January 2, 2012

BEDFORD OPEN LIGHTNING FOURS

The big Fish Keith Strahan in a determined frame of mind during his rink's big win in the Bedford Open split fours against Anthony Provost's rink

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Organizer Frank McGrath

January 2, 2012
A great carnival to see the old year out and the new year in, there were 16 teams taking part in the Bedford Open split fours in pleasant weather. The meals were terrific and the beer was cold, all adding up to make for a great two day carnival.

Some of the players in attendance were Sth Perth's Geoff White, Scott Walker and Glenn Pauling. Stirling's latest recruit Mike Vitale, Bob Maynard Chris Archer and Jennette Davies who we were told bowled extremely well.

Coming into the last game of the tournament two sides had a chance to collect the big end of the prizemoney. Brad Ball and his side led the field by 5 shots with AP in second place. Brad Ball won his last game by 9 shots but it wasn't enough because AP defeated Jason Heath 26-5 to catapult his rink into first place and win the event. AP won this event last year with the same side except Paul Butler came in amd Matt Mitchell went out.

There was an upset of sorts in this tounament, The big fish from Toodyay Keith Strahan, skippered Dicko, Matt Hughes and Peter Opie to a win against Anthony Provost's high powered rink of Thomas Mitchell, Paul Butler, Rhett Butler.

Frank rang to tell me of this

"Sherro you won't believe this but the big fish knocked AP over"
" The Big fish what!................. #+$#&^ Bull***t "

"No bulldust sherro, not only did he win, but the big fish got a 7 on the first end"

"Now you are dreaming Frank, havent you got better things to do than trying to pull my leg, the big fish couldnt even beat me if I GAVE him a 7 shot start, so what you are telling me is he also got a 7 as well"

"I am telling you He did Sherro"

In my best John McEnroe voice " Frank, you caaaaaaant be SERIOUS''

"Yep I am, not only did they beat AP after getting a 7 on the first end they won 17 bloody 10!!!, so shove that up your bloody clappers Sherro"

"OK,OK,OK Frank ! give me the story"

Hard to believe that AP a 3 time State singles winner, Thomas Mitchell an Australian Silver tier squad Member, Paul Butler a PL Grand final hero and Rhett Butler a member of two State fours titles, losing to the Big Fish and his rink even with a seven shot deficit on the first end, which shows that if any side can produce their best effort they can win against the champions.

There is a downside to the story and that is the Big Fish and his rink won the next years winner award for the worst performed side because they only won 2½ games in this two day canrival but we do say to the side well done..

A special mention also for Brian Axford and David Rankin who filled in for two sides that were short of a player.

WINNERS........................ 7 wins + 52 ------- $1000.00
VICTORIA PARK
Anthony Provost (sk) , Thomas Mitchell, Paul Butler, Rhett Butler.

With a side like this one it is no surprise they have won the day and the money, despite their shock loss to the Big Fish Keith Strahan
Congratulations and well done to all members of the rink


SECOND........................... 7 wins + 45-----------$500.00
COMPOSITE
Brad Ball (sk), Norm Ball, Neil Staude, Chris Jones
Brad Ball has been around the place lately and bags another 2nd placing to follow the Bassendean Xmas Fours 2nd placing. Must surely be cherry ripe for a win soon.


THIRD ...................5 wins + 36 --------------$250.00
COMPOSITE
Cody Packer (sk), Brook Newstead, Paul Hunter, Craig Campbell
Well done to Cody Packer and his rink

FOURTH ...............5 wins + 21 --------------$200.00
COMPOSITE
Linton Pike (sk), Phil Hutchinson , Bob Maynard, Darryl Blight
A very good effort from the Linton Pike side to come into 4th place with his composite side, 5 wins is a handy effort

ROUND PRIZES $ 100.00

J. Trewhella + 18
W. Heldt + 11
Mia Thia + 10
M.Simms + 5
F. Anerson + 11
B. Clarkson + 5
P. Pohe + 15
C.Packer + 5

NEXT YEARS WINNER

Keith Strahan