After the initial flush of enthusiasm, the number of games being contested in the Lithgow City Men’s Bowling Club’s singles championship has dwindled to a trickle. Only two games have been played in recent times, both resulting in easy wins for Ian Birk and Ian Townsend. Birk was up against the enigmatic Richard Forbes, Forbes being a player who, when he is on his game in extremely hard to play against. This time however, Birk eventually imposed his will on the game following an even affair in the early stages. Forbes was displaying a good draw game early, matching Birk and even leading 6-4 after six ends. Seven shots over the next two ends saw Birk regain a lead he was not relinquish.
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Forbes downfall came when he decided to play an aggressive style of game but this was to be his downfall. Sticking to a style of game that suits him best, Birk stayed with playing the percentages with his draw shots. Birk won 12 of the final 14 ends to run out an easy winner 31-12.
Ian Townsend had a harder game against Peter Kearney but he also showed his consistency to overpower a wilting Kearney 31-16. Kearney held the upper hand for the first half of the game and led 11-2 and then 13-11 before Townsend’s consistency came to the fore, allowing Kearney only singles in the only three ends he won in the second half of the game. After taking the lead at 14-13 on the 16th end Townsend peeled of a blitzkrieg over the closing stages to eventually take a game the was a lot closer than the final score indicated.
Next City men will be hosting the Zone 4 triples this weekend, February 17 and 19, then the monthly Four Club Challenge involving teams from City, Lithgow Workies, Wallerawang and Portland on February 19 and on February 23 the Quick Set Challenge involving three-time NSW junior bowler of the year Jono Davis.
On the social scene, a small turnout to defy the heat on Sunday February 11. Saturday’s men’s social event saw Ian Birk, Ritchie Bilby and Darrell Wright claim the major spoils with a big 15+25 victory, relegating Bob Kiernan and Brian Davidson to share the minor prize with their 12+1 margin, Angus MacKinnon and Jack Rayner also recording the same margin.
