Wylie Traralgon takes state triples final at Yallourn

LAWN BOWLS

The Women’s State Triples final was won by the Traralgon team of Dettie Wylie, Rosie Lorenz and Marion Cartledge over the Warragul team of Jeannette Gallasch, Shirley Melsen and Gabrielle Draisma on Friday in windy conditions at Yallourn.

Wylie got away to a handy 9-1 lead before Gallasch fought back to be behind 16-13 with two ends to play, but Wylie was able to win the last two ends.

As the women were playing the men were contesting their semi-finals and the Traralgon team of Ian Kirkup, Michael Yacoub and Ian Hilsley had an easy 21-8 win over the Morwell team of Rod Smith, Ron Witton and Mil Karleusa.

The Warragul team of Ken Scammell, Paul Simmons and Bill Clappers was leading 17-7 against the Trafalgar team of Frank Farrugia, Graham Hill and Alex Brodie before Farrugia fought back to 18-19 with the last end to play.

Play was tense with Trafalgar starting the end well and Warragul dragging the jack back.

Farrugia drew well with his last bowl only to fall slightly short, with Warragul narrowly winning the match after a strong Trafalgar comeback.

The final was a great match with Scammell going to an early 7-2 lead.

Kirkup got four to lead 11-9 but Scammell replied with four on the next end and went away to lead 20-18.

Kirkup drew four on the second last end to be two behind 18-20.

Kirkup was holding two after his first bowl, Scammell drew shot and Kirkup replied with an excellent bowl which saw him holding a definite two with a possible third.

Scammell looked to be heavy and drew on to Kirkup’s shot bowl to win the end and the match.

The region final is scheduled for 12 February with Leongatha shaping up as the likely venue.

Friday, 2 December men’s and ladies State Fours will be at Trafalgar with a new draw recently issued for the men’s competition.