Singles Finals Decided.
The stage is set for the blue ribbon singles finals tomorrow at the Devonport Bowls Club.
The men’s final will be the battle of the young guns when Trevallyn’s Michael Sims and Kingborough’s Taelyn Male, both just 20 years of age, face off against one another. Sims will have a long day tomorrow when he pairs with Daniel Baker in the morning in the men’s pairs final before beginning his singles final in the afternoon.
Sims, a member of the Tasmanian NTC squad, took the lead from the first end in his semi final clash with Andrew Whitmore and never looked back, before taking out the match 25-19. Male was equally as impressive in his match getting the early start on fellow southern teammate Lee Schraner. Schraner fought back to trail 16-17, however the young gun was not to be denied and went on to win the next 8 ends in a row to close out the match 25-16.
Trevallyn’s Rae Simpson was our first woman through to the women’s singles final after a dominant display against Sandy bay’s Yvonne Buckley. It was Buckley who took the early lead, however Simpson scored a full count of 4 to kick start her campaign and went full steam ahead from there to finally finish 25-14. Simpson is a previous runner up in this event in 2014, but is no stranger to winning state titles having been a previous triples and fours champion.
The other semi final was definitely one for the spectators with Invermay’s Vicki Winley and Dover RSL’s Sonia Martyn providing a very entertaining match. Martyn had a slight edge early when she lead 9-5, however Winley settled and score the next five ends in a row to take the lead 12-9. Martyn kept fighting to get back within a single shot on several occasions, however Winley kept just enough in front and took the win 25-22.
For the first time the Tasmanian Bowlers with a Disability Championships are being held as part of our Gala Week of Bowls in conjunction with our open championships. Bowls Tasmania are extremely proud to have doubled the entries to previous years.
The first day of competition has provided some early leaders with reigning champion Rick Ormerod ahead with 37 points after getting through the first day of competition unscathed. Close behind in second spot is Colleen Fellows and Charlie Thomas both on 34 points.
There are still two games remaining tomorrow before the two players with the highest points will fight it out in the gold medal playoff to be held at the same time as our Open Singles finals. The highest ranked players in each of the Physical, Intellectual, Hearing and Visually Impaired categories will be awarded medals in their disciplines.
1. R. Ormerod 37
2. C. Fellows 34
2. C. Thomas 34
3. R. Booth 33
4. R. Simkus 29
4. A. Tew 29
Tomorrow will see the pairs finals kick off at 9.30am at Devonport Bowls Club before our Singles finals at approximately 1pm. The Bowler with a Disability will be at the Devonport and East Devonport Bowls Club from 9.30am before the final at the Devonport Bowls Club after lunch.
