TUNCURRY Beach bowler Dave Richardson has been crowned the 2019 Zone 11 champion of champions singles.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Richardson's biggest test turned out to be in the very first round, when he survived a real nail-biter against Phil Capes from Taree West, which he won by the narrowest of margins 31-30, and with the most miraculously fortunate bowl you would ever see.
Richardson was down 26-30, and had put the jack in the ditch. Capes then drew the shot to hold game.
Richardson's attempt to drive him out was narrow, but hit a bowl five metres short straight up to the shot, and removed it to hold four.
Capes then failed to come in bounds, and the scores were tied 30-30.
Richardson then won the last end to escape with the win. Phew!
Richardson then played Laurie Keene (Palms) in a game where he was always in front, but Keene was doggedly holding on. Eventually Richardson came away to win 31-23.
In the other half of the draw, relatively inexperienced bowler, Scott Morrison (Lansdowne), was surprising everyone with his ability, and reached the final with a 31-29 win over Mike Cummings from Black Head.
Richardson's wealth of experience really came to the fore in the final, where he powered away to an 11-0 lead before Morrison was able to trouble the scorer.
Richardson just kept the pressure on the inexperienced Morrison, who would still qualify as a rookie, and he could not find an answer.
If he did find himself down, Richardson either drove Morrison's bowls out or killed the end. Richardson ran out a comfortable 31-6 winner. We hope Morrison isn't too disappointed by this loss, as reaching a final at this stage of his career is something he can be very proud of.
We wish Dave the best of luck in the State finals in October.
Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Great Lakes Advocate newsletter here.