 63 shots to 51, winning 2 rinks and drawing a rink on the last end.
By Marty Tighe