IT’S often been said that the game of lawn bowls is a bit like an onion.

Every time you think that you understand it, you realise that there is another layer of complexity underneath the one that you understand that you hadn’t yet seen.

Karuah bowlers watching the Men’s Pairs Championship final on Saturday afternoon were thrilled by the skill and complexity on display as another whole layer of seriously high standard of bowls was on display.

Stephen Gilchrist and Greg Mungoven were up against Mark Walkden and Jim Healey in the final, both of these teams having already outclassed other club pairs teams in the lead up rounds.

Both teams’ skills were evident from the very commencement of the game.

The knowledgeable crowd of spectators at the club were constantly amazed by both the brutality and the subtlety of the bowls played and the ability of the four players to switch from one style to the other in a single head.

At the end of 21 ends, Mark and Jim came out on top and were declared the Karuah Club Pairs Champions.

As is so often the case in highly skilled sportsmen, great sportsmanship and mutual respect for their opposition was always on display.

While the petty resentment of a winner by a loser will sometimes be seen in lesser players, in Saturday’s final both teams encouraged each other and applauded great shots when played, regardless of who played them.

If you would like to learn the game, or if you’re a more experienced player who would like to experience the game on the magnificent Karuah grass green, social bowls are played there every Tuesday and Thursday (weather permitting).

Names are required by 9:30am and players are on the green by 10:00am, ring the club for details, all are welcome.

See you at Karuah.

 

By Trevor DAVIES