THREE AMIGOS FROM GUILDFORD..... really put Zone 12 on the map.

What started out as a trip to Melbourne to try and qualify for the Australian Open, certainly exceeded ALL expectations.  Jamie, Phillips, Matt Phillips, Stephen Harris & Lyndsay Shepherd headed south of the border to compete in the Singles, Pairs and Triples.  Jamie won his section of the Singles, whilst Matt got pipped in a count back and Lyndsay and Steve, well they didn't fare as well as the young guns.  The pairs didn't bring a lot of joy either, so Lindsay headed back home and left the others to contest the Triples.

They won their section and wondered how good is this.  They had a look at the draw from there on in and thought we have nothing to lose.  Up against Australian & O/S Reps in the early post sectional rounds they simply did what was required and kept flying under the radar.  In the last 8 they were up against the POMS who were out here warming up for the Moama International.  Then next victims were the KIWIS and they were in the final.  If they thought the equivalent of the Ashes and the Bledisloe Cup were easy they knew they were in for a battle with Qld versus NSW.  They stuck it up them in the first set but the wheels fell off in the second and they just petered on their run and lost the tie break.  Twas a case of so near yet so far.  But it was a huge effort to get to the final of the Australian Open.  As Ian Schuback said, it would have been write your own ticket on DAY 1.  But there is an old adage in bowls, that a Champion side will often beat a team of champions.

They even had a small cheer squad throughout the tournament which no doubt helped keep their feet on the ground and their minds on the job.  The fellas asked me to thank Bob, Julie, Glen and Trish who come down to be part of the action at the latter stages of the event. But team Guildford did good played strong and the club got many a mention in the live streaming of the even

Jamie certainly had a bumper year in 2009 which culminated in him being voted bowler of the year in 2009.  Winning the club fours (3^rd) triples(skipped) minor singles & skipped the winning minor pairs with his dad playing lead & skipped the handicap pairs to victory.  We don't stop there either.  Jamie won Zone 12  junior pairs & fours and  represented Zone 12 at both the junior & senior level.  He also represented City in City v Country juniors.  And to kick start 2010 has won the club fours(3^rd).  So beware the Pugsley.

Hot off the press, not to be outdone, Matt returned on Sunday to team up with Andrew Lawrence ( Chester Hill ) to win the Cabramatta Major / Minor pairs played Monday & Tuesday Finishing with 5 wins +40 odd out of a possible 6 wins and pickup the lion's share of the prizemoney, how good does it get.