Due to the grass greens being closed, the Men’s Handicap Singles was held over two consecutive Saturdays. Qualifying was held on Saturday 3rd with post section last Sunday.
Sixteen players entered and they were put into four sections of four. Four rounds were run with everyone playing three and marking one.
The top two in each section qualified for post section finals. The qualifiers were Barry McCrystal, Phil Chisholm, Gerry Strydom, Steve Bartley, Bill Lowe, Leon Wech, Gordon Jenkins and Bruce McClintock who just edged out new first year full member Guy Russell.
Both had one win but Guy had a differential of minus 6 and Bruce minus 4. A great effort by Guy who played some very good bowls. The selectors had broadened the handicaps, hoping this would create more competitive games, and that did happen with some very close games and interesting results.
Many thanks to Graeme McGregor and Allan Langley who also marked games that day.
In the first quarter-final Phil Chisholm played Leon Wech, both on a 0 handicap. Phil started well and led 15-7 and looked on for the win, but Leon came back to be behind by one, 17-18. Then it became 19 all, then Phil picked up a two to take the win.
The next quarter- final was between Barry McCrystal (4) and Bill Lowe (6). Bill started really well and raced away to lead 14-6. Barry with very accurate bowling won the next seven ends to win 21-14.
Quarter – final three was between Gordon Jenkins (1) and Bruce McClintock (0). Gordon had a great start with excellent draw bowls and led 15-5. Bruce start to edge back into the game winning six of the last eight ends but when time was up Gordon had the win 20-14.
The last quarter-final was between Steve Bartley (6) and Gerry Strydom (1). This was close game early on, nine all after seven ends, Steve led 13-9 but then Gerry won six of the last seven ends to win 21-14.
Semi-final 1, was between Phil Chisholm (0) and Barry McCrystal (4). It was seven all after seven ends, 13-11 to Phil after eleven ends, then Phil edged away to 17-11, but Barry fought back, several times Phil was holding three or four shots for the win, Baz came in to grab a multiple, it was 18-17 to Phil who won two of the last three ends to take the win in a very good game 21-18.
Semi-final 2, Gordon Jenkins (1) and Gerry Strydom (1). Gerry started exceptionally well with Gordon, perhaps the week taking its toll in winning the Master Pairs. Gerry led 15-1 after eight ends. Gordon, got his second wind, winning seven of the last eleven ends but it was too late, Gerry controlled the game from the start taking the win 21-12.
Final, Phil Chisholm (0) v Gerry Strydom (1). Gerry started well to lead 3-2 after four ends. It was six all after nine ends, anyone’s game. Phil decide to take control and to play some excellent ends and won the next nine ends in a row to take a very convincing win 21-6.
Congratulations Phil Chisholm, very consistent on both days , Disappointing for Gerry after the way he had played in the quarter and semi-finals but still a very good result..
Many thanks to those that helped out on both days, particularly the markers – John Lindsay, Russ Noble, Graeme Storey, Allan Langley, Bill Lowe, Steve Bartley and also to our finals marker Hanaan Shahwan.
Report by Alan Daniels