Congratulations to our under 18 bowlers on their gallant efforts at the 2022/23 State Championships held at Warilla from 10th to 14th July 2023 in the school holidays. BCC’s entrants in the events were:
Singles: Sam Griffiths (Terrigal)
Pairs: Lead – Steven Hutchinson (Gosford City) and Skip - Sam Griffiths
Fours: Lead - Hope Nouws - Bateau Bay, Second - Brayden Tate - Ourimbah-Lisarow RSL, Third - Steven Hutchinson – Gosford City, Skip Sam Griffiths -Terrigal.
Unfortunately our side was drawn in the very strong section with bowls powerhouse zones of Zone 12 which contains such clubs as Cabramatta and St John’s Park and Zone 2 which is the Newcastle Area. Furthermore Zones 1, 11 and 14 did not enter a side causing 3 sections to only have 3 sides not 4 of the section of which the BCC/Zone 15 side was playing. This made it harder for the BCC side to get passed the sectional play. But, it did give our bowlers an extra game to experience top level U18 bowls.
The Pairs event was played first. Sam and Steven won the first game 18-9 against Zone 8. In the Second game they were beaten 21-9 by the strong Cabramatta (Zone 12) pair which included Billy Waite who previously represented Bateau Bay. In the 3rd and final game Sam and Steven lost by one point 10 to 11 against the Zone 2 pair, a very good showing. I am advised that Sam played well causing a state selector to watch his every game after that match.
In the singles, Sam lost the first game 8-21 to Ryan Klem from Cabramatta (Zone 12). In the 2nd game Sam defeated the Zone 2 player 21-19 and in the 3rd game closely 18-21.
The fours side played well but was narrowly defeated in all three sectional games. Never the less the entire event was a great learning exercise for our rookie side. Our thanks are extended to the Side Manager and Coach John Roberts. Particular thanks to all the parents and supporters who made the trip to Warilla to support the side. Without the efforts and sacrifices of these people, BCC U18's would not be able to compete in the U18 State Championships.
Hope Nouws - Bateau Bay, Third - Steven Hutchinson – Gosford City, Skip Sam Griffiths -Terrigal, Second - Brayden Tate - Ourimbah-Lisarow RSL and Side Manager John Roberts
