Two Australian lawn bowlers have been handed lengthy suspensions after sparking an all-in brawl during a top-level match in Bendigo. Leigh Thurwood was banned until the end of November for punching Tim Arnold in the face during a preliminary final on March 5, following a Bowls Victoria disciplinary hearing in Melbourne.
Arnold was also suspended until the end of October for making unnecessary contact with Thurwood. It is believed Arnold bumped Thurwood while celebrating a delivery by running down the rink, jumping over bowls and high-fiving teammates. Thurwood allegedly retaliated with a blow to Arnold's head, reportedly causing a cut in his mouth.
The incident triggered a melee involving players from both sides, delaying the game between Bendigo and Eaglehawk for at least 15 minutes. “Bowls Victoria cannot and will not condone this type of behaviour,” chief executive Graeme Bridge said. “If you step over the line, you do the time.”
Arnold's Bendigo went on to win the match and play in the grand final, which they lost. The suspensions mean the pair cannot set foot on a bowling green anywhere in the world, but with the local competition not resuming until September, they will effectively miss only four or eight weeks of club action. Both pleaded not guilty to charges including acting in a threatening and intimidating manner and bringing the sport into disrepute, but were found guilty by the disciplinary committee.
