By Lance Cordingley
Tamborine Mountain Taipans have shifted their focus to the Club Championships following their strong showing in the District 7 competition, with five disciplines now entering the finals stage.
The A Grade Men’s Fours title was decided over the weekend of April 11–12, with Barry Chatel (captain), Jim Nugent, Dave Bartholomeusz and Garrett Rooney claiming the championship in a tightly contested match.
The quartet defeated Lance Cordingley, David Free, Darran Walding (substituting for Bob Kirkright) and Ray Weavers 24–21.
Attention has now turned to the remaining finals. In the A Grade Men’s Pairs, Dave Bartholomeusz and Darran Walding will face Barry Chatel and Ray Weavers for the title.
The A Grade Mixed Pairs has also taken shape, with Richard Coupe and Julie Forsyth securing a place in the final.
They will meet the winner of the semi-final between Jeff and Vicki Lee and Dave and Kelly Bartholomeusz.
In Men’s A Grade Pairs semi-final action, Lance Cordingley booked his place in the decider after defeating reigning champion Dave Bartholomeusz in a closely fought contest on April 15.
He now awaits the outcome of the remaining semi-final between Barry Chatel and David Free.
The club is also preparing for its upcoming marquee event, the Vance Bell Trophy, set to be played on Saturday, May 2 from 9am.
The tournament honours the achievements of Dr John Vance OAM and is expected to draw strong local interest.
Looking ahead, the Taipans will also host their next Mountain Mates Buddy Bowls Day on Saturday, May 9 from 9.30am, celebrating the club’s ongoing partnership with the Tamborine Mountain Lions’ Mountain Mates program.
