Barefoot bowls taking off
BAREFOOT bowls has increased in popularity around the Coast with people of all ages kicking off their shoes and getting on the greens.
Whether it be a casual rollup, birthday party, corporate day or Christmas party, the inclusiveness of the sport has it flourishing.
“Not many sports can you enjoy with your family and friends of various ages and gender like bowls,” Gold Coast District President Brian Marshall said. “Throw in the close access to the bar and you’re in for a great social outing.
“Many are also converting to members and getting into the competitive side of the game”.
October is Bowls Queensland’s come and try month with clubs across the Coast encouraging everyone to try the game. Contact your local club.
■ The 2018 UniSport National University Lawn Bowls Championships have been run and won at the Musgrave Hill Bowls Club. University of Southern Queensland took out the title led by Queensland under-18 & under-25 representative Julia Allen-Best with teammates Jack Baker, Ted Baker, Jeremy Gunders and Angus Young. Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and Deakin finished second and third respectively.
■ Amanda Haevecker and Sarah Duffield from Helensvale have won the Gold Coast Tweed ladies district pairs. The pair defeated Broadbeach’s Julie Keegan and Katelyn Inch 21-19 in the final at Coolangatta. The men’s district pairs will be played this weekend at Mermaid Beach and Tweed Heads.
■ The Australian Transplant Games began yesterday at Broadbeach with pairs and finishes today with singles. Bowlers from many states and territories plus 10 bowlers from Thailand are competing.
■ The nation’s finest juniors have converged on the greens at Capalaba Bowls Club in Brisbane for the Australian under-18 Championships. Qualifying will be held tomorrow and Thursday with finals set for Friday. In a rare occurrence, no Gold Coast juniors feature in the Queensland team of five girls and five boys.
■ Helensvale’s division one pennant champions will take on Victoria Point this Friday in the zone one play-off at Belmont Bowls Club in Brisbane. The winner will advance to state finals at Tweed Heads on November 10-11.
■ Broadbeach’s Dee-Anne Robertson and Sean Ingham will defend their title in the State District Mixed Pairs Championship this weekend in Mackay. After winning the title last year, they have won though district and zone once again to reach the state finals.