HBA SINGLES CHAMPIONS CROWNED

The finals of the HBA Singles Championships were played in perfect conditions last Friday night.

Spectators took full advantage of the balmy weather, great food and music, and the hospitality of the Mt. Barker Bowling Club – as the men’s and women’s semi-finals and grand finals were played under the dome.

Meadows champion Sheryle Joseph was spurred on by a buoyant band of spectators, as she overcame Gumeracha’s Feli Sandercock 21-8. Reigning champion Sue Maddern of Hahndorf had a see-sawing battle with Lobethal’s Annette Schubert, leaving the scores locked at 19 all after 24 ends – however Schubert picked up three shots on their final end to record a victory.

In the first of the men’s semi-finals, home talent Paul van de Water faced a previous winner in David Gleeson of Uraidla. Only two shots separated the players after fourteen ends – however Gleeson picked up multiples in four of the next six ends, to win 21-14.

The remaining men’s semi final was a much anticipated clash between twice former champ Brett Norman of Woodside, and the highly credentialled Wayne Zilm of Lobethal. Norman led for most of the match, but Zilm tied the scores at 17 all after twenty one ends – and then collected four shots over the remaining four ends to run out a 21-17 victor.

The women’s grand final was a close tussle – but the more experienced Joseph from Meadows got a 20-14 jump on her Lobethal opponent after twenty one ends. However Schubert kept her nerve, fighting back to 20-17, and then recording four shots on the final end to take the title 20-21. It is all the more impressive that this is only Schubert’s second full year of pennant bowls, and comes on the back of her championship win last season in the pairs.

The men’s final followed a similar script, with Uraidla’s Gleeson playing steady bowls, to go to an 11-2 lead after just nine ends. However Zilm fought back, taking the lead by one shot on the nineteenth end, and then closing the match out 21-18. Zilm was overcome with emotion, as he accepted the Championship Shield which his late father Trevor Zilm had previously won in 1988, 1993 and 1998.

Thanks are extended to all of the clubs who hosted the HBA Championship events throughout the season – and the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to cater for spectators and players alike.

The HBA also wish to thank our major sponsors – Kloses Supermarket, who provide prize money for the singles, pairs, and fours’ events – and HBA Life Member Warren Murdoch who sponsors the open triples.