Thomas reaps good return at Wonthella weekly bowls, with sixes easier to come by

Brian Thomas took the win on Friday as Wonthella’s weekly mixed scroungers attracted a strong field of 33 competitors, defeating Vic Luckhurst and Keith Smith in tight battles.

Thomas joined Smith and John DeCastro on 42 points to take the highest return on the day.

Sixes were far more prevalent than in the last outing, with Lorraine Brand recording two during her 16-end qualifier.

DeCastro, Luckhurst, Leanne Higgins, Ron Hill, John Forster and Geoff Slawinski each returned one.

At the Geraldton event, Sue Waldon joined the list of qualifiers after several weeks of strong performances.

Waldon was rewarded for consistency in the final with a win over Craig Forrester, with two-time winner Phil Christensen back in third.

Warwick Glenister’s 55-point return was the highest of the 27 competitors. Gary Smith, Neil Exten and Anthony Cross all scored sixes during qualifying.

Denison’s Batavia Classic takes centre stage this weekend.

The game-on, game-off event has attracted 28 teams.

The club was hoping its new synthetic greens would be ready for the event but due to multiple delays, the tournament has been reduced to one green and the format has been changed.

The Harry Stanton fours weekend at the Geraldton Club on September 25-26 is open for nominations, with the club reporting a slower-than-normal take-up of positions.

Vice-captain Mike Ford said the club expected higher interest in the next few weeks.

Brad Criddle and Ian Thomas secured the narrowest of victories last Saturday at Geraldton’s season-opening men’s event.

The duo proved the best of 20 strong combinations, finishing with two wins and plus-12 shots.

The event also began the race for this season’s club bowler of the year, with each of the winners collecting five points. There were several close matches, with just three sides going undefeated.

Kevin Robartson and Neil McIlwaine finished with plus-11, with Noel Davey and John Rann completing the podium with plus-six from two wins.