Wilson McShane, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Three Yorke Peninsula bowlers have earned a national title.
Bob Scott (Wallaroo Bowling Club), Don Bennett and Daryl Steinwedel (both Moonta Bowling Club) were members of the South Australian side which went through the Australian Senior Sides Championships (over 60s) — Men undefeated, in Tweed Heads, October 12 to 15.
This tournament was part of the Bowls Australia 2024 Nationals series held in Queensland during October.
Scott, Bennett and Steinwedel also represented SA in the 2023 national titles, but went one step further in this year’s campaign.
Bennett said the side was ecstatic with its national victory.
“They the (bowls) came out of the hand pretty well,” Bennett said.
The side comprised six metropolitan and six country players.
“Quite often, the country players get left out of this sort of stuff, so for us to win was really enjoyable,” he said.
“We all played pretty well and all got along, which is a big thing.
“We just had good trip and were all together. We never lost a game!”
Bennett said, while all three YP players competed last year (Steinwedel moved from Kangaroo Island this year), they had to pass a series of state trials for selection in the 2024 side.
“Once they pick a squad of guys out, they got them to play against the current squad of guys from the year before and then we had trials, and they picked a side.
“Then we played against the open men’s side prior to the nationals.”
Bennett said SA also defeated Western Australia in a combined shield (men and women) before the championships’ preliminary rounds.
“We actually played them (WA) in a proper test before they (the championships) started, and we beat them in the preliminary rounds as well, so we won the shield which was another bonus.”
Claire Eichenberger (formerly YP) and Gayle Steinwedel, Darryl’s wife, played in the women’s seniors event, in which SA won four of its seven matches to finish fourth.
“Quite often, the country players get left out of this sort of stuff, so for us to win was really enjoyable.” Don Bennett, Moonta Bowling Club
Bronze medals in championship fours
Also among the state representatives in Queensland last week were Yorke Peninsula bowlers Margaret Chandler, Kellie Paull, Jenny Redshaw, Sharon Cavanagh (all Moonta Bowling Club), Will McPharlin (Wallaroo) and Nathan Black (formerly Kadina).
They played for SA in the Bowls Australia Championships — Men’s and Women’s Fours events in Broadbeach on October 23. SA won bronze in both the men’s and women’s tournaments. McPharlin also finished with bronze in the men’s pairs, and Black competed in the mixed pairs.
This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 29 October 2024.
