Kurri Kurri In Pole Position To Claim Big Bowls Crown

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday February 6, 2008

John Gilmour ON THE KITTY

KURRI Kurri are poised to win the minor premiership in the Invitation Big Bowls Challenge.

The Cannons moved into second place with victories against Valentine 13-2 and Charlestown 10-5 in the past week.

They are now on 116 points, only half a point behind Ettalong Memorial, who hit the front when they beat Redhead 10-5. Redhead are third on 115.

But Kurri Kurri still have a deferred match in hand against defending titleholders East Maitland at East Maitland.

In their final-round matches on Friday night, Ettalong Memorial meet ninth-placed East Maitland (76.5) at East Maitland, while Kurri Kurri play bottom-placed Halekulani (61.5) at Halekulani.

Redhead are assured of 10 points from a final-round bye and cannot finish any further back than third.

East Maitland's chances of retaining their crown all but evaporated last Thursday night when they were whitewashed 16-0 by Nelson Bay.

Halekulani's disappointing season continued when they were beaten 10-5 by Charlestown.

Fourth-placed Charlestown (107) are assured of a place in the play-offs, while Valentine, who are fifth (95), hold a handy buffer over remaining semi-final contenders Wallsend (85.5), East Cessnock (84) and Kahibah (77.5).

All those teams are engaged in crucial matches tonight. Valentine host Kahibah, East Cessnock are home to The Entrance (67) and Charlestown do battle with Wallsend at Charlestown.

However, Kahibah have a postponed game against Halekulani to play if required.

Wallsend were scheduled to play a deferred match against The Entrance at The Entrance last night.

? Defending titleholders Bob King, Phil Garry, Paul Poidevin and David King were bundled out of the opening round of the Kahibah fours championship at the weekend.

They were beaten 20-19 by Ron Shepherd, Tony Falocchio, Lui Manzi and Joe Suprano, who scored four shots on the final end to snatch the victory.

? John Parkinson has been named 2007 Bowler of the Year at Tea Gardens.

Adam Yeo was awarded the Most Improved title and John Dubois received the cherished Clubman of the Year trophy.

? Tony Mead finished runner-up in the minor pairs championship at Wallsend last year but, because of forfeits, did not have to play a game before the final.

However, Mead did not receive the same luxury when this year's major pairs championship kicked off on Sunday. He and partner Alex Bakay had to overcome an 11-3 deficit before beating Steve Devon and Steve Blaze 21-15 first-up.

? Nominations close today for this month's Newcastle District Junior Singles Championship.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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