THE blue-ribboned event of the bowls year will be contested this weekend when the champions from the district’s clubs converge on Coomealla Bowls Club to do battle for the respective men’s and women’s Champion of Champions crowns.
The women’s field sees a strong contingent of former winners lining up to do battle.
Mildura’s Judy Osborne has won this event on multiple occasions and is keen to add to her already impressive resume. Osborne takes on Lynette Millward from Irymple in round one.
Coomealla’s Delwyn Milner has drawn Wentworth product Nicole White in her first appearance in this event. Milner at home will start with a slight advantage.
In the bottom half of the draw defending champion Carolyn Coles of Red Cliffs has drawn Workers’ Joy Stevens. This will be an interesting contest. Coles has had a solid season and will start favourite.
Ouyen’s Janet Vallance has drawn Underbool’s Jennfier Wakefield in the remaining round one match. Both are solid performers, but Vallance will start favourite.
The semi-finals in the women’s section potentially offer some ripping match-ups. Nostradamus will leave Lou’s Kiss of Death in the cupboard and not make any outlandish predictions.
The men’s section sees two former winners fronting up to the contest.
Euston’s Glenn Scott already has the state singles and pairs titles in the bag and will start favourite. Scott will play Workers Brian Horton in round 1.
Merbein’s Shawn Fullerton will face off against Red Cliffs champion Bruce Harford. Fullerton took out Glenn Scott last year and will be searching to go all the way this year.
Harford is an experienced player and is in his first season with the Tigers.
Coomealla’s Adrian Barko has drawn Irymple’s Mick Legin Snr. Both players are strong on the draw and a close contest will prevail.
Barko, with the home-ground advantage, should start a slight favourite.
Round 2 matches see former winner Chris Mitchell up against Wentworth legend Ivan Behsmann. This should be a solid contest.
Ouyen’s Norm Latta and Nangiloc’s Toby Moore have drawn round one byes and will do battle for a semi-final berth.
Both players are solid exponents of the draw shot, which is the foundation of good singles play. This will be a match worth watching.
Legendary Underbool champion Ray Gloster also has a first round bye. He will be waiting on the victor from the Barko v Legin morning match.
Players are required to report to the match director by 8.30am on Saturday.
Roll up is at 8.45am with play to start at 9am.
