WEDNESDAY PREMIERS

The Grand Finals in both divisions were decided at the Gumeracha Bowling Club last Wednesday.

Despite recent weather extremes in the Adelaide Hills – players and spectators alike were treated to mild and balmy conditions.

In Division I, reigining premiers Lobethal took on Mt. Barker.

Darren Stanbury took on Anthony “Trap” Daw – and despite the latter’s season being hampered by injury, he took the match right up to the Lobethal skipper. Lobethal lead Bev Gericke played her best bowls towards the end of the match, and was crucial in giving Lobethal a late ascendency – running out winners 22-15. Experienced skipper Neville Mansell tackled an in-form Jay Shepherd. The 30-14 result in favour of Lobethal belies the quality of the game. The remaining match was a dour duel between current singles champion Wayne Zilm, and Association stalwart John Corner – with Lobethal sneaking the win 23-22.

This gave Lobethal their second successive Wednesday premiership, and their sixth flag in ten years.

In Division II, Mt. Barker had come from fourth spot to fact an in form Oakbank side.

Guy Stanley succumbed by only two shots to Vince Colmer, going down 15-17. However strong wins by Bob Fiddes 21-15 over Willie Wurfel, and Fred Dorr 21-12 over Wayne Lee – were enough to give Oakbank the overall victory.

This was Oakbank’s first Wednesday premiership since 1991 (when they were playing in a combined side as Onkaparinga), and made all the more impressive by the number of bowlers playing who are in the early stages of their careers.

Many thanks to the host club Gumeracha, HBA Patron Merv Miles who assisted with the presentations, and HBA major sponsors – Kloses Foodland and Warren Murdoch.

Please check out this week’s Courier for a full match report and side photos.