2017 Bowls Victoria Integrated Pairs

by Team BV

A record 40 Pairs Teams travelled to Berwick Bowls Club on Sunday for the annual Bowls Victoria Integrated Pairs Tournament for 2017.

The tournament has now been running for five years and gives Bowlers with a Disability a chance to play with their friends & family in a state-wide pairs event.
Many clubs were represented across the state, including some coming from as far as Queenscliff, Swan Hill, Webbcona & even Moulamein! 
The day began with three sectional games and included participants that were already part of Bowls Victoria’s Intellectual Disability Squad, Blind Bowls Victoria, Bowlers with a Physical Disability Squad and some fresh new faces who were competing for the first time in a state tournament!
There were some fantastic shots played throughout the day, and along with some friendly banter and chatting across all three greens there were many who were also passing their bowls knowledge onto their partner or opposing team.
As a result of the sectional play, the 10 section winners were:
Wayne Farmer (Blackburn BC) & Ken Marshall (MCC BC)
Tony Scott & Lisa Critten (Lake Boga BC)
Josh Barry (Sebastapol BC) & Dave Ashby (Clayton BC)
Lucas Protopapas (Mulgrave CC) & Garry Dillon (Lalor BC)
Campbell Walker & Steve Allard (Berwick BC)
Gerry Carton & Denis Murphy (Altona North BC)
Richie McGovern & Luke Wayth (Queenscliff BC)
DJ Weaver & Doreen Weaver (Moulamein BC)
Ben Peachey (Korumburra BC) & Trevor Nelson (Colac BC)
Frank Krslovic (Clayton BC) & Dane Gade (Somerville BC)
After the sections had been completed, there was a two-end playoff for four of the sections to decide the Quarter Finalists, then the Quarter Finals took place, Semi Finals and a five end final completed the days play.
Congratulations to Lisa Critten & Tony Scott for winning the final 5-3, and to runners up Frank Krslovic & Dane Gade for reaching the final.
A huge thank you to Claire Baskett (Tournament Coordinator) as well as Glen Baskett & Mark Walker for their planning of the event and assistance right through to the last end. Also to Berwick Bowling Club who put on a fantastic meal and provided great facilities yet again!
Thanks to Josie & Travelling Jack who sponsored the event & also to the Bowls Victoria Disability Support Committee and Directors who supported the event at Berwick.