Marlins Spear Sharks To Qualify For Challenge Finals

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday December 31, 2008

John Gilmour ON THE KITTY

NELSON Bay have been confirmed as the fifth and final team to qualify for the play-offs in the Invitation Big Bowls Challenge after a tight countback process.

The Marlins won their final four matches to grab a share of fifth place with Redhead on 108 points.

Both Nelson Bay and the Sharks had the same amount of rink wins during the competition, which forced officials to do a countback of shots for and against. Nelson Bay came out on top with a record of plus 35 to Redhead's plus three.

Nelson Bay will now meet defending title-holders Kurri Kurri, who finished fourth on 110 points.

The qualifying semi-final will be between second-placed Alder Park (117) and third-placed Charlestown at Alder Park on January 9.

The winner of that match will meet minor premiers East Cessnock (127.5) at East Cessnock on January 15, while the loser will be at home against either Kurri Kurri or Nelson Bay in the second week of the finals series.

Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club will host the competition's grand final on January 30.

? Soldiers Point will be aiming for a record-equalling seventh successive Newcastle district No.1 grade pennant title when the competition kicks off early next year.

Hamilton hold the record of seven straight victories between 1929 and 1936.

Soldiers Point, who have been successful in defending their title since winning their first crown in 2003, beat Kahibah by one shot in this year's decider.

Kahibah won six straight titles from 1990 to 1995.

? Defending title-holder Eric Johannes won all three of his matches on Monday to qualify for the play-offs of the South Pacific singles championship, to be played at Bulli on Friday.

However, he will be in for a tough fight as there are some classy players among the 60 remaining in the tournament, including former world champion Steve Glasson (St Johns Park), who is making a rare appearance in the event.

Other formidable qualifiers include Troy Somerville (Dapto Citizens), Brent Norman (Birrong), Ian Stone (Warilla), Shane Garvey (Engadine) and last year's player of the carnival, Matt Sargeant, from the Thirroul club.

? Raymond Terrace will host the NSW Premier League finals series next year on December 5 and 6.

The semi-finals and preliminary final will be played on the Saturday followed by the grand final on the Sunday.

It will be the fifth time since the competition began in 1999 that a Newcastle district club has hosted a final series.

Charlestown have hosted the finals twice, while Windale Gateshead and Toronto Workers have also successfully hosted the series.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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