Joy Johnson Classic absolutely fantastic – state president

By Robert Muir

Sep 6, 2023

The winners of the Joy Johnson Classic last weekend at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort bowlers, taking home first prize of $4,500 of the overall $10,000 in prize money, were, at right, Alana Flapper (skipper), Nicole Shortis (state coach) and Jodie Fruend (Wangaratta) with tournament organiser Anne Miles; at left, local treasurer Shirley Hummel and Joy’s grandson Jake Stevenson. Photo by Les_Garbutt

The fifth Joy Johnson Memorial Classic – the two-day Ladies Bowls Triples Tournament – at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort last Saturday and Sunday involved Bowls Victoria State President Pat Schram both on and off the greens.

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“Thank you Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort for putting on this event – it was absolutely fantastic,” the president said at presentation time.

“We also have a board member here, Kaz Rothwell – she’s a good chick too!”

There were 26 teams totalling 78 players throughout Victoria included the cream of women bowlers in the state, with many playing or have represented their state.

The tournament celebrates the legacy of the late Joy Johnson, a ten-time YMGCR Club Champion whose contribution to bowls in the region is significant.

Joy held multiple state titles across her distinguished career and was ranked among Australia’s Top 10 women bowlers.

The winning style of Alana Flapper from Essendon. Photo by Les_Garbutt

An exceptionally tough competitor, in what would eventually be her final season in 2016, Joy won six State Events in a single season - a feat never before achieved in the region by any player.

The winning team last weekend with a very impressive score of 15 points and 66 shots comprised Alana Flapper (Essendon), Nicole Shortis (Leopold) and Jodie Fruend (Wangaratta).

Runner-up team, Jody Nevill of Bundoora, and from MCC, Denise Huender and Alison Hall. Photo by Les_Garbutt

Runners-up were Jody Neville (Bundoora), Denise Huender and Alison Hall from MCC, with a score of 15 points, 20 shots.

Both captains praised everything about the big event – its organisation, the two greens, the glorious 18-20 degrees Celsius weather, the impressive standard of bowling and the hospitality . The atmosphere in the Willow Room was very lively. It was obvious the event proved so popular, played in such friendly spirit.

Finishing third were Barbara Vaughan, Mary Tragardh and Paula Wood. Photo by Les_Garbutt

Joy’s grandson Jake Stevenson spoke on behalf of the family. “It’s been amazing weather and amazing bowls,” he said.

“A big thank you to Anne who has done momentous work behind the scenes and we’re looking forward to next year.”

One of the driving forces behind the Joy Johnson Classic is YMGCR Member and current Victorian and Australian representative Anne Miles.

One of Joy’s great mates, Anne, said the event is a wonderful occasion to remember a local champion.

“She was an amazing bowler with so much grit and determination,” Anne said.

“We’re proud to have created one of the best women’s bowls tournaments in her honour. It’s wonderful to again have the support of our longtime sponsors, Lekeal Builders, and our new sponsors, Milestone Chemicals and Crop Smart, who help provide the incredible prize money to attract teams from across the country.”

A former world singles champion, a favourite at YMGCR, Kylie Whitehead from Wodonga. Photo by Les_Garbutt

Anne also expressed her appreciation to YMGCR’s much decorated greenskeeper Warwick Henderson for the magnificent presentation of the greens, all her helpers and the two umpires fondly referred to as Laurel and Hardy for their impeccable performances.

Victorian Bowls State President Pat Schram in action at YMGCR. Photo by Les_Garbutt

“Joy deserves to be remembered, she was one of Bowls’ genuine champions!” she added.

YMGCR bowler Pam Dodman told the 78 bowlers: “Anne is a wonderful leader of the club, a great organiser and a great person,” she said. “Congratulations on putting on such a wonderful tournament.”

Nicole Wendt from Aberfeldie rolling her bowl. Photo by Les_Garbutt

The state president also announced “good news” in her speech at presentation time, including the Victorian State Government’s last week announcement of two grants totalling $100,000 over two years to Bowls Victoria.