This year’s Classic was to be hosted by Bateau Bay but the continuous wet weather made their turf greens unsuitable for wheelchair use over three days of the event.
At short notice, Mingara BC with their synthetic greens put up their hands to host the event and Bowls Coordinator Alec Aked and his team of volunteers did an outstanding job in looking after the needs of these disabled bowlers. Even to the point of heavy rain threatening to delay the start of play had the Mingara “Magicians” armed with squeegees and brooms sweeping casual water off the synthetic surface for play to start on time.
The early rounds of sectional play provided plenty of opportunity for bowlers to find the pace and grass line of the greens before the respective sectional winners played a knock out final series.
The final played over 18 ends produced some outstanding bowls under overcast conditions with Ron Mowday jumping out of the blocks to lead 10-2. To Mark Whiteman’s credit he clawed his way back to level at 11 all. Mowday went into the last end two shots up and was holding three shots with Whiteman’s three well positioned back wood catchers just waiting for the jack to come back. Whiteman had the gold medal in his sights when he played his last bowl with good weight in search of the jack for game, but missed by a cigarette paper to concede victory. Ronnie Mowday who has suffered hard times in recent years after a debilitating work accident was a most worthy “Single’s Gold Medallist” for 2017.
A great tournament played out by a courageous and inspirational bunch of bowlers.
Newcastle’s Mark Whiteman congratulates Ettalong’s Ronnie Mowday who led all the way to take out the Singles Gold Medal in the 2017 NSW Wheelchair Sports Classic |
Mark Wilson Sports Development Officer for Wheelchair Bowlers with NSW State representative Joanne Hunter from Gymea who played outstanding bowls to take out the Bronze medal |