By Lance Cordingley
Tamborine Mountain Taipans may have missed their chance in last year’s Pennant grand final, but have bounced back strongly to win the District Sevens competition against an experienced Tugun outfit in the grand final last Sunday week.
Having to beat their own clubmates in the quarterfinals only solidified the side’s resolve to reach the big dance, and they carried that momentum into a semifinal win over Woongoolba, getting the job done with two rink wins to one.
Tugun, boasting a well-credentialled player or two, would have considered themselves a strong winning chance.
However, the spirit within the Taipans carried them to a great win, with all three teams finishing undefeated in the final.
Congratulations to the club on fielding two sides that clearly had the potential to win the competition — and of course, to the eventual winners, pictured with their medals and a handsome boost to the club’s account.
Flushed with success in the Sevens competition, two teams of fours travelled to Woongoolba Bowls Club last Sunday for their Seafood Fours Day.
Both teams enjoyed first-game wins to progress to the winners-versus-winners match after a fine prawn and salad feast, but fate dealt a harsh hand with the Taipans once again drawn to play each other.
The Taipans “black” team secured victory over the Taipans “green” team, though the green team ensured the margin wasn’t enough for black to claim overall prizemoney.
Not all was lost, however, as Lance walked away with two handsome mud crabs, while Jim did his best to reduce the host club’s stock of jams and preserves.
Back on the mountain, several matches in the current Tamborine Mountain Bowls Club Championships have gone right down to the final end, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats with scores level and everything to play for.
The mixed pairs semi-finals were no exception, with Dave Bartholomeusz and Darran Walding edging out Jon MacKelvie and Jeff Lee 19–18, followed by Ray Weavers and Barry Chatel, who also secured a last-end win over Mike Power and Jim Nugent.
An exciting final now awaits, along with deciders in the A grade ladies singles and A grade ladies pairs.
The A grade men’s fours will be played on the weekend of April 11–12, while the A grade men’s singles semi-finals are scheduled to be completed by April 20.
Looking ahead, invitations have been sent for the club’s annual John Vance O.A.M. Autumn Pairs tournament, with places already filling rapidly.
John was a valued member of the club and gave so much to the visually impaired community, as well as to the club, Queensland Blind Bowls and Blind Bowls Australia.
Sincere thanks go to sponsor Nicky Carr and Tamborine Mountain Optometrists, who continue to keep many of our players keen-sighted enough to play winning bowls.
