Lawrie Simpson wins ACA Bronze Medal (Qld) at Wynnum

ACA Bronze Medal (Qld)

With a lot of rain early in the week and a major rain event forecast for the three days of play scheduled to contest the ACA Bronze Medal (Qld) competition at Wynnum on 19th-21st March, a decision had to be made on Thursday if the competition should go ahead over the weekend. The speed of the courts was checked in the morning, squeegees were brought out to move the excess water, lines marked and hoops moved in preparation. At lunchtime the speed of the courts was checked again and the decision was made to proceed.

As it turned out, on Friday and Saturday there were some heavy showers but the worst of the weather held off until Sunday afternoon when the skies opened and the rain came down in torrents. The last match was played in very trying conditions but Ross Rillie and Bob Martin battled it out to the 13th hoop in Game 3.

The 10 players were vying for the honour of competing for the Gold or Silver medals in Tasmania in September.

The competitors were Lawrie Simpson, Gordon Giles, Ross Rillie, Bob Martin, Peter Nicholson, Dennis Green, Geoff Hull, Richard Pickvance, Murray Tinker, and Graham McLean.

Each match was a best of 3 games, with each competitor playing all nine of the other competitors over three days. The winner, Lawrie Simpson (Eildon), set the bar high with 9 match wins and 18 games. Gordon Giles (Wynnum) came in 2nd with 7 match wins and 14 games. Bob Martin (Eildon) came 3rd with 6 match wins and 14 games, and Richard Pickvance came 4th with 5 match wins and 12 games.

Congratulations to the winner Lawrie Simpson for a masterclass performance, and we wish him well in Tasmania in September 2021.

We again have to thank the wonderful volunteers, who include the tournament managers, hoop setters, line markers, referees, caterers and supporters.

Photos courtesy of Helen Rillie, Headland Buderim club