WLBC will be represented well at Aussie Pairs Provincials

From left, teammates Sharon Godlewski and Barb Hinch, and Ann Brohman and Sheri Karelsen finished first and second respectively at the Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club’s Aussie Pairs Novice playdowns. Both qualified for provincials, also at the Woodstock club. (Jeff Tribe photo)

Jeff Tribe, Echo Correspondent

Seven Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club (WLBC) bowlers will represent their club and city at Provincial Aussie Paris Novice championships, Saturday, Sept. 6, and Sunday, Sept. 7 at the club.

Traditionally, lawn bowling team members roll their bowls in a set order, lead and skip, for example, in pairs competition. ’Aussie Pairs’ is a variant in which the skip throws two bowls, the lead throws the next four and the skip throws the last two of eight. In the next end, the order is reversed, with the lead rolling two bowls, the skip four and the lead rolling the final two. The flip-flop continues for the game’s duration.

“It’s definitely more challenging,” said WLBC President Lorraine McLean. “Both players have to be on their game.”

The province is divided into 16 districts, each of which has the opportunity to send both women’s and men’s teams. The ‘Novice’ designation indicates participants have been bowling for five years or less. As host of provincials, the WLBC has the option of a second entry to fill in any gaps in the draw.

Resultantly, two provincial berths were on the line during District 3 playdowns Saturday, Aug. 16, and Sunday, Aug. 17 in Woodstock.

In the women’s division, WLBC teammates Sharon Godlewski and Barb Hinch took top honours and will enter provincials as top District 3 seed, with fellow club members Ann Brohman and Sheri Karelsen qualifying in second spot.

On the men’s side, WLBC member Kevin Barber and Simcoe-based teammate Rob Eakins took honours, with WLBC compatriots Sil Nadalin and Sandy Brohman earning the second District 3 seed at provincials.

The WLBC hosts provincial events to support the sport at its higher levels, and also to showcase the club and what are reputedly among the top four greens in the province. Despite a hot, dry summer, greenskeeper Jim Roth has them in great shape, credits McLean.

“They are running good.”

Provincial Aussie Pairs championships open Friday, Sept. 5, with an afternoon practice session. The competitive schedule for up to 32 teams begins the following morning at 9. Action is anticipated to run through both days on the weekend, concluding Sunday afternoon. Experienced bowlers and those new to the sport are all invited to come out and watch.

“We’re hoping for good weather, that’s for sure,” McLean concluded, looking forward to quality entries and solid competition.

“I’m just hoping for the best for the Woodstock teams.”