This is the second time the event has been played between senior representative teams from Zone 11 and Zone One. It is named after Arthur Black, a Zone One and Australian rep and Rex “Paddles” Johnston,  Australia’s most capped player and current Zone 11 representative. This was designed to give the players valuable match practice before the State Senior Inter Zone Championships in May. The contest  is decided over three “test matches” and this year Zone 1 travelled to Tuncurry Beach to try and win the shield after Zone 11 won at McLean last year.

After the first two matches the score was 1-1 with Zone 11 winning the first by five shots and  the Zone 1 responding to take the second by nine. A thrilling contest was expected in the decider. In the deciding “test”, on a green running at 16 seconds, Zone 11 fired and grabbed the shield with both hands, winning on all three rinks with a 20 shot margin. The Black Paddles Shield remains with Zone 11.

The following players have been selected to represent Zone 11 in the State Senior Inter- Zone Championships Warren Hayward, Steve Swan, Noel James, Rex Johnston, David Brandt, Wayne Wright, Dave Richardson, Kevin Robinson, Bob O’Mahony, Dennis Hoye, Errol Ruprecht, Peter Scvhroeder.

Meanwhile in grade 1-2 pennants  Tuncurry Beach (1) consolidated their lead at the top of the section with a  10-0  win  over second placed Forster (1). The score is not a true indication of how close this game was, with Forster at one stage leading on all three rinks, and looking like they may record a 10-0 win themselves. Two of the rinks went down to the wire with Tuncurry scoring on the last end on both of them to sneak away with a couple of one shot wins.  This win gives Tuncurry a two game lead and with three rounds to go they will be extremely hard to catch.  In grade two Tuncurry Beach (2) and Forster (2) are tied on 20.5.

Grade 3: Leagues and Old Bar are tied on 37.5 with Pacific Palms just half a point behind on 37. What a contest this is.  Grade 4: Gloucester lead on 40 closely followed by Harrington 37.5 and Forster 35.  Grade 5 leaders are Tuncurry Beach 39, Leagues 35 and Taree West 31.  Grade 6.1:  Lansdowne lead on 50 with Railway just behind them on 48.  Grade 6.2:  Wingham on 41.5 lead Harrington 38 and Pacific Palms 31.  Grade 7.1:  Tuncurry Beach 48 and Railway 46.5 look to have this between them.  Grade 7.2:  Harrington 37 lead Black Head (2) 31.