Can you believe there are only three weeks until spring? As the weather warms up in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, our seasonal visitors will begin to head home. But what a week it has been for Airlie Beach Bowls Club—full of milestones, tight matches, and well-earned victories.
The week began with the Ladies A Grade Singles Final on Tuesday morning, with Betty Whitehorn and Vicki Spann going head-to-head in a thrilling contest. Despite a late comeback from Vicki, Betty held on to claim the title 25–22 in a closely fought battle. Betty has now achieved an impressive record—winning the B Grade title in 2017, the A Grade in 2018, and again in 2025. A huge congratulations to her.
In Tuesday afternoon social bowls, visiting bowler Mick Humphries from Moama Bowls Club (on the NSW/Victoria border) joined locals Tony Kelly (skip) and Pip Heddles to deliver a dominant performance against a strong field of 18 bowlers.
Also during the week, the Champion of Champions Ladies Fours was held at West Tigers and Northern Beaches Bowls Clubs. Representing ABBC, the team of Joan McGrath (skip), Ladda Purdie, Jill Spencer and Lyn Graham claimed the title. Their win was met with well-deserved pride and applause from the club.
Saturday morning’s Scroungers competition saw first-round wins to Mark Mawson, John Askew and Andy McDougall. Askew went on to take the overall win, while Andrew Butler claimed the B Grade title.
On Sunday, 26 players took part in a competitive social bowls afternoon. The winning team—Tony Kelly (skip), Cathie Harris (lead) and Mel Fennell (second)—held their nerve in a close finish.
Meanwhile, at Sarina, the Champion of Champions Men’s Fours saw our team—Manny Isgro (skip), Bob McMahon, Luke Kinnear and Russell Jackson—defeat Proserpine in the semi-final before sealing a 20–18 victory over South Suburban with a thrilling last-bowl finish by Manny.
Looking ahead, Dan Dowell will represent the club in Monday’s Ladies B Grade Champion of Champions final, and Betty Whitehorn returns Tuesday for the A Grade Champion of Champions. Best of luck to both.
Well done to all involved in a standout week for ABBC. Safe travels to our visiting bowlers—we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson
A Grade Champion Betty Whitehorn
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