From July 22 to 27 players from Floresta Bowls Club in Luz took part in the prestigious Poole Bowls Tournament in Dorset, UK. The players taking part were Gerry and Sue Kinane, Des Kane, Richard and Ruby Fribbins, Norman and Carol Merritt, Carol Williams, Pat Derouane, and George Humphreys.
This was a very tough competition. Not only did players have to battle the heat and very hard greens at times, but also the field of competitors containing several English Internationals (some with over 45 English Caps), numerous County Players and of course the many players having home advantage. The Floresta team, which in many eyes were the underdogs from the start, gave their best.
The Floresta Pairing of Norman Merritt and Gerry Kinane reached the Men’s Pairs Semi-Final just losing out in the last end. The Triples of George Humphreys, Norman Merritt, Gerry Kinane also reached the Semi-Finals, no ‘mean feat’ as they had to play four and five games respectively. All the players from Floresta put on a good show in every game they took part in.
At the end of the week, Play Tournament Organiser Alan Hardy complimented Floresta for putting on a good show and highlighted one match and one individual from that club. The individual was Gerry Kinane, who played very well and consistently out-bowled many County and International bowlers (I can only agree, after him carrying me in the triples). Well done to Gerry Kinane. Due to the schedule, Norman Merritt and Gerry Kinane, had to play three times in one day, with the heat the UK have been having, no ‘mean feat’ of endurance.
The Mixed Pairs match between Pat Derouane and George Humphreys of Floresta against Penny Creswell (English Lady Team Reserve) and the ‘King of Firing’ Chris Kane (ranked 54th Australia Men’s Singles) saw Floresta leading 20-18 near the end, with Floresta holding one shot with one bowl to go. Up steps opposing Chris Kane who took out the Floresta bowl giving them two shots and taking the game to an extra end, where Floresta went one down to lose the match 21-20. The opposing Pairing of Penny Cresswell and Chris Kane lost in the Final to the 48 times Capped Lady and her partner.
Well done to all the players from Floresta who took part.
By MIRIAM HARE
