Mixed pairs at Umina

Umina Beach Men's Bowling Club has held its popular mixed pairs tournament for three days in December with sides from Sydney, Central Coast and Newcastle taking part.

Club publicity officer Mr Steve Stead said mixed weather conditions were experienced with the first qualifying day being played in overcast skies after overnight rain.

"The most impressive side of the first day was a side from Northmead, namely Denise and Mal Campbell with three wins +62 and in second position last year's winners Pat Neal and Allan Rhodes from Umina Beach with three wins +40, just ahead of Denise and John Ellison from The Greens the Entrance," Mr Stead said.

"Day two saw the event start on a bleak rainy morning that finally improved to see some exciting matches with the Ettalong side of Tracy Ward and Darren Morrison emerging the best performed side of that day with three wins +42 from the second placed side of Emelia and Gordon West from Warilla.

"Third was the side of Sally and Ray Hickman all the way from South Tweed Heads.

"The third and final day was perfect weather and the 28 best performed sides from the previous two days lined up to battle it out for the major prize monies which totalled $6000.

"In the final round, there were seven sides in contention to take out the number one placing.

"The final game was between Denise and John Ellison and Jan Agar and Wayne Hesling.

"Jan Agar and Wayne Hesling needed three shots on the last end to win their game and feature in the major prize money or be out of a placing altogether.

"With one bowl to play, and a draw looking imminent, Wayne drew a brilliant third with his last bowl and won the game and tournament by one shot with a total of three wins + 35.

"Second was the side of Sallee Jones (Cabramatta) with skip Graham Jones (Toukley) with three wins +31 and third Sally and Ray Hickman (South Tweed) three wins +22."

Press release, 18 Jan 2010 Steve Stead, Umina Beach Men's Bowling Club