Lovegrove returned to the lead after game 6 with some solid scores and matchplay wins. However, Joel’s stay at the top was shortlived with Alexander repeating his qualifying homeward run with 218, 225, 258 & 223 games and two games to go. Dion was never headed and took out the win in his first TBA Youth Ranked Event.

Women’s Matchplay – Mel Warmington continued her domination of the ladies division into matchplay with her 225, 248, 201, 211 & 238 start for four wins to lead the way at the halfway mark at +359. Michelle Halprin, +91, moved up the leader board to second with Louise Ingoe, +88, Clair Johnston, +47, and Cassie Staudinger, +31.

The tournament committee had already written the winners cheque for Mel Warmington by game 6, while the rest of the ladies field battled it out for the minor placings. Cassie Staudinger advanced into a sound second position with consecutive wins of 216, 279 & 227, with the defending champion Tracey Madden moving into third ahead of Michelle Halprin and Louise Ingoe.

The Men’s division saw a flying start to another Queenslander in Brendan Meads. Meads started with games of 222, 222, 212 and 204 to be +60 after the first 2 blocks. Brendan’s middle 3 games were sub-200 games recovering to come home with games of 250, 252, 214, 227 and 225. Topping A Squad Meads averaged 212, +146, followed by Shane Tunnah, +68, Alex Klass, +46 and Robert Elliott at +23.

B Squad Qualifying – comprising 25 men and 14 ladies formed this squad starting at the prescribed time. Fresh back from his medal winning trip to the 2006 World Youth Championship, Victorian Glen Loader recorded scores of 240, 235, 267 & 204 to set the pace ahead of Adam Pringle (Qld), +112, Andrew Tonkin (Vic), +64, David Porto (Vic), +29, Michael Craig (ACT) and Matt Simpson (Qld) both at +27. Joel Lovegrove (Vic) improved on his position in game 7 by recording a perfect 300 game hitting the lead after game 8. Dion Alexander (SA) surprised with his consistent high scores on the road home and jumped the field to be the top qualifier with a 217 average, followed by Loader, +187, Lovegrove and Meads both on +146 .

Queensland’s Jacinta Gilliland was the B Squad bowler to chase in the ladies division, starting with a credible 218 average for her first 4 games. Hot on “Jazzy’s” heals were Michelle Halprin (NT), +34, Cassie Staundinger (Vic), +24 and Jessica Ryan at +1. Meanwhile Tracey Madden (Vic) and Cassie Staudinger remained consistent and improved to finish second and fourth respectively behind Warmington in first and Gilliland in third.

The SA Seniors and U23 Classic Events are organised by an independent committee of volunteers who conduct fundraising nights to supplement the prize funds in order to make these tournaments more affordable for all competitors. Extremely well done to this committee, I say, and I’m sure all the bowlers will want me to wish you all a huge thank you on their behalf.