Airlie Beach Bowls Results

It was a bumper week of bowls action at Airlie Beach as the first week of winter delivered packed greens, thrilling finishes, and a welcome return of the club’s much-loved June Carnival.

Tuesday afternoon saw over 40 players take to the green, including more than 20 social bowlers, while Ladies Pairs and Triples competitions continued to advance. One of the day’s most gripping moments came during the singles match between Betty Whitehorn and Ladda Purdie, with Whitehorn edging out the Thai favourite 25–24 in a stunning upset to book her place in the final.

Wednesday’s social bowls welcomed a strong contingent of visitors, with bowlers arriving from across the country. Players included Andrew Lloyd and Robin Smith (Club North Haven, NSW), Peter Downes (Victor Harbour, SA), Ettore Tiraboschi (Mareeba, QLD), Susan and Dermot Wilford (Picton, NSW), and Malcolm Townson (Glasshouse Mountains, Sunshine Coast). Club regulars Janet and Michael Jacometti also returned for the season. In a friendly but competitive afternoon, 24 bowlers competed in three games of triples, with the winning team comprising skipper Andrew Lloyd, lead Robyn Smith, and second Betty Whitehorn—rounding out a stellar week for Whitehorn.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls resumed with plenty of energy. Team results will be published in next week’s issue.

Friday welcomed participants from the Endeavour Foundation. John stepped onto the green for the first time and showed promise, while Michael and Cathy continued to make steady progress with their game.

The weekend brought the highlight of the week—the Whitsunday June Carnival. Sixteen teams travelled from across the state, with representatives from Townsville, Mackay, Wangaratta, and Noosa. Organiser Margo Stanley once again delivered an exceptional event, supported by Jill Spencer, Fiona Greener, Maureen Barnard, and a hard-working team of volunteers who kept bowlers well-fed and refreshed across the two-day competition.

After seven closely contested games, the final placings were announced. Third place went to F. Watson’s team from Townsville, while the talented Penny Warren and her team—France, Denise, and Joanne—claimed second in a remarkable showing. But it was the powerhouse team of Manny Isgro, Davey Peats (Queensland representative), Peter Knight, and Paul Foot who clinched the title yet again, marking their fourth or fifth carnival victory in what’s become a formidable streak.

To cap off the week, the club is celebrating the long-awaited commencement of the new cover over the greens, with construction set to begin Monday and expected to be completed within two weeks.

This week’s photo features the winning team alongside event organiser Margo Stanley: Manny Isgro, Peter Knight, Paul Foot, and Davey Peats—champions both on and off the green.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

The winning team and Margo Stanley organiser, Manny Isgro, Peter Knight, Paul Foot, and Davey Peats. Photo supplied