Well done Tim!

Congratulations to Tim Toomey on reaching to the semifinals of the Wellington Open Singles today. Unfortunately Tim was beaten comfortably by Scott Roddick (Eastbourne) 8-21, but impressed with his play yesterday including wins over Victoria clubmates Laurie Guy in the second round, and Mike Cartwright in the quarterfinal. Richard Corry also made the quarterfinals before losing to Roddick by the same 8-21 scoreline.

The story below was in today’s Dominion Post (unfortunately the picture is not on the website):

Tim Toomey won’t require a note to get off work to contest the Wellington Open singles semifinals today.  The apprentice electrician not only hails from a keen bowls family but he works for his father’s business.

“Dad reckons I could do a couple of hours before I play, but that won’t be happening,” Toomey, 20, said.

Toomey (Victoria) will play Scott Roddick (Eastbourne) in one semi, with the other between Warren Linney (Stokes Valley) and Robbie Bennett (Johnsonville).  With all the big names dispatched, Toomey is a shot to pick up his first major senior title.  He considers his best result previously to be losing finalist in last year’s New Zealand Under-20 singles final.

“My (club) form hasn’t been great but I was hopeful of doing well,” he said. “If I put them (bowls) in place I’ll be a chance, I guess.”

Toomey was only ever going to play bowls.  His father, Peter, mother, Mary-Ann, and sister, Nicole, are all members of the Victoria club.  Nicole is also a member of the national under-18 squad.  Toomey, who has been playing bowls for six years, won six of his seven games at the weekend. His only defeat came in his final game at Eastbourne on Saturday when going down 21-13 to Kane Elphick.  His wins yesterday were over Laurie Guy 21-19, Tui Baker 21-13 and Mike Cartwright 21-10.