BACK TO BACK MID WEEK TITLES FOR LOBETHAL AND URAIDLA

The mid week season concluded on Wednesday – with Mt. Barker Bowling Club hosting both Division I and Division II Grand Finals.

In Division I, reigning premiers Lobethal faced off against Uraidla, in a repeat of last Saturday’s Division I final.  Uraidla were keen to reverse the earlier result, and got out of the blocks early – holding an overall  fourteen shot lead after only two ends – however Lobethal quickly fought back. Neville Mansell led Henry Fiejen comfortably all day, however a great final shot by the Uraidla skipper saw the final scoreline narrowed to 26-17.  John McBrien broke away from Mike Guerin in the later stages of the match to record a 28-22 win for Lobethal.  Wayne Zilm and Stephen Tarr counter punched all day – with Tarr coming out ahead for Uraidla, picking up the rink win 28-27.  With the final rink left on the green, Darren Stanbury needed to hang tough to hold the overall lead for Lobethal.  Despite trailing 15-26, Lobethal held a three shot lead overall – with Uraidla’s David Wuttke having two very close shots at trailing the jack for the match.  The dream end was not to be for Uraidla, with Lobethal retaining the premiership 97-93.

Uraidla were playing in their second successive Wednesday Division II Grand Final – this time against Hahndorf.  Despite finishing minor premiers, Uraidla had good cause to be cautious of Hahndorf – who had defeated Woodside and Lobethal in the lead up to the final.  Bill Robertson had the uneviable task of tackling Graham Wasley’s highly experienced team, but came out on top 29-19.  Unfortunately that was the high point for Hahndorf, with Uraidla solid winners in both other rinks.  Ron Paterson consolidated his lead late in the match to defeat Graham Evans 21-11, but it was Bill Bradshaw’s outstanding performance against the in form Tony Stevens, winning 28-9, which set up Uraidla’s premiership win.