BOWLS NSW STATE INTER-ZONE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—I was grateful to meet Dilys Kindlesides, Chair of Bowls NSW and Henry Meskauskas Chair of Club Maitland City last weekend at the Bowls NSW State Inter-Zone Championships, and I was honoured to be asked to open the event and welcome participants at Club Maitland City. The final was a history-making event, coming down to an extra-end shootout for the first time ever. In the shoot-out, it was Zone 1 (Far North Coast) who edged out Zone 13 (Sydney South and Central) to win their first-ever Inter-Zone Championships title. Peter Taylor against Ray Pearse produced some of the best bowls ever seen. You could sense the tension out on the greens, but it didn't seem to impact the players who produced some of their best shots in those moments. After 63 ends, both sides were inseparable at 55-55. Extra rinks saw a pinpoint drive that resulted in an umpire measuring second shots and saw a 58-57 victory in some of the most bizarre circumstances seen on a bowling green. The extra-ends was a perfect way to finish an incredible final. Thank you to host clubs Club Maitland City and Lorn Park for hosting the event.