Following upon our becoming Zone alone, arrangements were made for our Zone 11 to play against Zone 1 – both Seniors and Open – with the view of providing competition for both prior to the Inter Zone Sides Championships. The Seniors was played at Maclean BC on the 23rd & 24th April, to tune up for the Seniors Inter Zone Championship in May.
Before we get to the result, we as Zone 11 thank Zone 1 for the provision of an annual Shield to combatted for between the Seniors and Open Sides. The Shield is known as The Black Paddles Shield, named after Arthur Black – who played for NSW – and Rex Johnston who also played for NSW and Australia.
The result of the Senior Fixture was Zone 11 winning the three tests – the third during which rain forced players’ off the green. Maclean Bowling Club is to be congratulated for being great hosts, as are the Executive/Committee Members of Zone 1 who were involved in the arrangements for the weekend and ensured that all progressed smoothly.
The Open Fixture is scheduled to be played on 6th & 7th August, the weekend after the State Pennant Finals at a venue to be determined – either Forster or Tuncurry Beach, whichever Club Zone 1 will be playing at in the September Open Inter Zone Championships. It would be great for the Zone to win both Events this year; but it would encourage competitiveness should Zone 1 win the Open Fixture.