Experienced team wins

Ray Bourke, Grant Watson, Frank Lowe and Mark Hodgen were successful in the Umina Bowling Club Fours Championship held on Sunday, February 26, finishing with a score of 25-24.

Bourke's team defeated Arthur Glyn's team in the semi finals while Gary Jones's team defeated Mal Dod's team.

"Tension was high in the lead-up to the final with Ray Bourke's team up against the less experienced side of Gary Jones, Tony Wood, Phil Bowron and Mick Jones," said Umina publicity officer Mr Ian Jarratt.

The match started with both teams endeavoring to get on top but Ray's team nudged ahead by two shots at the half way mark.

They then raced away to a handy seven-point lead but Gary's side fought back and, with a six on the 18th end, the teams where only separated by one point, said Mr Jarratt.

"On the next end Ray's team recorded a three and the large spectator audience thought that experience was taking its toll and that Ray had the title within his grasp," he said.

Gary's team, however, had other ideas and won the last two ends but failed by one shot to play an extra end.

"This was Ray's team's second successive Fours title.

"The last time this feat was achieved at Umina was back in 1986 by then club stalwart Jack Dean," said Mr Jarratt.

"Gary's team is to be commended for their efforts as, apart from Gary, they have only been playing bowls a very short time."

Media Release, 26 Mar 2012 Ian Jarratt, Umina Men's Bowling Club