Airlie Beach Bowls 28 November

We’re in the last week of spring and summer is on the way, which means the weather is only getting warmer. It’s a relief to have our beautiful roof keeping us cool while the bowls keep sizzling.

This week was again full of action, starting with Tuesday afternoon social bowls, which featured a fabulous final in the mixed fours. Tony Whitehorn as skipper, with Ladda Purdie, Betty Whitehorn and Lyn Graham, took on the strong team of skipper Shane Spann, Joan McGrath, Harry Quod and lead Vicki Spann, who ran away with the win in the final ends, 26–16. This match also features in this week’s photo. Congratulations to all who played.

Wednesday afternoon social bowls saw a very strong performance from skipper Andrew Butler, Glenn O’Brien—fresh back from holidays in Victoria—and newly wedded lead Alma Rose Mawson. Although Alma is still very new to the game, she already shows the skills to go a long way and is quickly becoming a valued member of our little club. Their team won by 18 shots to take home the money.

Wednesday night Business House Bowls continues to grow in popularity, with more than 30 bowlers taking to the green each week. The competition is really heating up. It is well organised by Bob and Yvonne Spees, who also cook up fantastic hamburgers for everyone. Results and team standings will be posted next week.

Friday mornings belong to the Endeavour Foundation, and the improvement in the team is very noticeable. Cathy, Kiara, Deon, John, Jett and Michael are all showing signs they could represent the Whitsundays in next year’s Disabled Games.

Friday afternoon saw the Christian College students arrive for mixed bowls. With the end of term looming, it’s great to see some wonderful partnerships forming. Tamsyn Carus with Annalise Kennelly, Myia Shimmen and Harmony Carus all played well, while Elliana Langshore with Maddy Riley and Miranda Jackson with Ruby Atkins continue to improve. New bowlers Charlotte Behnck and Brooke Wilkinson are very impressive. Pazel Davis has great potential in the sport, and Ocean Houlding could become a champion if she wasn’t so easily distracted—though she is still a very good bowler. Olive Burke also deserves special recognition.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw first-round winners Andy McDougall, Dennis Donnadelli and Tony Whitehorn fighting it out for victory, with Tony taking out the A Division. Arthur McManus won the B Grade final.

Sunday afternoon social bowls attracted 28 bowlers, with the dice deciding the smallest winning margin. The victorious team was John Brown with his brilliant wife Robin, and lead Lu Rogan, who took home the money. It must be noted that Warren Mills, home on respite from radiation therapy in Townsville, teamed with lead Liz McManus and Gary Smith to win by 20 shots. Another fantastic result came from the team of Andy McDougall, with Alma Rose Mawson continuing her brilliant form alongside Dawn Dowell, winning by 19 shots.

Congratulations to both teams.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Joan McGrath, Vicki Spann, Shane Spann and Harry Quod mixed fours 2025 Champions. Photo supplied

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