Ability reigns as bowlers claim AO silverware
Bowlers with a Disability have claimed the coveted silverware at this year’s $140,000 Australian Open across the AAWD, AUSRAPID and ABBA disciplines. Bowlers with a Disability have claimed the coveted silverware at this year’s $140,000 Australian Open across the AAWD, AUSRAPID and ABBA disciplines.
Holding their own throughout the two-day play round-robin tournament to take this year’s crowns saw defending Australian Open champion Wendy Odgers retaining her crown, after triumphing over Queensland’s Sylvia Hiltunen in the women’s Athletes with a Disability (AAWD) category.
While Tony Bonnell took home the silverware in the men’s discipline, defeating Victoria’s Paul Kirton 21-11.
Across in the men’s AUSRAPID draw, defending champion Nathan Appleton retains his Australian Open title after proving too strong for his opponent in South Australia’s Jarrad Olsen.
Appleton had the dream start to the men’s final, picking up a full shot count on the opening end, with constant draws of two and three counts on jack, only dropping one end en-route to sealing championship glory, prevailing 21-1.
While reigning Australian Open champion Kaye Freeman holds on to her title once more, after ousting Joanna Lomango in the women’s AUSRAPID final.
Across the greens in the Australian Blind Bowlers Association (ABBA) discipline, the title has been awarded to Victoria’s Joan Robertson in the women’s draw.
Robertson displayed a powerhouse performance over the 2013 Australian Open champion in Kath Murrell, prevailing 14-12 when the game was on the line.
While Tasmania’s Leroi Court came out victorious against Queensland’s Jake Fehlberg in a thrilling AUSRAPID’s men’s final match-up. The pair battled it out on the greens for just shy of three hours, with Court ultimately prevailing on the twenty-ninth end, 21-20.
The action continues for the Bowlers with a Disability as they compete in this year’s Lawn Bowls Multi-Disability National Championships next month. The Championships will be staged at the Fitzroy Victoria Bowling and Sports Club in Melbourne from 23-28 March, 2014.
Story provided by Courtney McKenna for bowlsaustralia.com.au.
