BY VAL
FEBBO
New South Wales’ Lesley Swales has
claimed the Blooms the Chemist Official of the Year award
at Bowls Australia’s (BA) 2021 Awards Night.
Throughout her officiating career, Swales has
demonstrated commendable professionalism and integrity in her role and is one
of the most regarded officials in bowls.
She is a member of the New South Wales Umpiring
Committee and has formulated the umpiring roster for the 2020 State
Championships and State Champion of Champions events.
Furthermore, Swales holds regular umpire and marker
courses to spread the knowledge and passion that she has for her work.
Swales regards the accolade as a mighty honour, and
reiterates her adoration for the sport and giving back to bowls.
“I was surprised but delighted to hear that I had
been nominated for official of the year, and to subsequently be announced as
the winner makes me very honoured,” she said.
“I’ve always believed in giving back to the sport
which I have enjoyed since 1987, and I have been lucky to officiate at club,
district and state level for many years.
“I thoroughly enjoy my involvement in various
capacities required, and have appreciated the help and friendship received from
other officials, umpires and match secretaries.”
Umina Beach WBC finally held their AGM on Tuesday 16th November 2021. This was deferred from August due to the corona virus lockdown restrictions. It was lovely to see so many members attend for the meeting.
Last year's minutes were read and confirmed. Life Member Lesley Swales was asked to take over the meeting and all positions were declared vacant. As Joan Murphy had finished her term as President, Lesley thanked her for all the time and work she put in as President over the past 3 years. Lesley then presented Joan with her Past Presidents badge and wished her well in her 'retirement'. Lesley then thanked all committees for their work. The Returning Officer and Scrutineers than explained the voting procedures.
There was only one nomination for President. Lesley had much pleasure in presenting our new President, Gale Hill, with her badge of office. Gale then took over the meeting.
Please go to the OUR COMMITTEE heading for the full 2021-2022 committee.
As we haven't been able to have our usual Birthday/Presentation Day this year it was decided that members could bring toys in to today's meeting. This year our toy donations went to Vinnies. There was a great selection of gifts and Peter Smith was delighted to accept them on behalf of Vinnies, expressed his thanks and assured members they would be a great help for their Christmas distribution to children in need on the Peninsula.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR UMINA GRADE 4 PENNANT SIDE
WHO WON THE DISTRICT PENNANT FLAG.
They won their section well and went on to play against Gwandalan who were the other section winner in Grade 4. The playoffs were held at Canton Beach and it was great to see so many Umina Beach supporters, both the ladies and the men, cheering our girls along. It was close going for a while then our girls managed to get ahead and kept the momentum going until the end, winning 47 to 32. Great bowling girls.
Bev Collins, Cheryl Catchpool, Christine Gentle, Terry Causby
Barbara Schultz, Lorraine Field, Janet Ellery, Lynne Gordon
They now proceed to the Regional playoffs against Swansea Workers from Lake Macquarie District. This will be held at Everglades Bowling Club. We wish them good bowling.
The R6 playoffs have been postponed due to Covid restrictions.
Runner Up: Gale Hill, Winner: Terry Causby
The 2021 Major Singles were played between 12th March and16th April. 17 ladies entered this year's event. There were great bowls played throughout the matches, with some delays due to rain, but eventually the event was completed on 16th April.
Semi-finals:
Therese (Terry) Causby def. Janet Ellery; Gale Hill def. Pat Neal
The Final between Terry and Gale was played in ideal conditions. Terry got off to a good start with 4 on the first end but Gale pegged her back. It was close for quite a few ends then Terry pushed ahead to win 25 to 11. It was lovely to see all the spectators support these two players.
Congratulations to both for making the final and to Terry for her win.
Three games of 2 bowl triples, each of 11 ends, were played. Players must play in each position, changing each round. It was lovely to hear the chatter and laughter in the club house and all seemed to have an enjoyable day.
Winners: Team 2. Merrylands 3 wins 20 ends Maureen Randell, Julie Rothery, Mary Bridge
Second: Team 6. Umina Beach 3 wins 19 ends Terry Causby, Bev Collins, Merryl Burgmann
Third: Team 21. Avoca Beach 3 wins 18 ends Bev Byrne, Coral Allenby, Alice Diamond
Mystery Prize winners:
Team 23 Umina Beach Gaye Faulkes, Barbara Boundy, Cheryl Catchpool
Team 1 Everglades Gay Hemsey, Roslyn Dawson, Judy Angley
Thank you to all who supported this day.
thanks to Sharon Benfield for photos
Congratulations to Pat Neal, Yvonne Austin, Lyn Kennedy and Leila Gilmour.
These ladies took out the 2021 Senior Fours. There certainly were some 'cliff hangers' along the way to the final. In the Semi-final they beat Jeaninne Vigar's Everglades team by one shot.
In the final they played against Joan Scollay, Lorraine Pyle, Michelle Treadwell and Lucy Young from Halekulani. What a thrilling game. It was a very tight match with the scores being level many times. After 18 ends the score was level at 13 so an extra end had to be played to determine a winner and it came down to the last bowl with Leila drawing the absolute shot giving them the win by 1 shot.
Congratulations ladies.
The next step will be the Region 6 playoffs against Lake Macquarie in July.
