Cohuna Golf Bowls
THERE is still plenty happening at the Golf Bowls, with a big field of ladies gracing the greens on Tuesday. Winners on the day were Gwen, Margot, Pat and Joan, who rushed home excitedly to wave her winnings in front of partner Lee.
The ladies champion pairs was also completed during the week, with Rhonda Bibby and Linda McManus this year’s champions after winning a stirring game against Yvonne Eckhardt and Gwen Campbell. Yvonne also featured again, as with husband Ron, they combined to win this year’s Mixed Pairs title from Craig Whittaker and Gwen Campbell.
On Wednesday night the curtain came down on a most successful night series. The top four grand final could not have been closer, finishing after 14 ends in a draw. The extra end saw Gary Valentine (s), Bernie Mawson and Jean Sutherland take the honours from the side of Ken Hocking.
Max Simonds defeated Mal Appleby 14-8 to win the second four title, while in pick-up games, Neil Simmonds, Kirsty Cramer and Steve Henty won the nightly trophies. Well done to Tucker and helpers for their organisation, and Irene for presenting Max and Lee’s supper so beautifully.
With no pennant, our Thursday pairs numbers are nearly at capacity, with Ron Eckhardt and Julie Howarth winning the day. The repechage poultry went to Jon Henty and Ian Morrison, while the big news was that the jackpot of $190 went off. Frank and Phil had had an ordinary day to say the least, with a total score of minus 12, but didn’t they brighten up when that number was drawn out. Well done, and back to $20 this week.
Lots of tournaments around at present, with members using events at Quambatook and Wakool to tune up for Bendigo Country Week, which begins shortly.
Peter Bibby, John Keely and Mick Carmody took the Wakool Skins cash after two playoffs, while Ron Eckhardt and Pat Quinn won the tournament at Quambatook after a countback from a Barham pair. Cohuna Golf to the fore in all directions.
Pairs again on Thursday, with a Leitchville tournament to attend on Sunday.
Kerang Golf Bowls
THE final night of barefoot bowls was played last Wednesday night in cooler conditions, with all players enjoying the night.
Being the last night, we had a mini finals series with teams pitted against each other, with regard to ladder positions. This led to an exciting finish to the season, with the Royal Hotel team coming from third position on the ladder to win convincingly in both their games. They finished on top of the ladder and the inaugural winners of the Ian “Squizzy” Taylor Memorial Shield.
Congratulations to the Rob Fisher led team of Paul Saunders, David “Rat” Conlan and Frank Boxshall. The shield was presented to the team by family members, son Robert “Fonzy” Taylor, daughter Lisa and grandson Zac.
The night’s winners were also the Royal Hotel team with 33 points and 21 shots up, on a countback from Crackerjacks, who finished 16 up. Team members, Aaron Lancaster, Heath O’Brien, Mick Fisher and Brian “BT” Taylor had to settle for runners up. The Royal Hotel team will be dining on Choice Cut Butcher’s product during the week.
The encouragement chocolates were won by Lions, led by Peter Niall, Tony Pearson, John Murphy and “Tige” Neville. Final ladder positions were Royal Hotel 173, Hayes Real Estate, 171, The Lloyds 164, Crackerjacks 137, McKnight and Bray 134, Taylor Ashton painting 127, Lions 119, Hirdy’s Buslines 108, Kerang Mechanical 105, Spinsky Mac 101, The BAND 98 and Duckworth King 75.
Thursday bowls was again played in sunny conditions and 15 players participated. Winners were Noel Robertson and Allison Medson with two wins and 11 shots up, from Laurie Gray and “Curly” Curtis with two wins and 10 shots up.
Encouragement chocolates went to Dale Spinks and Marlene Rawson.
On Saturday, social bowls was won by Jim Richards, Marlene Rawson and Trevor Linton. Social bowls will continue each Thursday and Saturday, with a 12.45pm assembly and 1pm bowl. Teams are drawn each day.
Members are reminded that our Anzac Day Triples is the next tournament we will conduct, so start organising your team. Kerang also have their tournament happening over Easter, so there is still plenty of bowls action in the area.
Quambatook
THE Labour Day Tournament was held over the long weekend. The Pairs event was held on Sunday, and two teams won their four games for the day.
After a countback, the winners were Ron Eckhart and Pat Quinn from Cohuna Golf Bowls Club, runners up were Rod Kendall and Ian Fasham from Barham. The Triples event was to be held yesterday.
Next Saturday is the grand final of the Tyrrell Playing Area, and in Division 1, Quambatook is playing off against Birchip in a repeat of last year’s final. In Division 2, Birchip play Sea Lake. The games are being played at Sea Lake.