Rinkside Ramblings - Men's Major Singles

Men’s Major Singles Championship 2021

We are off and running in the Major Singles for 2021. Again, due to CVID19, Paul the Octopus was unable to fly in for the draw and most pleasingly had internet problems so could not Zoom call his draw selection as per last year. This left the club with the new “random draw” created by our triumvirate of bowls secretaries, Tim, Greg and Steven. What a success! This is the most balanced draw I have seen in over 10 years with no one side of the draw over weight in grade 3’s or 4’s. Good news for all the punters.

We have played two rounds and there have been some interesting results, none more so than our Champ and runner up both exiting in the first round. Our current Singles Champion, Rod Silber, ran into a red-hot David Gill who played ever shot in the book to emerge a winner 31-19. When asked “what happened” in the post-game interview Roddy had a simple answer, “he bowled better than me”. 

2020 runner up Greg smith was up against another man in red-hot form, Jimmy Barclay. Jimmy got out to good lead and try as he might Greg could not reel him in. Jimmy even blew out a calf muscle with 10 shots to get but pushed through the pain barrier like a true athlete and won 31-19. Jimmy had had his 60th festivities the night before and some unkind spectators intimated age for the injury. Jimmy quipped “too much dancing mate”. No other surprises except Spidalleri, Larcombe and Carey narrowly won their respective byes in round 1.
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Round 2 saw some great games, Michael Marcourt edging out Chris Bergman 31-25 in a tight tussle, everyone’s uncle Joe Shofer being down 19-18 then nudging out Greig Cohen 31-22. Ian Finlay had a strong win over past Champion John Cumming 31-16 and Pistol Pete Shlager knocking out David Gill 32-10. I think Gilly might have been exhausted from beating Rid last week. 

Other winners being The Wilsonator, Jimmy, Steven “Hymn” Goddard and Chris Carey.
We are down to the last 8 this weekend and we will see some mouth-watering match ups. Games are:
Michael Marcourt vs Pistol Pete Shlager. Word is Michael has something special from the pharmacy for Pete so look out.
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Uncle Joe Shofer vs Jimmy “the flying Scotsman” Barclay, 2019 runner up. The Uncle has been watching Back to the Future and is hoping for an 80’s revival.
Wilson “the Wilsonator” Cheng 2019 Champion vs Ian Finlay, a vastly improved draw bowler this season.
Steven “Hymn” Goddard, a leads lead, vs Chris “Scarey” Carey, 2013, 2017 Champion.
All games will be crackers so even if you aren’t playing social get down to the home of the mighty Saints to see some campaign bowls.