The Port Douglas Diva’s demolished the competition last Friday in the annual Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) North Queensland Barefoot Bowls Day at the West Cairns Bowls Club.

The only team from the Port Douglas Daintree region to compete in a field of 16 teams, the four women, from four different local businesses, took out the grand prize in stunning form, beating the reigning champions of two years running in what was described as a “movie finish”.  

“I was so nervous”, Kirsten Taylor of Tropical Journey’s commented on the seconds prior to her final bowl which secured the win for the team, “We just cannot believe we won!”

Returning to the green two years after a play off for last place, the Port Douglas Diva’s – Tara Bennett from Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, Za Harricharan from Skysafari, Kirsten Taylor from Tropical Journeys and Natalie Johnson from Flames of the Forest, secured a one hour power coaching session at the Mossman Bowling Club the night before the game with a local bowler which gave them the confidence to give the final all they had.

“It was the little tips we got which helped us, like making sure we didn’t bowl “skinny”,” Tara said.  

“We were all cheering each other on no matter what – we had a great time, and for amateurs we did well!” Za added.

And for next year? Natalie laughed, “I think the boys thought it was a bit of a fluke, but we will be there next year to defend the title – the event is a fantastic day and a lot of fun is had.”