By Casey O'Çonnor
Texas bowler Neville Morris has taken out the Southern Downs Men’s Bowls Association Men’s Singles Championship held at the Summit Bowls Club on Saturday.
President of the SDMDBA, Bryce Titcume congratulated Morris on his win following the game and thanked the Summit Bowls club members for their efforts hosting the final.
A busy day on the green began in the morning with the quarter finals.
All players were winners of their respective club Singles title and competition was stiff from the outset.
Morris played strongly throughout the day. In his opening game in the quarter finals he went head to head with Aaron McKinney (Tannymorel).
Morris was in excellent form from the outset, (a sign for things to come). McKinney never had an opportunity to get into the game as Neville Morris shot to a 21-0 win.
Michael Kindelan (Clifton) moved through to the semi-finals when his first-round opponent, Alex Millgate was unable to play due to unforeseen circumstances. His opponent Neville Morris.
The semi-final games were played to 25 shots up.
In a similar fashion to his quarter final game Morris was quickly out to a 15-3 lead after 13 ends and never looked likely to give up his lead. Each time Kindelan held shots, Morris fought back playing some excellent draw shots. He moved through to the final after scoring a 25-12 win.
Tenterfield traveller David Smith and Stanthorpe player Gary Trevena opened with a very close game.
Only one or two shots separated the pair for much of the game. Smith scored vital shots in the closing ends sealing a 23-16 win.
Frank Taylor (The Summit) moved through to the semi-final game against David Smith after an earlier win over Rob Alcock (Warwick East).
Taylor began strongly taking an 11-3 lead early doors. Alcock improved steadily to tie the game at 16 all after 24 ends. Taylor then scored five shots in the final two ends to complete a 21-16 win.
Taylor and Smith played the second semi-final game. Smith got away to an excellent start leading 22-5 after 13 ends. Taylor fought back over the next four ends to narrow the margin to 23-13.
Smith finished the final ends strongly to take 25 shots to 13 to win the game.
The two form players of the day, Neville Morris and David Smith were left to face off in the final.
Continuing his earlier pattern of play Morris began well and held a comfortable 10 – 1 lead at the completion of seven ends. Smith found his rhythm and after 16 ends reduced his opponents lead to just one shot – the score 13-12.
Neville Morris had not been headed throughout the final rounds and this was not the time to start.
He took control of the game and scored three shots on several ends to wrap up the final, 25 shots to 17.
It was an impressive display by Norris who showed the value of using the basics of the game well – consistent draw shots, changes of the end length and controlled ‘reaching shots’ to the head.
Morris will now represent the district in the Zone playoffs which will be held in Chinchilla in July.
Bryce Titcume, Graeme Warner and Darren Stanley all provided their valuable expertise as markers. Paul Beaman was the game day Umpire. The green was in perfect condition for a championship events.
The SDMDBA congratulated the bowlers on reaching the final saying their each represented their clubs within distinction.
For some it was the first opportunity to play at this level and their games are sure to benefit from the experience.
