Parker Demotes Himself After Loss

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday May 7, 2008

John Gilmour ON THE KITTY

BOWLS manager Clay Parker has dumped himself from a skipper's role in the Maitland City Premier League side.

Parker, who is also sole selector, demoted himself after his rink dropped a maximum eight shots on the third end in their 69-52 loss to Riverina Rollers in Wagga Wagga on Sunday.

City qualified for the semi-finals despite losing all three rinks to Riverina.

Peter Jones beat Parker 25-20, Ross Maguire defeated Wayne Lambourne 22-18 and Les Vincent downed Simon Mitchell 22-14.

"Even though my team fought back well, winning 11 of the last 13 ends after being 18-2 down, I felt the team was in need of a change," Parker said.

Rod Darcy moves from second for Lambourne to skipper and Parker drops back to third in place of Paul Cousins when City travel to Toronto Workers to play their deferred fixture on Saturday.

Brad Threadgate, who has missed the past month with a dislocated thumb, will return as second for Lambourne.

"Rod [Darcy] trialled well as a skipper in the pre-season and he deserves a chance," Parker said.

Raymond Terrace are also through to the semis despite being beaten 82-46 by defending champions St Johns Park in their final match of the season at the Terrace on Saturday.

St Johns Park are minor premiers with 25 points followed by Taren Point (22), who beat Cabramatta (22) on a countback.

Terrace and City are on 18, followed by Harbord, Mt Lewis, Engadine and Roselands (all 14). But Engadine have deferred games against Merrylands and Mt Lewis this weekend, while Roselands play Western Warriors in a deferred match.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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