Kurri have finished a successful year in style with a well-deserved victory in the BCIB Big Bowls Challenge. This was Kurri’s sixth grand final appearance in seven years after they won the title in 2007 and then had four heartbreaking grand final losses, so the boys from Kurri certainly were owed this one.

The Kurri side defeated the defending champions East Cessnock in a thrilling contest that came down to the final end of the triples tie breaker after Nathan Dawson had earlier defeated Simon Mitchell 10-6 10-9 in a superb game of singles. The Kurri triples side of Brendan Baker, Aaron Appleby and Michael Smith just edged out Marc Bender, Clint Doust and Jon Dimopoulos 3-2 in the tie break after splitting the first two sets. The pairs match between Kurri’s Andrew Rees and Terry Antram and East Cessnock’s Brodie Turner and Michael Cronin was locked at one set all and the tie break had just started when the triples match was decided.

Congratulations to Kurri Kurri Cannons on being champions for the second time of Big Bowls Challenge and a great effort from East Cessnock Comets for reaching the grand final from fourth spot and winning three sudden death finals matches.

For the second consecutive year, Hunter District took first, second and third in this great competition with Maitland City winning the minor premiership and finishing in third place after losing both semi-finals to Kurri and East Cessnock. Well done to Hunter District Bowls.

Nathan Dawson was deservedly crowned Hunter District Bowler of the Year for 2013 after his magnificent season. The Kurri Bowls coordinator won a swag of titles that included District Singles, District Pairs, Zone Champion of Champion Singles, Zone Number 1 Pennant, BCIB Big Bowls Challenge, as well as being runner-up in the District Triples and Fours Championship. Congratulations Nathan, you have been outstanding this season. Kurri got the double this year when Jesse Herbert was awarded Junior Bowler of the year. Jesse had a great season in the junior ranks winning the Zone Singles as well as the District Fours. More good results for Hunter District Bowls was East Cessnock’s Ladies RNSWBA Club Challenge Pink side who reached the final at Warilla. Congratulations to Donna Huth, Dianne Bailey, Shirley Sneesby, Barbara Crouch, Nora Nicholls, Jackie Del-Degan and Tanya Jory on making the state final.

With 2013 all but over, I would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and look forward with eagerness to the 2014 season (Paul Wesche, publicity officer, Hunter District Bowls).

CESSNOCK DISTRICT RETIREDS

Results of games played at East Cessnock Bowling Club: winners, Norm McNair, Ian Magarva; no runners-up. Members are reminded of our end-of-year Christmas luncheon at Kurri Bowling Club on Wednesday, December 18. Bowls will resume Wednesday, January 15, 2014. New members made most welcome.

GRETA WORKERS CLUB    

Results: Saturday, social winners were L. Gardner, T. Gardner, W. Lewis; runners-up J. Blair, L. Dean, K. Burnell. Program: Thursday (December 19), social bowls, D.F.P, open, mufti, names by 4.45pm, start 5pm. Saturday (December 21), social bowls D.F.P, open, mufti, names by 12.45pm, 1pm start. Friday (December 20), bowlers Christmas party, 6pm, details on the board. January 11, visit from Quirindi, bowling names on board. February 19, visit from Townsville bowlers, names on the board. 

PAXTON WOMEN

Last week on a very hot and humid day, 30 mixed bowlers took to the green for a friendly game of bowls to welcome visiting bowlers from Liverpool (in Sydney). All enjoyed the day and visitors are returning next year for another visit. The winners were Joy Rix, B. Millward, S. Kennett; runners-up Pat Mayor, J. Orchard, G. McSweeney. Thank you to everyone who made the day successful. This being the last bowls news for the year, the lady bowlers would like to wish all bowlers, Advertiser and staff a special thank you and to our green keeper Terry Ross for the job he does in keeping our green number one. We hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. 

CESSNOCK CITY WOMEN

Our bowling club held their break-up day last Thursday. We played bowls, had lunch and exchanged Christmas gifts. Our Christmas dinner, concert and trophy presentations were held on Thursday night (December 5). During the night two of our members, Enid Johns and Elsie Orr received a lovely surprise when they were presented with life membership badges for their many years of service to Cessnock City Women’s Bowling Club. Congratulations to Enid and Elsie on this very special presentation. Entries are on the board for the club singles and club pairs. Our bowls for the New Year will commence on Thursday, January 16, 2014. We wish you a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.

BELLBIRD PARK MEN

Program: Friday, 6pm mixed mufti OTB. Saturday, 1pm mixed mufti OTB. Sunday, 1pm mixed mufti OTB. Tuesday, 9.30am mixed mufti OTB. Wednesday, 9.30am men’s mufti OTB. Thanks to all that helped make presentation night a great success. A good night was had by all. Upcoming events: New Year’s Eve, see board for details. Merry Christmas everyone. 

EAST CESSNOCK

Results: Monday (December 9), winners R. Lomax, D. Bailey; runners-up A. Rosemond, W. George; consolation N. McDonald, L. Del Degan. Tuesday (December 10), winners M. Hall, T. Bridge; runners-up T. Hunter, P. Turbull; consolation D. Picton, R. Dunn. Thursday (December 12), winners L. Del-Degan, R. Jory; runners-up R. Dunn, P. Turnbull; third G. Huth, G. Amos; fourth B. Trainor, R. Hilll; consolation C. Herbert, F. Lole. Saturday (December 14), winners C. Lee, J. Rumford; runners-up U. Reckenberg, R. Hill; consolation B. Marr, A. Scott, K. Peterson. Pennant and Championships: BCIB Big Bowls Challenge, grand final, Kurri defeated East Cessnock. 

EAST CESSNOCK RETIREDS

Results: winners B. Marr, D. Chalker, J. Rumford; runners-up R. Hipwell, B. Oliver. Group plays Friday mornings, names by 9.15am, new players always welcome.

ABERMAIN

Thursday, winners were N. McNair and G. Wrightson; runners-up were J. Goldman and H. Griggs. Friday afternoon’s barefoot bowls was a success and will be held every Friday afternoon, names by 5.20pm for a 5.30pm start. Everybody is welcome, adults and children. Cost is $5 per player and there are prizes for the winners. Last Friday there were three lots of winners – one, J. Yarrington and N. Sweeny’s team; two, L. Robson, R. Robson, D. Burford and J. Lewis; and three, W. Beavis, D. Lindsay, S. Soper and G. Finlay. Saturday’s winners were C. Cornell and A. Windle, runners-up were P. Walton and G. Wrightson and third place went to G. Mantle and R. Finlay. Program: Thursday, 10am for 10.30am start; Friday, 5.20pm for 5.30pm start; Saturday, 12.30pm for 1pm start. The only day that there will be no bowls is Thursday, December 26 (Boxing Day). All the very best for Christmas and 2014 to all.