Clarke survives where many falter
Many of the favourites fell but Queensland hopes carried into Day Two by Lynsey Clarke, Kristy Thatcher, Cassandra Millerick, John Balzarolo, Alan Law, Andrew Howie and Luke Day. (Pictured left: Helensvale’s Lynsey Clarke with official Kath Cartwright from Gold Coast Tweed District at the Australian Indoor Championships, Tweed Heads Bowls Club. Photo by Bowls Australia.)
It was a disappointing day for Queensland’s Chloe Stewart, Clinton Bailey, Emma Brown, Melissa Larcombe and Stephen Halmai, among the heavyhitters who were knocked out in the first round of the 28th annual Australian Indoor Championships.
Australian Jackaroo Chloe Stewart was bundled out of the knockout tournament after succumbing to Canadian international Kelly McKerihen (VIC) in the third session of the opening round this afternoon (7-4, 3-8, 5-0).
Clint Bailey was taken out by follow Queenslander John Balzarolo who defeated Bailey in a (10-2, 8-6) win, while Lynsey Clarke took out Emma Brown with a close (12-7, 6-8, 4-2) win.
Stephen Halmai faltered against South Perth’s Scott Walker pencilling in a (10-2, 7-all) victory.
Melissa Larcombe went down to seasoned campaigner Kelsey Cottrell (NSW) who beat the Queenslander (9-4, 8-7).
However, on the positive side of the ledger, Queensland regional bowls manager Andrew Howie managed an assertive (6-6, 12-2) win over Jarrod Lon (TAS), but will now have to take on defending champ Jeremy Henry who won not only last year but in 2011 as well.
Queensland’s Alan Law smashed opponent Neil Crisp (VIC) with a (10-4, 10-5) win, which will see him take on Joshua Bell (NSW) tomorrow.
Another Queenslander who soared on Day One was Cassandra Millerick who out-classed Sue Coultas (SA) with a big (14-5, 10-5) win.
Tweed Heads Kristy Thatcher has to wait until late in the day to show what she could do, but she cruised through against Dapto Services (NSW) Kim Suckley (18-0, 11-2).
Broadbeach’s Luke Day got through on a forfeit from Victoria’s John Snell.
To keep up with the competition and follow the results as they happen click here.