The whole proved more powerful than the sum of its parts as a mixed team skipped by Nanaimo’s Rick Quibell claimed the trophy in the McPherson Group Mixed Fours tournament at Qualicum Beach Lawn Bowling Club Sunday, May 14.
Quibell teamed with Lynn Chwartacki of Qualicum Beach, Keith Turleson of Parksville and fellow Nanaimo bowler Mary Mulligan to outduel Cor Poland’s Qualicum Beach team 14-12 in the A Division final. Poland was joined by Helena Poland and Dan and Nancy Blue.
The two finalists entered the final game Sunday afternoon with matching 3-0 records in round-robin play. It was a closely fought game, with the teams neck-and-neck throughout. Trailing 13-12 through 13 ends, the Poland-Blue team held shot until the final bowl by Quibell in the 14th end knocked out the Qualicum Beach team’s shot bowl, securing the win and the $400 top prize. Poland’s team shared $200 as runners-up.
The two-day tourney drew 64 bowlers. Prize money and the trophy were presented by BMO investment advisor Todd Sjogren and Kelsey McPherson of The McPherson Group.
“Great bowling from all competitors, and the rain held off until halfway through the finals,” said Meryl Yates, co-organizer. “QBLBC chairman David Childs, thanked the McPherson group for their continued support and sponsorship, as well as the kitchen and ground crew, umpire Mick Banks, players and spectators for a great weekend’s bowling.”
In Division B, the Qualicum Beach team of John Wilson, Jane Nielsen, Liz Pendleton and Joe Randazzo placed first over Nanaimo’s Vern Hagstrom, Adrian Hewlett, Trish Higgins and Sue Artuso.
In Division C, the mixed clubs team of Ken Davies, Merry Danarti, Ken Welwood and Diane Olenyk claimed first over the Qualicum Beach team of Mike Ward, Helen Roberts, James MacDonald and Margaret Clow.
In Division D, Nanaimo’s Erle Wallace, Marian Wallace, Carol Barter and Peter Barter topped Qualicum Beach runners-up Wille Odendaal, Bonnie Dawe, Ben Malcolm and Audrey Isbell.
Upcoming highlights
The annual Qualicum Foods Mixed Triples Tournament is coming up the weekend of June 10-11, followed immediately by the Sylvia Gibb Ladies Pairs tournament June 16 and 17 (Friday and Saturday). For more information visit qblbc.com.
— NEWS Staff and QBLBC submission