The fifth edition of The Rowdy Championships took center stage over the weekend with a quality field of 56 so called bowlers getting into the event.
The ritual gathering of like-minded not-so-athletes has this year advanced in its purpose and meaning, with the introduction of a donation of the $1000 prize money to a local charity of the victor’s choosing.
Reigning champions, Matt Kirkland and Paul 'The Brain' Baker had talked up their credentials with a seemingly endless barrage of dribble that saw them very confident in their abilities to join the illusive company of Simon Black as back to back title holders.
Unfortunately for the lads, they choked hard, and the engraver's cut and paste skills were not required.
Whilst ‘The Brain’ did advance to the final, the championships were thrown into chaos when a small medicinal matter arose minutes before the finalists were due to take the rink.
We weren't sure if ‘The Brain’ would make it back in tip top condition but he astounded the collected gallery with a spirited return.
Alas it was to no avail, and his ever patient playing partner, Dangerous Dave Manning, who has been a regular semi finalist, was unable to hold out the attack at bay,
Thus it was that the champion team of Ben Mathers, who just happens to be the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Clubs green keeper, or as he prefers to be known now ‘The Curator’, and Simon 'Norman Cook' Maidment touched them up comfortably 11-4.
Some bemused senior bowlers were heard to say "What's the go with these blokes?", and I said to young Kevin Wood, who turned out to be a great old bloke, and set him straight.
“It is really just as simple as this Kev, we are a group of good blokes, who love good beer, who love each other,” I said.
“And because of that, we've worked ourselves into a position where, after each title is decided, the winners can donate their winning prize money of $1000 to a local charity out of our beer kitty, that's us in a nutshell Kev.”
In this the fifth running of the Rowdy Championships, the $1000 prize money was donated to Breast Friends.
A massive thank you goes out to Terry Green and The Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club.
We asked a lot of him and his staff and they delivered every step of the way, D Cav you were outstanding too.
Also thanks to No Bull Butchery, The Lakesway Bakery, The Mudcrabs Winter Swimming Club, The Lakeside Tavern, The Reef Bar & Grill, Primary Printing, Reece Plumbing and of course Anna's Trophies & Embroidery.
Jaime Manning and David Monkley, without you two our days would never be as successful as they have been.
Enjoy your off season boys the new year will bring a new challenge and undoubtedly new winners and little sip to get us through.
