Lawn Bowls – Thrilling finals end national Maccabi carnival

MERMAID Beach Bowling Club in the Gold Coast was a hive of activity for Jewish bowlers at the 22nd Maccabi National Lawn Bowls Carnival from August 4-9. There were 27 players in total, representing Maccabi Victoria, NSW, Western Australia, and South Australia, which was a bit down from last year. Regardless, the event was still a fantastic opportunity for the interstate players to meet – some for the first time – and enjoy some friendly competition, meals together, and camaraderie on and off the greens. Team Victoria comprised the most players. There were pairs matches every morning, and triples games in the afternoons, providing lots of bowling opportunities for all. In both formats, the gold medal matches ended up being between Victorian teams. The pairs final went down to the wire, and the absorbing contest was enjoyed by everyone who watched. Jan Kamien and Shelley Beder developed an early lead against Gary Lasky and Rob Steinhardt, and while it narrowed, the female duo managed to hold on right through to the last end, beating their male opponents 13-12. The triples final also proved to be a very competitive contest, between Lasky/Beder/Nancy .By the 14th end, the score was 13-all, with one pivotal end remaining. Lasky/Beder/Wicks began it by holding a three-shot lead, when Kinston, under enormous pressure to save the game, and having the last bowl, executed perfectly, and was able to knock out the opponents’ shot bowl, and rest his one on the jack, to win the game. The exciting finishes to both finals ended the 2024 carnival on a satisfying note. Team Victoria also took home the men’s and women’s shields – the latter staying in Victorian hands for the third straight year. A range of other awards and prizes were presented to players from all teams and states, and Marilyn and Keith Faiman, Maccabi lawn bowls Life Members, spoke about the history of the national carnival, which first started in 2001. Its 22nd edition concluded with a moment of silence in memory of the late Warren Zines, and extinguishing the candle that is lit at the start of every carnival. Source AJN