14 March, 2023
Milestone Chemicals Triples Tournament
What a great day it was from all accounts. Sixteen rinks, thirty-two teams of triples equals 96 players from thirteen different clubs, plus Rosanna, absolutely sensational weather, some excellent bowling on great greens, a very good luncheon indeed, and a most benevolent sponsor.
After a long number of years without conducting such an event, Rosanna Bowling Club pulled off a winner with yesterday’s Milestone Chemicals Invitation Triples Tournament.
The day kicked off with an official welcome to all players and the obligatory reading of the Conditions of Play (interestingly everyone gave it their full attention) followed by a one end roll-up, then the first of forty-four ends of bowling. There were some very close games, some not so close and some where the difference could not be split. The umpire was called upon on only four occasions, and the whole tournament was played in excellent spirit.
At the end of the day a team from Thornbury, and a team from Rosanna, tied with four wins apiece, but the Thornbury side won with a six shot advantage. Third place went to another Rosanna side. Best first game went to Kingsbury, best second game to Rosanna, best third game to Rosanna and best fourth game to Hawthorn, so the prizes were spread around, giving everyone a chance. In fact, one in three teams went home with a prize.
L – R:Ben Pattison, dan plasto, Ian Minnis, Carmello Listro, Ian Crawford, Warren Williams
Of course, these events cannot take place without some very hard work by a number of people who rightly should be recognised. Thanks indeed to the following people – Barry Ferguson, Matty Ferguson and Ben Mantynen for pre-tournament preparation and team entry contribution ensuring it was a successful event. Kevin Meade for his expertise in tournament conducting, and on the day coordinating the draw, scores and prize winners – brilliant. Graham Bright as Kevin’s most able assistant and learning the craft – will be easier next year. Jeff Cook for early morning set up and making sure Kevin and Graham had their first coffee for the day. Paul Gregory for being the ever reliable emergency player – into a side at the last minute, then just as quickly out of the side when the team realised they had double booked. Paul stayed on and assisted with other duties during the day. Ken Barr, into his 90’s, but still extremely keen to help with anything, which he did all day. Mel Boxshall, Tony Bassett and Megan Williams for tending bar and keeping the drinkers happy. Veronika Crea for the excellent luncheon and organisation in catering for such a large contingent of people, and to her team – Margery Ball, Pauline Bennett, Jane Edgcumbe, Jane Mantynen, Bec Merrick and Gae Messina for the superb service in getting meals to tables and cleaning up, and Margaret Hunt who provided the noodle salad which was a big hit with the diners.
Lastly, but by no means least, we are extremely grateful to Geoff Goonan and his team at Milestone Chemicals. When Matty Ferguson first spoke with Sales Manager, Brent Colbert, regarding a sponsorship of Rosanna Bowling Club, we did not envisage it would turn out to be what it was, however, Geoff embraced the idea of sponsoring a tournament which morphed into a hugely successful day. It was also a delight for the Club to have Geoff attend the event, and present the prizes at the end of the day.
We would also like to thank everybody who entered the tournament, for without the players these things are not a success.
If we have missed acknowledging anyone who deserves to be acknowledged, it is with sincere apologies, however, you will know who you are and feel justifiably proud for your contribution in making it an outstanding day.
Don Casey.
President
