HBA SINGLES

The opening rounds of HBA Championship singles were held in perfect conditions at the Mt. Barker Bowling Club last Friday night.

A large crowd enjoyed balmy conditions, good food, and jazzy music – as the Association’s top men’s and women’s players competed for the singles trophies.

The opening round men’s match between Hahndorf and Mt. Barker was a walkover as the Hahndorf representative was unable to play – meaning the second round match between Mt. Barker and Oakbank was brought forward. Mt. Barker champ Paul van der Water played Roger Faehrmann of Oakbank – and made full use of the home ground advantage to record a comfortable win. The other first round match had former singles champion David Gleeson of Uraidla pitted against Bernie Mullins of Gumeracha – in what also proved to be a relatively comfortable 21-10 win to Uraidla.

The second round saw two times champion Brett Norman of Woodside bounce back from a 9-14 deficit against Meadows’ Greg Edmonds, to ultimately win 21-15. Seasoned campaigner Wayne Zilm of Lobethal is keen to snare his first HBA singles title, and was clinical in his win over Lenswood’s Mick Glasson 21-9.

The women’s draw saw some much closer matches. An in form Kath Probert of Uraidla accounted for Woodside champ Julie Rollond 21-10, while Feli Sandercock of Gumeracha won a dour struggle with Oakbank’s Raelene Harnas 21-15.

In the second round, Cheryle Joseph of Meadows had a hard fought win over Kath Probert 21-18. Liz Needle of Lenswood gave the defending champion, Sue Maddern of Hahndorf a real battle, succumbing 21-15. However the match of the evening was between Judy Thomas of Mt. Barker and Annette Schubert of Lobethal. Never more than a few shots separated the players all night – with the scores locked at 20 all after 25 ends of play. Schubert played a steady last end to pick up shot and the win 21-20. A huge shout out to both players – Schubert in only her second full year of pennant bowls, and Thomas on the cusp of a milestone birthday this week.

Play resumes at Mt. Barker next Friday night – with van der Water taking on Gleeson, and Norman playing Zilm in the men’s semi finals. In the women’s draw, Joseph faces Sandercock, while Maddern will play Schubert.

Play will begin at 5.30pm – with the host club once again providing hot food and full bar facilities.