Newdegate foursome, including Australian cricket star Brad Hogg, come runner-up at Albany Bowling carnival

A Newdegate foursome, including Australian cricket star Brad Hogg, finished second in the Middleton Beach Bowling Club’s split fours carnival last week in Albany. Hogg played with his cousin Peter Walker from Newdegate along with Harry Rick and Tim Adams as they finished second to a group from Denmark, and Esperance rounded out the podium Twenty-two teams from across WA took part in the two-day competition that attracted 88 players. Teams of four were made up from Albany, Denmark, Walpole, Mt Barker, Cranbrook, Frankland River, Green Range, Gnowangerup, Safety Bay, Esperance, Newdegate, Kukerin and Lake Grace. Hogg, who plays bowls at Manning, said it was fantastic to get out to the country and play with his cousin. Before going on to becoming an international cricket star, Hogg was born in Narrogin and raised in Williams. “I have a cousin who lives in Newdegate and he comes down to the city and plays bowls,” Hogg said. “I’m going to try and get out to the country and play in a couple of these tournaments, it’s good fun and it’s very tactical. “I’m still bowling but I just don’t have a batsmen, those precious batsmen at the other end to contend with.” Denmark quartet Ashley Cooper, Keith Manton, Ross Hogben and Craige Carter walked away victorious while Barry Wroth, Dave Everrett, Kevin Searle and Graham Henderson made up Esperance’s team that finished third. Mid Beach captain Wayne Cooper said it was great to have Hogg play in the tournament. “It was a very successful carnival and the best one I have been involved with in four years,” Cooper said. “I think this was due to Hoggy ... , it was fantastic he is a nice guy and 78 people stayed behind that night because of him.”