BEFORE we get to the International possibility, bowlers will recall the announcement of John Borg and Chris Dunn of Tuncurry BC as 2009 MDBA Joint Senior Bowlers of the Year. As it is only the third time in 50 years that there have been joint winners, it is appropriate to reflect on their achievements to win this prestigious honour.
2009 proved to be a very good year for both, winning the District and Zone Pairs and Fours Championships, with Borg being runner up in the District Triples. They also won their Club's Major Pairs for the second consecutive year.
This latter victory is no mean feat, in view of the playing strength of their Club, particularly over the past couple of years. Dunn was runner up in the Club's Major Singles to cap off a good year for him.
In 2008 and prior, they have both been semi finalists and finalists in Club and District Championships, with Chris winning the District Triples last year and being runner up in the Singles.
Their achievements would seem to be a just reward for their consistency over the past years, which also included District and Zone representative honours. All this as well as raising families, a situation to which many of us can relate.
They are worthy winners of the District's prestigious honour!
Now to the International flavour and it is quite possible that these honours may come John's way, with Malta inviting him to trial for their Commonwealth Games and World Cup Sides.
John is over the moon with the invitation and is extremely proud of being offered the privilege of consideration. His selection would be a superb reward for his achievements and we wish John good luck!
If selected, he would be, I believe, the third International in our midst. There is Rex Johnston who was almost an institution as far as Australian representation was concerned. Then we have Gilbert Hicks of Taree Leagues, who represented Australia in Adelaide not so very long ago, in the Open Disability Category against South Korea. Certainly, a fine local company for John to join!
Australian Open
THE qualifying rounds of the Australian Open Championships are under way at different venues, with play at Wallsend and Dubbo recently being completed. And the District has three bowlers qualified for next year's events at Shepparton in February 2010, taking some big scalps on the way.
Matt McIntyre, now of Taree Leagues, leads the way by qualifying for the Singles and Triples. Then we have Martin Gosper of Tuncurry who skippered his composite team to qualify for the Triples and defeated the State/Australian Reps Mick Cronin, Anthony Kiepe and Leif Selby along the way.
Dominic Riley of Taree Leagues is the third bowler through, when he and his junior team mates (under 18 State reps) qualified for the Triples. Their victories included a good win over State/Australian Reps Terry Antrim, Nathan Rice and Aaron Sherriff.
The District wishes the guys the best of luck in their games next year.
Other news
A REMINDER that the district's quarterly meeting is being held next Monday, 23rd, at Taree Leagues BC, commencing at 9.30am. Delegates are reminded to bring their notice papers with them.
Taree Railway BC will be conducting their 2010 Electric Light Fours Tournament, commencing January 20. As bowlers are aware, this popular Event is restricted to 24 teams, split into six sections with the final scheduled for play on February 18. To avoid disappointment, it is suggested that you get your entry in early to the Railway.
Bowlers, a date for your diary: Mid North Coast Heartbeats are holding their bowls Christmas Party at Forster BC on Monday December 7. Please contact Bob Bell on 6552 4683 if you are attending.
Club champions corner
TAREE Leagues BC advises that their Mixed Pairs champions are Fay Fenning and Darryl Hammond who defeated Vi Bourke and Phil Lindfield in the final. In the meantime, I wish you all good bowling and may the luck be shared equally.
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