Andersen claims Women’s Masters
The True North Ladies Masters Singles 22/23 was held at Mosman Park over the 10th to 12th February. Although the temperature conditions were favourable the afternoon see breezes made conditions very difficult particular during the Friday games.
This event continues to be well supported with sponsors; with The True North Kimberley Cruises being the naming rights sponsors; plus the Foot Studio in Claremont combining to ensure $4,000 in prizes. A steep hurdle to climb with the winner having to win 6 games – but one that attracts a quality field each year.
After DAY 1 the first 32 players were down to 4 with 3 straight wins. Kerry Andersen (Mosman Park) had 2 tight wins; beating Lexie Webster (Safety Bay) in a real tussle 21/20; and then Vicky Eva (Mosman Park) 21/19. Vicky was holding game at one stage with Kerry playing a fantastic last bowl to snatch the game and go into the quarter finals. Elaine Meehan (Warnbro) also had a tough run; securing victories over Liz Richie (Wanneroo); Vicki Spragg (Safety Bay) and Kathy Gobbart (Gingin). Jenni McLaughlin (North Beach) was a bit more comfortable in her run to the quarters with wins against Kaitlin Tyrell (Manning); Irene Kozak (Port Bouvard) and Deb Saunders (Osborne Park). Kerrie Hudson (Morley) was a new face to the competition having secured a singles win at her club Morley last year. Flying under the radar Kerrie had 3 good wins against Karen Weir (Wanneroo); Sue Haley (Gosnells) and then an upset win over Renate Coote (Mosman Park). Renate had just come off an impressive win against Laura Butler (Manning) – a previous winner of the event; but Kerriesecured the upper hand with a close win 21/17.
DAY 2 also saw some great match ups and some close outcomes. The final four were Linda Warburton (Mosman Park) who had to a close call against both Jo Lancaster (Beacon) 21/17 and then a marathon game against Jenny Parker (Mosman Park) 21/17; beating Marg Peck (Beverley) to get into the quarters. Kristina Krstic (Manning) was chasing a 3peat; having won the event in the previous 2 years. With a tough run into the quarters Kristina posted comfortable scores against Irene Leahy (Kalgoorlie) 21/9; Therese Hastings (Manning) 21/6 and the current State Singles winner Irene Arndt (21/12) who had beaten Kristina in the State singles. This certainly put Kristina in the frame as a favourite to win the event again. Lisa Smith (Perth and Tatts) had a close call in her third game against Julie Watson (Gingin). Having a good lead early only to see Julie claw her way back into a winnable situation. In the end a close win to Lisa 21/19. The final contender for the quarters was Izzy Davies (Mosman Park) with 2 comfortable wins and a hard fought third game against Bev Duff (Mundaring) 21/14.
The Sunday saw the final 8 do battle; with the wind a bit kinder than the qualifying days. Linda Warburton and Lisa Smith had a long struggle; with Lisa’s conversions certainly doing damage when Linda was close to the jack with multiple shots. A tight score line of 21/19 proves it could have gone either way. Kerry and Kristina made relatively light work of their opponents while Kerrie Hudson and Jenni McLaughlin also had a close one. Kerrie jumped out of the blocks early but a change in momentum saw Jenni challenge drawing even; with Kerrie the eventual winner 21/18.
The semi-finals were all class with 2 cracking games. Linda against Kristina was close all the way; both showing their skills and never say die attitude. A close one at 25/22 in favour of Kristina. Kerrie and Kerry matched up and as the newer player Kerrie showed complete resolve to take the fight up to Kerry. Neither showed much emotion – staying focused on the task at hand with Kerry Andersen having the experience to get over the line 25/19. All credit to Kerrie Hudson making the semi’s in her first attempt at this event.
The final was set – Kristina Krstic; Commonwealth games gold medallist and 3 times winner of the event; versus Kerry Andersen a multiple State/Masters title holder but someone who had not won the event previously. In front of a reasonable audience the two did battle and Kerry came out on fire. Kerry had all the answers when Kristina was holding shot and withstood the various tactics Kristina used to try to shift momentum – such as jack length; mat position etc. Kristina was all class in defeat with Kerry winning 25/12. Kerry is known for her consistent bowls and a cool head and in the final, was unstoppable – just good quality bowls. Always good to have a new winner on the trophy but both players are true champions on and off the green.
The Mosman Park Bowling club and its many volunteer members, with Lisa Featherby as the main driver of this tournament is a fantastic venue to host this prestigious event and did a great job with the organisation; provision of quality greens and the “Million Dollar View”. Thanks again to The True North Kimberley Cruises for their ongoing sponsorship and support of the event. If you wish to secure an experience of a lifetime then please contact them on truenorth.com.au or call 08 9192 1829.
