The long weekend saw the influx of top bowlers eager to give their best shot in the prestigious Blue Water Fours Tournament sponsored by the Narooma Sporting and Services Club. Players came from as far afield as Sydney, Junee, Canberra, and Melbourne to name a few. A field of 26 teams competed and the rinks were filled with close contests where one missed shot could make or break your weekend. The closeness of many of the matches and the ability of some of the bowlers in the Tournament ensured that the spectators enjoyed every moment.
The final placings were not decided until the last matches were completed with a couple of teams falling at the last hurdle and others showing their best form at the end of the Tournament. The winners were Peter McInnes, Will Penney, Adam Jeffery and Matt Sargent (skip) from Belconnen and Granville Clubs, who showed great form throughout the Tournament to remain undefeated with eight wins and a margin of 103 shots. Second place with seven wins and a margin of 84 shots went to Ben Loughlin, Billy Murnane, Paul Smyth and Ian (JR) Ewing (skip) from Brunswick and Altona Clubs Third place with seven wins and a 77 shot margin went to John Breust, Buzz Breust, Brad Thomas and Jay Breust (skip) from the Ulladulla, Dalmeny and Malua Bay Clubs. In fourth place, from Queanbeyan RSL Bowling Club, with seven wins and a 35 shot margin were Glen Morton, Wade Turner, Jamie O’Keefe and Joel McInnes (skip). Fifth place went to the Kiama team of Brad Rossiter, Tom Hodgson, Graham Hand and Steven Wills (skip) with six wins and a 69 shot margin, The final two rounds had 10 teams vying for a top five spot which meant the leader board changed as each team that lost their game slid out of contention. Well done to all the teams who helped make the tournament so competitive, we look forward to seeing you back next year.
A tournament like the Blue Water Fours could not be held without the generous sponsorship of the Narooma Sporting and Services Club and their sponsorship is much appreciated. The assistance of Merrie and Sue who did all the work in the background helped to make the tournament run smoothly, thank you. Thanks to the umpires, Keith Pickett and Clare Cork, for their diligent service and thanks again to the Women's Bowling Club who provided the wonderful helpers at the BBQ, afternoon food and raffle sales. Thanks to Clare and Neville Cork who bought, prepared and cooked the succulent Rapley's Meat's hamburgers and steak sandwiches ably assisted by Sue Waldock and Sue Sansom. Breakfasts were cooked to perfection so thank you to Sue W, Sue S, Vicky, David, Gail and Tony P and all the people who made sure the lunches and breakfasts satisfied the hungry competitors. Thank you to Brendan and the office and bar staff who catered for all the needs of the bowlers. In particular a big thank you to Ross and the very able Green's staff for producing the greens in such great order.
Ken Lee Memorial Trophy
As part of the Blue Water Fours a trophy in memory of big Kenny Lee was played for by teams with Narooma or Junee players in them. Ken was a well-known and much liked Narooma Club member who loved to participate in the Blue Water Fours and it was fitting that his family and friends decided that his Memorial Trophy should be played for in that event.
The winners of the Memorial Trophy were the Narooma team of Peter Hattam, Tony Palmer, Dennis Maggs and Les Waldock (skip) with five wins and a 9 shot margin, well done to your team Les I know Kenny's family and friends were very happy with the result.
Winners of the NSSC 2023 Blue Water Fours:
President of the NSSC Barry Goodwin, and Operations Manager, Brendan Matters present the winning cheque to the winners of the NSSC Blue Water Fours - Peter McInnes, Adam Jeffery, Matt Sargent (skip) and Will Penney from Belconnen and Granville Bowls clubs.
