HBA PAIRS CHAMPIONS DECIDED

Action continued at the Oakbank Bowling Club on Friday 26th February 2021, with the semi finals and finals of the HBA Pairs Championships played out under lights.

Woodside men Alberd and Harris were too strong for Duthy and Thompson of Mt. Barker, running out 21-11 winners.  Likewise Lobethal’s Stanbury and Zilm easily accounted for Whitford and Fels of Gumeracha 19-6.

Both women’s matches were somewhat one sided.  Renee and Dianne Green of Lenswood continued their good form to overcome Lobethal’s Lindy and Lyn Harten 18-8, while Hahndorf’s Hutchinson and Maddern firmed as competition favourites by downing Fawcett and Taheny of Mt. Pleasant 23-6.

The ladies’ grand final saw the Hahndorf duo run away to an 11-1 lead after four ends.  Lenswood picked up a single shot on the fifth end, but failed to score again, as Hutchinson and Maddern ran away to a 31-2 victory. It was an impressive performance by the Hahndorf ladies – both competitors in the Thursday Metropolitan league, and key players in the 2021 success of the Hahndorf Division I pennant side.

In stark contrast, the men’s finals was an absolute nail biter. Lobethal settled in early to take a 2-9 lead after five ends, but Woodside clawed back to level at 12 all after twelve ends.  With scores locked together at 14 all going into the final end, Lobethal held on courtesy of a brilliant draw shot by Stanbury. This marks the seventh occasion that Zilm has won the prestigious Pairs Championship, and capped off an impressive season for Stanbury, who will assist Lobethal Division I in yet another premiership campaign.

The HBA Champ of Champ series will enter the final stages over the next two Friday nights, as the Uraidla Bowling Club host the Championship Singles.  Uraidla have set up a superb facility – with full bar facilities, hot food available, and plenty of undercover seating.  The first round of matches will get underway at 5.30pm.