April 2010 - Steve Glasson

WELCOME WINTER!

With winter now upon us and while several other States such as (Tassie, Victoria, South Australia and the West) more or less closed down or at the very least, have very few bowls events happening throughout the colder months, much of the East Coast is in the process of struggling to keep up with a heavy bowls schedule.

In my own case, this is definitely the season where I most enjoy my bowls! Why? Well it's simply really! Providing the weather is descent, greens on the East Coast are usually at their best! Falling into that typically, hard, fast, dormant state, greens speeds are up and apart from the occasional Westerly Winds, conditions are great!

Of course, to add to that, there is no shortage of events to participate in!

From my point of view, here's just an outline of the great bowls events I look forward to participating in over the next couple of months....

Narrandera 4's (June Long Weekend)

Salisbury Superbowl Singles (June) (Salisbury - Brisbane)

Tweed Open Singles (June) (Tweed Heads)

PBA Qualifying (NSW & (hopefully) Australia (Warilla & Tweed Heads)

Park Beach Singles (July) (Coffs Harbour)

Tweed Invitational PBA Trans Tasman (July)(Tweed Heads Indoor)

Golden Nugget (August) (Tweed Heads)

(Plus some others still to be confirmed & also Club Championships)

As you can see by the above, there are events galore all over the place + so many more in the areas mentioned above as well as in other areas! For example, around the time of the Park Beach Singles (Coffs Harbour), there are numerous other events around that District prior to and immediately following the Blue Ribbon, Park Beach Singles. Some of these include the Coffs RSL Pairs, Catholic Club Triples and Woolgoolga Fours. Up on the Gold Coast around the same time, featured events such as the Gold Coast Winter Carnival gets under way whilst a couple of hours drive north sees the annual Mooloolaba Classic Fours.

Not only is it a feast of bowls for the major events, there is also some fantastic events in areas such as Evans Head and Ballina just to name a few. Of course, you do have to ensure you get in early.... With the influx of our Southern and Western Counterparts mixed with local interest, many of these events fill quickly!

Be sure to check with Clubs right along the East Coast to find out their calendar of events and take advantage of all the special days and events to ensure you get the most out of the winter season!

Moving along, on the International Scene, the Aussie Contingent is not back long from India where they competed in the Pre Commonwealth Games, 8 Nations International Series. The team succeeded in winning 4 silver medals and 1 bronze medal from 6 events! By all accounts, those successful in gaining a berth in Australia's Games team will have a tough job ahead of them! No doubt whoever gets the nod is up for it however taking into account the newly laid carpet greens are very heavy (approx 11 secs) and not overly true, this will no doubt even the event up considerably and bring into the mix, some of the smaller, less fancied Nations!

Personally, I can't wait to see the final line up of the Australian Team and wish them every success in their campaign! No doubt some sleepless nights coming up later this year watching all Australian Reps strut their stuff in the Commonwealth Games!

Congratulations to two of my team mates from St John's Park who have recently joined the ranks of the "Wrong Bias" Club! State Rep Peter Foster and Zone Rep Lee Such have both been made members of this highly (in) famous club. Congrats Chaps!

Talking of St John's Park, it is with pleasure (and bias, ha ha) that I make mention of it in this edition's, Club of the Month"! For those unaware, I have been a proud member of this club for over 10 years and am privileged to also currently serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

Now St John's Park often suffer a similar reaction to that of, let's say, the Manly Rugby League Football Club. Often considered the rich, spoilt, tall poppies, this often uninformed opinion is cause of great frustration.

A long time supporter and contributor to Bowls, the Club has a very proud history both on and off the green. Australian Representative Bowlers such as Rex Johnston, Kevin Walsh, Steve Anderson, Karen Murphy, Brett Duprez, Terry Antram and Claire Duke are past champions/members while at present the likes of Kelsey Cottrell, Leif Selby, Julie Keegan, Anne Johns, Sharyn Renshaw, Mark Berghoffer, Matthew Pietersen, Beth Quinlan are the current crop of outstanding members (just to name a few). In addition to this, there have been and still is, many Interstate, Zone, District reps as well as some very promising up and coming talent progressing through the ranks! However, it's not all about the high flyers! The Club features many pennant teams and as is the normal with any bowls club, these players are the roots of our club and a great emphasis is placed towards looking after them.

No doubt the fact that our local demographic allows the opportunity to gain, through hard work, thousands of social members, the facilities of the Club are Paramount in ensuring constant and yet diverse patronage.

Features include 398 Pokies, (latest Technology), Outdoor Smoking Pokie Area, Tab, Keno, Coffee Shop, Saints Brasserie, 3 Grass Greens, Alfresco area, Saints Outdoor Retreat, Lounge Area, Regular Entertainment, Moonlight Function Room and Auditorium, Hall of Fame, Professional Bowls Coaching, etc, etc!

The Club prides itself on professionalism and hospitality and contributes hundreds of thousands back to the community in general and also to bowls.

So when you're next in this part of the World, call in, say Hi, have a game, enjoy the facilities or take on one of the champion lawn bowlers and show `em how it's done! Of course, you could just kick back and enjoy a nice meal with icy cold refreshment or two as an alternative!

Next month we will be backing to some more serious issues in our sport with unification one of the hottest topics! Looking forward to hearing from you! Don't forget you can get me at steve@bcib.com.au

Good Bowling!