Sharon Stevenson and son Jake, with winning captain Tris Doolan and tournament director Laureen Smith.
Some of the best lady bowls talent in Victoria loved playing on the two greens at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort last Saturday and Sunday in the Joy Johnson Memorial Classic.
Lining up and delivering a crucial and top bowl was Melbourne Cricket Club’s (MCC) state bowler Tris Doolan to help turn a trailing 0-11 score into a 17-16 win.
“It was a fantastic weekend,” said the winning captain, star Victorian state player Tris Doolan from Melbourne Cricket Club.
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“Congratulations to all the volunteers and staff, and to players participating. It was wonderful to play for the family of Joy Johnson.
Rhoanna Smith from Wangaratta in action.
“It’s a great event we all look forward to. Congratulations to organisers Anne and Laureen, and everyone else involved.” Tournament director Anne Miles, who did much of the preparatory work, had to miss the big day due to another big day attending a wedding out of town. Assistant tournament director Laureen Smith stepped up to the bowling mat and delivered in fine style.
Runner-up skipper, Di Hands from Shepp Park also congratulated all concerned at the golf bowls club on “a great job”.
Moama’s Olivia Cartwright delivers this bowl.
“Joy was very special to us. We loved playing with her and we miss her a lot,” Di said.
In glorious sunny, 17 degrees Celsius temperature, 28 teams of three players mainly throughout Victoria, aged from 19-years to mid/late 70s, played in the triple classic which carried a total prize purse of $10,000.
The winning MCC team, Sarah Howard, skipper Tris Doolan and Sara Rodgers.
Claiming first prize of $4,500 was the MCC team consisting of Tris Doolan (skip), Sara Howard and Sara Rogers, with six wins +56. In second place with a score of six wins +38 was Shepp Park’s Di Hands (skip), Kate Bush and Carla Miles.
Moama’s team comprising Olivia Cartwright (skip), Jordyn Long and Olivia Slade finished third with five wins +64. In fourth was Jodie Fruend (skip), Rhoanna Smith and Renee Hill of Wangaratta on five wins +45. Fifth spot went to Jo Martin (skip), Marg Brandhoj and Gail McKenzie from Lakes Entrance registering five wins +42. And the Orbost team of Karen Chenney (skip), Robyn Kellow and Carol Hoffman with five wins + 15 received the sixth-placed prize money.
After a two-year absence of the event due to Covid, Laureen expressed her appreciation to all the people “who got this tournament up and going”.
“I especially thank our major sponsor Lekeal – it’s great to see Sharon and Jake here – the golf club staff headed by Rory who has done a fantastic job, our two umpires Doddy (Albert Dodman) and Carolyn Boston, and our greenskeeper Wocka (Warwick Henderson).
Joy’s grandson Jake Stevenson - son of Joy’s daughter Sharon - said it was great to see so many bowlers in this tournament. At presentation and nibble time, the atmosphere in the golf club’s Willow Room was excellent.
Jake also thanked all involved in making the 2022 event a success, and players applauded him upon hearing: “We’re committed to make this event bigger and better next year.”
