Greg Marchand, our club novice champ, competed in the Bowls South Island (BSI) Men’s Novice Singles Competition at Victoria West LBC, 31 August and 1 September. He was supported by club members Al Wood and Donna Blackstock, qualified coaches with impressive bowling credentials.

Unfortunately, Greg achieved limited success, at least as measured by wins and losses, finishing with one tie and four losses. As happens in bowls, several of the losses where the result of one or two critical shots being made (or missed) by one player or the other which determined the outcome of the games and ultimately the tournament itself.

A common refrain heard on the green is “good effort”, when a shot is well played but falls just short of achieving its desired goal. Good effort can also be said of Greg’s play at Vic West and for his willingness to compete at such a high level against the best novice men in the BSI community.

Many might not be aware that Greg is an accomplished distance runner. For those who might like to read of a life altering challenge following one of his runs, Open Heart Runner is available at book stores and libraries. His experience in this novice bowling tournament pales in comparison.

Well done and best wishes to both our 2019 novice club champions – Layla Godfrey and Greg Marchand. May you enjoy many years of friendly competition in bowls.