Mixed results for finalists
The Australian Indoor Championships have produced some contrasting results for last year’s two runner-ups It was a case of contrasting fortunes for last year’s two runner-ups in the fifth session of the opening round at the Australian Indoor Championships this evening.
Former winner and last year’s second-placed Maria Rigby survived unscathed with a comfortable first rubber victory against Gayle Edwards, 11-4, 10-2, but the time was up for Tasmania’s finalist Mark Nitz, who met his measure in Chris Herden, 9-4, 6-6.
Reigning Australian Open men’s singles champion Nathan Wilson was another big name casualty in the first round of the $30,000 event, with APL Perth Suns star Clive Adams accounting for the 20 year-old Victorian 9-3, 11-5.
Former Scottish International turned Australian expatriate Kay Moran joined her Cabramatta teammate Karen Moran on the winner’s list, downing Carol Rowe 11-3, 6-6.
It was also a session of mixed results for Bowls Australia employees at the event.
Regional Bowls Manager for North East Victoria, Josh Thornton, earned passage to round two courtesy of a 11-5, 9-3 win over Aaron Spears, but will now face former English international and Australian Champion of Champions singles winner David Holt for his troubles.
National Training Centre Coach for Western Australia, Therese Hastings, could consider herself unlucky, after a red-hot contest against Elizabeth Blackwell that escaped her in the dying moments, 7-8, 8-7, 2-1.
The second round of the Australian Indoor Championships is underway at Tweed Heads Bowls Clubs, with blockbuster matches including Tony Wood v Steve Halmai, Michael Abel v Andrew Howie, Karen Murphy v Janine Katon, Rechelle Cole v Kristy Thatcher.
Click here for more information, full results and a download of the event program booklet.
Caption: Maria Rigby continues her charge for a second Australian Indoor Championships crown after advancing past the opening round.
