2022/2023 BHBR Men’s Over 60 Singles get underway at Sebastopol Bowling Club
The 2022/2023 Ballarat Highlands Men’s Over 60 Singles event got underway on Thursday, 13th October 2022 at Sebastopol Bowling Club with 36 bowlers entered for the event.
Four Round 1 matches were played in the morning with defending champion, Wayne Roberts (City Oval) among the four winners who advanced to Round 2, including Rob Storey (Mt Xavier), Shane Crimmins (Digger’s Rest) and Colin Young (Webbcona).
Round 2 featured quality bowling in all rinks with a number of close matches decided by narrow margins in tight finishes.
Ian Long (Central Wendouree) and Shane Crimmins (Digger’s Rest) both scored thrilling 21-20 victories against Geoff Gullock (Webbcona) and Colin Young (Webbcona) respectively, in a couple of close tussles that went down to the wire.
A number of bowlers were making their first appearance in the Men’s Over 60 Singles, including brothers Craig & Darren Meade (Sebastopol) and Buninyong’s Brad Mahoney.
All three enjoyed the experience, although Darren & Brad met each other in Round 2, with the latter getting the job done by 6 shots in a competitive, good, spirited clash, while Craig advanced to Round 3 in solid fashion courtesy of a consistent bowling effort against Macedon’s Ian Guymer.
Brad plays the ageless Terry O’Farrell (City Oval) next round and Craig will do battle with a tough foe in Greg Plier (Midlands).
Both Terry and Greg had good wins against strong opponents and are sure to use their guile and experience to try and wear down the new kids in town.
Craig is looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“It was good to finally answer the question that Darren and I get all the time, who is the stronger Meade brother, now they know,” Craig said tongue-in cheek.
“In all seriousness, it’s great we can play this event together and test ourselves against the region’s best bowlers.”
“I played out of my skin in my match and was happy to get through against a top opponent in Ian, and it will only get tougher from here, but I’m up for the challenge.”
Craig’s brother, Darren, also took plenty from the experience.
“Brad and I had a really good match and we both had our chances, unfortunately for me, Brad took his and I left a few out there,” Darren said.
“That’s bowls, but it was an enjoyable experience and well done to Brad on his win.”
“Brad plays a few events here each week and often see him out practicing, so he puts the work in.”
When pressed on who the stronger Meade brother was, Darren was quick to quip.
“We all know it’s me, but being the good bloke I am, I allow Craig to think it’s him.”
>>> View BHBR Men’s Over 60 Singles draw and results here
Round 3 matches are scheduled for Thursday, 20th October 2022 at Sebastopol Bowling Club.
Round 3 – BHBR 22/23 Men’s Over 60 Singles
R3-1: I Long vs B Johnson
R3-2: G Plier vs C Meade
R3-3: J Garvin vs W Silbereisen
R3-4: T Kelly vs S Crimmins
R3-5: N Verlinden vs E Harwood
R3-6: T O’Farrell vs B Mahoney
R3-7: I Warner vs S Meale
R3-8: W Morgan vs W Roberts
Played at 12.30pm.
Quarter Final matches will follow at 2.30pm in the afternoon.
The Men’s Over 60 Singles Semi Finals & Grand Final are scheduled for Thursday, 27th October 2022 at a venue yet to be finalised.
Featured photo: Craig Meade, Brad Mahoney & Darren Meade