First time win for Mackay Bowling Club women
Mackay women played in the Annual Johnston Shield held at the Sarina Bowling Club on August, 30 and September, 1.
The format for the event was singles, pairs and fours, with the club needing to win two of the three events. The Mackay ladies defeated the Marian and South Suburban Bowls Clubs on the way to the finals against Northern Beaches.
Mackay singles player, Carol Savage, defeated Leanne Lewis in the singles. The fours team of Janice Nelson, Denise Mezzen, Julie Caban and Robyn Schatkowski had a nail-biting game which could have gone either way, with Mackay club having a two-shot lead going into the last end.
Northern Beaches were holding 4 shots till the Mackay third player Julie played a beautiful shot to cut back to put Mackay club only one shot down. The skips played their bowls and could not change the end, with Mackay ladies being the victors.
Whilst this game was being played, the pairs team of Marie Mayfield and Dot McNamara were playing their game and were down against Northern Beaches, but were starting to make a comeback with 5 ends to go. As the fours team had won the pairs game, they did not have to complete their game. Mackay players enjoying the win congratulated the Northern Beaches players on hard fought competition.
This sponsored event has been running for 74 years. The Mackay club has competed in this event since its formation in 1993 (29 years) and this is the first time the club has won.
MDLBA President Lyn congratulated both teams. Alison Graham, daughter of Naomi Graham and granddaughter of Alex and Margaret Johnston, made a congratulatory speech and presented the Shield to the Mackay Club President Dot McNamara. The club wishes to congratulate all players who took part in this event.
Contributed by Robyn Schatkowski