May 27, 2026

Airlie Beach Bowls Weekly News

Another huge week in paradise at our little bowls club, with Tuesday afternoon bowls seeing much excitement as Ladies’, Men’s A, B and Senior Singles moved into the last four, and all pairs, triples and fours nearing completion.

Wednesday afternoon saw 20 bowlers vying for the winner’s prize, with two games of triples and two games of pairs. The biggest winning margin went to skipper Arthur McManus, with second Glen O’Brien and lead, new bowler Alma Rose Mawson, all playing like a team with outstanding results and an 11-point winning margin. Great effort.

Wednesday night saw Business House bowls, brilliantly run by Bobby Spees and his wife Yvonne, a very special couple. Ten teams occupied five rinks, and once again, although in a new team, Cathy Russell leading Clearwater Catering achieved a brilliant win and remains unbeaten. All games were close, and everyone enjoyed the chicken burgers at the finish.

Friday afternoon saw Christian College students thoroughly enjoying and improving their bowling skills, especially Elliana Langshore and Miranda Jackson. Although only in Year 8, they are showing fantastic potential. We will have exciting playoffs to determine who will represent the Whitsundays in the upcoming Queensland Schools Tournament.

Division 1 and Division 4 played at home on Saturday, with Manny Isgro’s team winning 21–13, Joan McGrath’s team winning 21–13 also, and John Fielding’s team winning 29–17, giving Airlie a 71–43 victory against a very strong side and last season’s champions, Northern Beaches. Luke Kinnear, Andrew Butler, and Alan Pershouse all deserve special mention.

The Division 4 team, led by skipper Des Ballance, with superb teamwork, won 25–16. However, David Dias and his team lost 9–30 to North Mackay.

Division 2 lost to Mackay City, with Carol Crosbie’s team winning 24–20.

Sunday pennants saw Division 1 away at Sarina Bowls Club, with John Fielding’s 21–20 win being the only winning rink.

Division 2 against West Tigers lost, with only Ladda Purdie’s team drawing 17 all. West Tigers also played Division 4, and once again Des Ballance and his team were convincing winners 30–13, while David Dias’s team went down 20–19 in a last-bowl thriller. Division 4 is still leading the overall standings.

This week’s photo shows the victorious Division 4 team, pictured from left: Tony Kelly, Sue Dakin, selector Warren Mills, Alma Rose Mawson, Mark Mawson, and David Dias proudly displaying the scoreboard.


Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson