Leeuwin League Club Challenge
Augusta Win Leeuwin Challenge In Thriller Finish The Augusta club has won the inaugural Leeuwin League Club Challenge in a thriller finish to the four week competition. Based on the proposed Bowls WA Club Challenge which was rejected by the Perth metropolitan clubs in favour of the extended pennant season, the Leeuwin League Committee decided to run the competition at the end of the traditional bowls season.
Over four Saturday afternoons a mixed team of triples from each of the participating clubs (Augusta, Cowaramup, Dunsborough and Margaret River) played each other in a 3 game round robin. The shortened version of the game included a one hour time limit, two 5 set ends with a one end tie-break and power plays. Clubs were able to select different players for each game with most using a rotation of 4 or 5 players each week.
Week 1 played at Dunsborough saw Augusta finish with a total of 14 of the 15 points available to them with Dunsborough 10 points. Week 2, played at Cowaramup, Augusta again finished strongly with 12 points and Dunsborough 10. Week 3, played at Margaret River, Augusta managed only 2 points and Dunsborough who were second on the ladder 13 points, Margaret River with a change of personnel had a form reversal gaining 10 points. The ladder after round 3 – Dunsborough 33, Augusta 28, Margaret River 16 and Cowaramup 13.
Week 4, played at Augusta, set the scene for an interesting finish with both Augusta and Dunsborough able to win overall. The first round played between both these teams saw them win a set each before Augusta was able to win the tie-break. Round 2 and Margaret River, again with a slight change in players and a point to prove, managed to beat Dunsborough in straight sets. The ladder at this stage – Augusta 37 points, Dunsborough 34. Round 3 Dunsborough beat Cowaramup in straight sets gaining the valuable 5 points, while Augusta struggled against Margaret River only just winning the first set. However due to some slow play and mismanagement of their power plays, only 4 of the 5 ends was completed in set 2 which Margaret River won. Dunsborough could only look on as the tiebreak was played. With Margaret River holding shots the last bowl was played by Augusta skipper Andrew Drayton who managed to draw close winning the measure and the prize money for the club. Final standings Augusta 41 +19, Dunsborough 39 +19, Margaret River 26 and Cowaramup 14.
All players enjoyed the format of the game in a competitive but relaxed environment and hope to see it in the League fixtures next season.
Lyn Colmer – Leeuwin League Secretary
