Ballina boys do it tough

Summerland Pairs Bowls Competition, in Ballina, Troy Makin.

Mireille Merlet-Shaw

IT was a tough day at the office for the Ballina Bowling Club as Troy Makin, Scott Gibson and Josh Greenhalgh all failed to make it through sectional play at the Summerland Pairs yesterday.

Gibson and Greenhalgh were among the favourites, while Makin and his partner Rob Grady won their first two matches before losing to Ray Hickman and Andrew Wilton 16-11.

"It wasn't easy conditions out there and the wind is going up and down," Makin said.

"It's a tough competition and all you can do is try your best."

Makin, 28, took up lawn bowls after he began an apprenticeship at Ocean Shores Country Club.

"I got roped into playing a couple of social games and it all snowballed from there," he said.

"You end up loving the game and it takes over your life."

All eyes will be on Kris Lehfeldt and Michael Anderson when the quarter-finals begin at 9am today.

Lehfeldt, who is also the Ballina Bowling Club co-ordinator, was busy on the greens last night with his colour commentary during the post-sectional play.

"The whole idea was to interview the players before they take their shots to give spectators an insight into how they play the game," Lehfeldt said.

"It helps explain to beginner bowlers inside what the better players are doing."

The final is expected to be played early this afternoon.