Australian Sides Championships – Day 1
Played Thursday, 9th April at Yokine Districts Bowling Club Recently-crowned World Junior Champion Kristina Krstic gave Western Australia’s very, merry band of supporters, who braved the rain, a grandstand finish but the fairytale ending was dashed by Victoria’s talented youngster Elise Cowan as she held her composure to draw shot with the last bowl of the game and win the overall aggregate by the narrowest of margins.
Earlier in the day, the Australian Capital Territory adapted to the wet conditions well to hold sway over our valiant Women who got within five shots late in the game before eventually going down 57-72. Our Men, on the other hand, finished strongly to defeat the ACT 70-48. Clive Adams shot out of the blocks early and maintained a potentially match-winning lead throughout, however, ACT had managed to edge in front at the halfway mark of the game. Adams seemed to inspire his fellow two skips as Matthew Ellul and Thomas Mitchell came storming home; Ellul winning 23-17 while Mitchell fought back from 13-20 down to lose by just one.
In the afternoon, WA was no match for a rampant Victorian side. Ellul’s rink managed to carry on their good form from the opening round but Adams and Mitchell suffered heavy defeats. WA’s Women saw a reversal of fortunes when Round 1 winner Lisa Featherby struggled to keep up with a fast-starting Carla Odgers while veteran Therese Hastings bounced back to record a solid win over another Jackaroo in Samantha Shannahan. It was left to Australian A star Krstic to rescue a win for her side and despite debutant Toni Madigan’s toucher, which continued to hold shot having been rolled over first by Elizabeth Brooke and then by Robyn O’Brien, Cowan managed to find just enough room to draw the winner.
For full rink scores, please click here
Caption: Matthew Ellul won two tough encounters on the opening day of the Australian Sides Championships. Photo courtesy of Bowls Australia
