Sport
5 June, 2026
Championship pairs in close win 21-20
A GRIPPING extra end showdown stole the spotlight last week when Steve Howe and Barry Anderson edged out Blake Morland and Dustin McDonald in a 21-end thriller that finished 21-20 in the 2026 championship pairs.
Locked at 20-20 after regulation ends, the match came down to a single final bowl, with Howe and Anderson holding their nerve to secure a one point victory and progress to the next round.
The dramatic finish capped off a strong month for the region’s bowlers, highlighted by the Tropical Far North men’s team (above) returning home as Division 4 pennant champions from the State District Sides Championships on the Gold Coast.
Tony Burns managed the team featuring Innisfail and Tully representatives Michael de Vries, Mark Elliott, Darryl Stumbles, Alf Strano (reserve) competed against districts from across Queensland in the state’s premier bowls event. More than 600 players and officials took part in the four day competition hosted by Club Helensvale and Club Broadbeach, with over 20 districts battling for state bragging rights.
Back home, Thursday afternoon social bowls on 28 May drew 28 players to the green. After two games of 12 ends, three teams finished tied on 23 points. Gordon Goes’ side claimed the win on a countback with a margin of +11, while Mick de Vries’ team finished runners up on +8.