Bob Jackman (going for his fourth straight NSW title) was pipped at the post by John Barker. The 22nd game was the decider with John winning by 4 points. John (a Sydney cab driver) went out with TAXI leaving him 6 points short. Then he noticed that the 'flag fall' on the clock had cost Bob the championship. It was JB's first major title and it was a popular win.
Some unusual words played were BEVOMIT, LOVEBUG and POLONIUM. Jackman's 665 was a high-score record for this event. I had a patchy tournament myself losing a bunch of rating points into the bargain (laboriously acquired over the preceding 6 events). I think I shoulda gone surfing in Shell Harbour instead.
Koala
Results:
MASTERS 1. John Barker 19 wins 1394 margin $400 2. Bob Jackman 18 wins 1693 $200 3. Joan Rosenthal 17 1346 $100 4. Rod Talbot 15 1016 $50 5. Alistair Kane 15 992 $20 6. Barbara Berlin 15 822 7. John Holgate 13 1475 8. Jean McGiffen 13 597 9. Gloria Gallagher 13 146 10. Peter Shaw 11.5 483 11. Peter Tobler 11.5 112 12. Sue Kyatt 11 -246 High Game: Bob Jackman 665 High Word: Sue Kyatt 122 (SNOOPIER) ADVANCED 1. Ann Drew 15 1128 $250 2. Rober Tomkins 15 755 $125 3. Ethel Collins 14 853 $75 4. Graeme Lock Lee 13.5 881 $40 5. Hanne Marks 13.5 498 $20 High Game: Tim Reddan 540 High Word: Tim Reddan 149 (STAGIEST)