Ian Cruickshank skips Denison quartet to win at Mingenew fours bowls

The Mingenew Bowling Club fours attracted a capacity field last Thursday with a local club taking the honours in a tight contest. The Denison side of Ian Cruickshank, Chris Gillam, Trevor Reudavey and Tony Crowhurst claimed the top prize at the event, held on a game-on, game-off basis, with three wins, six points, and 17 shots up. One shot separated the finishers, with just three of the 24 sides competing retaining undefeated status after the three rounds. The club’s volunteer curators work many hours each week on the grass green. The playing surface, while not running at great speed, was true on most occasions with the majority of players adapting well. The Leeman quartet of Ivan Beard, Ian Hudson, Ron Dennis and Troy Skipworth were joint second with Geraldton’s Kevin Robartson, Benjo Brennan, Gary Cosgrove and Brad King. Both had three wins, six points and 16 shots up ahead of an event sponsors’ combination of Brad Preston, Gary Preston, Ross Tyndale-Powell and Kerry Easton. Denison claimed the sectional wins for the day. Andy Gilchrist took two wins plus 18 in A-section and Joel Leeson had two wins +9 in B. Tournament director Paul Starrick and club organisers and volunteers put together a successful carnival and sponsors would have been pleased with the capacity entries. Bowlers visited from Northampton, Mullewa, Geraldton and Wonthella in the local area, and Carnamah, Badgingarra, Leeman and Three Springs. Kay Sudlow, Karen Drage and Lyn Joyce won the Northampton championship triples during the week and will compete at Mullewa on April 24 for the champion of champions title. Wonthella’s Paula Cripps, Pat Rowell and Angie Stagg and Geraldton’s Norma Follington, Barbara Grieve and Gail Clarkson have also qualified. The singles champion of champions at Northampton is the final Batavia event for the season, and will wrap up the weekend before the final open event. The best of the best are set to do battle in a round-robin format at Northampton on April 3 in club open, veteran and novice classes for male and female bowlers from each club. The Bowl, Mullewa’s premier tournament, is the last event on the open calendar. April 9-10 is locked in for the two-day classic. More information can be found by contacting the club through social media or on 9961 1892.