From the time lawn bowls was invented, players from across the globe have gathered on a regular basis to compete against each other to see who is the best.
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Michael Ivanov of Ashley can now add his name to this list of immortals.
Players from far and wide travelled to Moree on the weekend to compete in the Gwydir District President Reserves Singles.
The event was held at the Moree Services Men’s Bowling Club which is the home of many representative bowlers and top-notch players.
Michael Ivanov, known as the “Deputy” due to his brush with local politics, took out the 2017 title, beating Mark Kite in a tight and hard-fought final on Sunday (April 23) afternoon.
A small but dedicated band of bowlers, ably led by president Wayne Tighe and master of ceremonies Darcy Churchland, both of Moree, spent a huge amount of time developing a playing schedule, chasing up and securing sponsors to supporting this regular event to ensure that all who attended enjoyed their weekend, regardless of results.
As well as the extensive planning that went into preparing an enjoyable event, the playing surface is what keeps the players from across the district returning year after year.
At the awards and medal presentation ceremony, players were singing the praises of greens keeper “Deano” and his staff for preparing such a great playing surface.
Although the bowling is what primarily brought the players to Moree, the rivalry and evenness of the competition must also be noted.
At considerable personal cost to a few of the committee, they were able to secure the services of top flight competitors to give the locals something to compete against.
As usual with this club the fighting spirit of the players shown through getting four locals into the final four.
“It was good to see Michael win this event after all those attempts,” secretary Wes Macpherson said.
“The best he was only able to muster in previous years was equal eighth.
“But after the extensive training and practice regime, he has been able to lift himself up the ladder and the claim the title. Well done to Ivo.”
After eight games consisting of 31 ends each (which means the delivery of just over 900 bowls and walking close to five kilometres) Michael’s fitness and all that practice shone through.
Close scores were the order of the day and despite the results the weekend was full of fun and merriment.
The sound of laughter and banter echoing around the greens was the obvious sign that all those in attendance were having fun and many will be locking in this date into their diary for next year.
