First time Winner – Irene Arndt Claims 2023 Championship

by Aaron Clark on January 30, 2023

On Sunday 29th January, the Dyenamic State Singles Finals commenced at Bassendean Bowling Club where impressive performances of the Women’s Semi-Finals and Finals . With beautiful weather, sun and no wind on the green the conditions of play did not leave much to be desire.

In the Women’s Final we would see a first-time winner whoever the victor. Runner-up Kerry Andersen gave a good contest for the title however a very strong and consistent performance from Safety Bay’s Irene Arndt led to her lifting the trophy by the end of the day as her first-time win of the State Singles Title.

The Semi-finals saw spectators engaged on who would be moving into the Finals with two close matches leaving them guessing for much of the matches. Irene Arndt managed to get ahead of Chris Ace-Watson and win by six shots with a final score of 25-19 in their semi-final. The match could have gone either way with both players having turns of dominance but the consistency of Arndt finally saw her draw away.

In the second semi-final, we saw Kerry Andersen grab a finals position by four shots against Deb Saunders with a final score of 25-21. Andersen got off to a fast start and it looked like a quick game was on the cards. However, Saunders in her first major semi-final worked her way back into the match by showing a more consistent draw and using some aggressive driving when required. With experience on her side, Andersen was able to steady and hold out the fast-finishing Saunders to book her place in the final.

The finals were fairly even for the first four Ends. Arndt started with three shots, Andersen followed with a one, Arndt picked up another one and Andersen retaliated with her own three shots and equaling the score at 4-4 after four ends. Moving into the fifth end, where some would suggest Arndt’s momentum started, she picked up a three to put her in the lead and then gathered two shots to move to a five-shot lead. In an attempt to stop Arndt from winning a third end in a row, Andersen pulled out some fantastic draws and put the pressure back on her opponent. Unfortunately for Andersen, Arndt was able to dismantle her shots by trailing of the jack and placing it right where she could have hoped for another two shots and a 12-4 lead. Another two and then a one gave great momentum for Saftey Bay’s Irene Arndt as she takes a comfortable lead of 15-4.

Winning five Ends in a row and winning with two’s and three’s pushed pressure onto Mosman Parks Kerry Andersen, but finally, at end 10 Andersen took a shot from Arndt with a toucher and, Arndt’s weight being just short on her last bowl and not enough to reach the jack. Andersen claimed another much-needed one on the 11th end as she closed the gap ever so slightly. It was a short reprieve for Andersen as Arndt again won multiple ends in a row with one shot each time bringing the score to 18-6 after the 14th end.

Arndt’s confidence was high, but Andersen kept bouncing back and got a much-needed two and then a one. Just as Andersen was starting to close the distance, Arndt again raised the pressure. Arndt would pick up the next five ends in a row with 1,2,1,1,1 and sit at match point 24-9. On the 21st end, the pressure was on Andersen for one last attack and she stepped up to the plate with a one, followed by a two and it looked like it’s not over yet at 24-12 on the 23rd end.

Arndt got a beautiful trail of the jack on the 24th end setting herself up to claim the victory, Andersen took the time to line up a drive to claw back the end with her third bowl but the drive missed the target. Another drive attempt was made by Andersen with her last bowl, but as it heads down the green and narrowly misses cheers erupt as Irene Arndt takes the game.

Irene Arndt & Kerry Andersen after the last Bowl

Doug Kelly (Bowls WA President) presents the awards alongside Lisa Featherby (Finance Director Bowls WA). President Kelly gave a big thank you to everyone involved in the running the championships, those at Bassendean Bowling Club and the other Clubs that hosted, as well as congratulations to those that participated for putting on a fantastic show.

A brilliant show of Bowls and a great turnout of spectators at the Bassendean Bowling Club. It was great see a large community supporting the game and players as well as the great service from the staff.

“It’s a privilege to house the momentous event, I hope everyone enjoyed the Basso hospitality. Big thanks to all the volunteers and staff involved.” – Matthew Whitely Bassendean Club Captain comments on the event