FORTY teams from across the south-west and as far away as New South Wales took to the mats at the Arc on Saturday for the annual City Bowls Mixed Fours Tournament.
Local cobinations made up the top four, with a team of Port Fairy players, lead by skipper Collin Wilson, taking the honours.
Each of the teams played four games of 12 ends, with the final positions based on the number of wins and total shots up at the end of the four rounds.
Wilson’s team comprised lead bowler Sue Gavin, second Brian Arnold and third Gill Phillips.
The side finished the tournament with four wins, and 28 shots up, well clear of nearest rival George Draffen’s team, which finished with four wins and seven shots up.
Draffen’s team, made up of Robyn Dyer, Des Dyer and Barb Draffen, was last year’s winner.
The side failed to defend its title despite the players winning each of their four rounds. Maureen Drennan’s team was unlucky not to finish on top.
After drawing one of its early rounds, the side finished in third place with 3.5 wins and 49 shots up.
If the side had won all four rounds it would have finished clear tournament winner.
Behind Drennan’s side was Ray Hoy’s team.
Fifth place went to Dennis Barry’s team from Melbourne.
The top five teams received a share of the $1300 prizemoney.
Warrnambool Indoor Bias Bowls Association secretary Rex Harris described the tournament as a “fantastic success”.
“It was a great competition,” he said.
“We had 40 teams from all over the state and even interstate.
“It’s the most we have ever had play in the tournament, and was four up on last year.
“We had players from Geelong who had never played in this tournament before and the local area was well represented.
“And it was great to see the local teams finishing in the top four.”
The annual competition, which began in 1991, also attracted teams from New South Wales, Melbourne, Colac, Hamilton, Camperdown, Heytesbury and Timboon.
Some of the players are members of the state team.
Shane Cashill acted as tournament director and Harris said he did an outstanding job.
“We had 160 players on 20 mats and he did a fantastic job making sure everything ran smoothly,” Harris said.
“We had some very competitive games but everyone kept it friendly and had a great time.”
jwoolley@standard.fairfax.com.au
