Running of the Bulls Champions - 2023
The Running of the Bulls – 14 Oct 2023
A clear blue sky greeted the 4th and eagerly awaited 2023 Running of the Bulls (ROTB). COVID led to a congested bowls calendar in 2022 and ROTB not being held. During this 2 year gap many new bowlers have been recruited from the twilight bowls and this led to a record turnout of 88 players. The anticipation across the new and the old was high and the day as it unfolded met these expectations.
The days leading into the event were challenging for the organisers. As many as 10 withdrawals saw tension within the group. Rody’s recruitment expertise was put to the test and Graham needed to rerun his player and draw computer program several times. The format was 4’s with 3 games of 6 ends. There were 5 sections, one group of 6 teams and four groups of 4 teams.
Section 1 saw the team led by Billie Maas triumph over the favoured teams of Graham Hartmann and John Venteman. Billie’s team was Dan Page, Al Borchard and Peter Nixon.
Section 2 was won by Patricia Tan’s team of Col Markley, Matt Brain, an ROTB legend, and Bob Cunneen. Due to the close results in this section, 3 teams would ultimately qualify for the quarter finals.
Section 3 was won by Peter Spray’s team of Scott Johnson, David Peart and Trevor Lessing who prevailed against the teams of Rowdy, Guv and Steven Maas. Every game was tight and luck did play a role.
Section 4 was won by Matt Blackburn’s team of Shelia Odhavjee, Kevin Toovey and Chris Webber. One of the highlights was Jan and Kevin Toovey being pitted against each other in game 2.
Section 5 went to Kevin Keller’s team of Emilio Carreto, Susie Evans and Lorraine Hazard. A great effort against the likes of Franko, Crowie and Max Gray.
The 5 section winners were joined by the 3 next best performing teams. These being the sides led by Peter Abdallah, Rowdy and Rob Gray. Ultimately these 3 teams would all make the semi finals and 2 would contest the final.
All the finals were 2 end games, with ends and not shots being the scoring method. If a game ended with a tie (1 end each), then a 1 bowl per player shootout took place. The teams of Rob Gray, Patricia Tan, Peter Abdallah and Rowdy won the quarter finals with Peter and Rowdy doing so in a shootout. Very exciting and nerve wracking stuff! Rob Gray and Rowdy’s team won the semi finals with Rob needing the extra end to do so.
The final was very entertaining for the now boisterous crowd, and needed a shootout to decide the winner. John Campton’s (Rowdy’s) team of Jerry Vicary, Ron Piper and Jeff Wood were the victors on the day. For a new bowler, Jerry was excellent and gave his team a good start every end, Ron turned back the clock and Jeff played some special bowls at critical times. Rowdy was blessed to get such a handy team. Rob’s team of John Gray (no relation), the vastly underrated Ian Tink and Kaye Alderton were gallant in defeat and went so close to winning the day.
The Matador Awards were won by Judy Clubb and Noel Brown.
Thank you again to Rody Manning, Graham Hartmann, Andy Little and Steven Maas for all their efforts. A great day was had by all.
Peter Spray
[A special thanks to Peter Spray as well – Ed.]
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