Much nicer weather for the final round of the Mittagong RSL Shield on Saturday 14th September 2019. In fact quite barmy weather really, and no wind. A successful competition with thanks again to Dan Ticehurst, Brian Payne the ever patient umpire, and Kevin Moore for doing the board.
Kevin Stafford and team lead into the final round, had excellent results in the pairs, and retained the RSL Shield for another year. Playing the Riddell team Tim Blake and Kevin Stafford defeated Kel Limbrick and Dave Riddell 33-7. Tim in one of his first competitions did very well supporting Kevin. In the other match Oscar Wahlin and Dave Coltman won 28-12 over Clive Neutze and Viv Gear. Dave Riddell’s team had gone into the final round in third spot, but they dropped down to seventh after the final round.
In second place was the Lewis team. Excellent results from both pairs teams saw the team rise from fifth to second place. Gordon Lewis with Ashley Lewis won against Owen Williams and Billy Meredith with the score to the Lewis team 28-14. Russell Knight and Greg Lewis had a 27-9 win over Keith Edwards and Don Coleman. The Meredith team had entered the last round in second place, but a total of 23 shots saw them drop out of the top positions down to sixth spot.
Third place was the Woodcock team. They came into the final round fourth, had a pairs win and a loss and climbed one place to third. Eric Willacy and Paul Leverett had a large win 28-12 over Graham Hunt and Bob Edwards. The Staples team came into the final games with the wooden spoon and had no trouble hanging onto the spoon. However, just a small spring in the step as Bob Crowley and Robin Staples defeated Club Champion Jim Nealy (Sub for Alistair McGhee) and Josh Woodcock 23-13. Man of the match was definitely Bob Crowley who lead superbly.
Fourth spot on the ladder and first of the social teams (hope that is not unkind reference) was the Peter Morales team. Fifth was the Mick Flynn team, the Morales opponents. Peter held sixth place before the match and rose two places. Mick was seventh and also rose two places. In the pairs matches Brian Porter and Peter Watson of the Morales team had a 19 all draw with Ted McFee and Chris Forrester. Peter Morales with lead John Edmonds defeated Richard Denman and Mick Flynn by 27-18. A very interesting format for this tournament which is enjoyed by all. A shaky start in the wind for some of the “heavy teams” but good results in the pairs saw them climb to the top of the table. Well done again to Oscar Wahlin, Tim Blake, Dave Coltman and Kevin Stafford for retaining the Mittagong RSL Shield in a convincing manner 25 shots ahead of the second placed team. Our thanks to Steven Spence from the Mitttagong RSL who attended to present the prizes
