SUCCESS: George Peterson celebrates one of his many successes in 2011. PHOTO: Ken Rainsbury

In form George Peterson grabs two championship titles

Written by By PETER HUNT.

A MONTH which saw Mansfield lawn bowler George Peterson collect not one, but two club championships, has seen him named the Mansfield Courier/Rotary Sportsperson of the Year, December nominee.

Mr Peterson, 63, has been playing bowls for some 12 years and this year, since joining Mansfield Bowls Club, he has hit a purple patch.

"I guess I have more time to practice since I retired," he said.

"And as they say, you play better when you practice."

He has been playing A2 pennant for the club, but it is his bowls on the home front that has seen him nominated.

December saw the final of the men’s singles.

In his first year at a new club and in his first singles final Peterson was described by onlookers as looking more at ease.

Starting with his tight draw bowling, he opened up a small lead, and as each end progressed he tightened his grip on the title.

Despite some late good saves from his opponent, Gunter Jarzombkowski, it was only a matter of time before George Peterson would win his first singles title 26 to 10.

The pairs final was between two teams that had never faced each other before.

Peterson had teamed up with the experienced club player Peter Roberts, against Keith Millott and Les Wood.

First to open their account was the Roberts/Peterson team with a four and by the time the eighth end had finished the match was all over bar the shouting.

Just to show that the two championships were not about luck, Peterson joined again with Peter Roberts and Kevin Nikkelson to take out the triples club championship in January.

This championship adds to other triples crowns won at his previous club.

Despite the championships and accolades, Peterson plays because "I just love the game".