PENNANT bowls might be on hiatus as towns deal with floodwater, but that hasn’t stopped members gathering to keep their minds active and distracted.
Many present for intra-club social bowls were front and centre in the 2011 flood response, but a new army of younger volunteers has been a relief for many bowlers in the district.
Weekend action has been on pause for the past fortnight, and when play resumes is anyone’s guess.
Cohuna Golf
More stops and starts than a Bourke Street tram this week, with the net result showing that not much happened.
The Tuesday ladies couldn’t get started due to the weather, and uncertainty about the Links estate, and don’t play this week in support of the Hospital Cup luncheon.
The Thursday pairs had a go, but only got through one game before rain halted proceedings.
The best team on the day were Phil McManus and Geoff Whiting, while the consolation, on a draw of the cards, went to Mike Henshaw and John Prout.
No joy with the jackpot number of minus 10, out to $90 this week.
No pennant of course and sadly the powers that be have extended the embargo on play for another week. Hopefully round six will see things recommence.
The slow-cooker tea set for Friday is still continuing, with limited spaces left. The following day selectors are running a practice match afternoon from 1.30pm. The venue is yet to be fixed, but plenty of notice will be given before Saturday.
Anyone keen to play in the Division Mixed Pairs should note entries close this weekend and they play on the 13th.
A big shout out to all those affected by the floods and well done to all our members who have helped out through labour or food donations. We trust this week has seen the worst of it.
Kerang Golf
The weather is still not very favourable, in fact it is cold for late spring. Our towns are still surrounded by flood water and the rural areas are still battling to stay as dry as is possible.
The thoughts of all are with the volunteers and emergency services who have been working tirelessly to protect houses, crops and livestock.
The Northern District Playing Area have decided that Pennant is not to resume until, maybe, round 6.
That means Midweek Pennant tomorrow and Saturday Pennant this week is cancelled.
This decision was relayed to clubs last Saturday evening, when there were thoughts (from bowlers) that Pennant games could possibly commence this week, as the weather was improving, the water levels receding a little and roads and bridges were again open. However, this was not the case.
Back to the bowls action and again, a hardy bunch of 24 bowlers turned out for the regular Thursday Social at Kerang Golf, even with the sunshine interspersed with some showers.
Thanks to all who came out to enjoy a bit of fun and bowls.
The greens were a little heavy after the rain early in the week, but congratulations to the greens staff and volunteers for getting the green ready for play.
Special thanks to cluBarham Bowls Club for the loan of their green’s mower, while ours in being repaired – very much appreciated.
At the end of two games of triples over eight ends, we had the Rob Malseed led team of Ken Pay and John Duckworth as our winners with eight shots up for their two wins.
Runners-up were Marlene Orr, Bryce McLeish and Mick Pors who won both games but only by three shots in total. Chocolates to Trevor Linton. Trevor Burmeister and Edward Fenton.
On Saturday, we had 36 players for our second Saturday without Pennant Social Bowls.
Two games of three bowl triples were completed in glorious sunshine. President Gary was in charge and by all reports, handled the extra responsibilities with aplomb.
Winners were Frank Ritchie, Marlene Rawson and “Fonzy” Taylor with two wins and five shots up, compared to three shots up from runners-up, Rob Fisher, Sonia McLeish and Jean Duckworth.
Chocolates to Jim McLeish, Kevin Chase and John Duckworth. Thanks to Rob Fisher (Royal Hotel) and Carol Pay for organising the after-game snacks, which were enjoyed by all present.
Speaking of our sponsor, it is great to see the support for the Royal Hotel Night to be held on Saturday, November 5. There is still more room.
If you haven’t put your name on the list, please do so ASAP, so we know how many we need to book for. There were a few who had a “practice” run last Saturday, along with a group of golfers.
The Men’s Club Championship draw has been done with 25 members entering our prestigious singles competition. First round games need to be played by November 27, which is plenty of time, so get in early and make sure games are completed by the due dates.
The Peg Coad Ladies Must Skip Day, which was to held last Thursday, will be played at a later date. Obviously, with the current water/flood situation still surrounding us, a decision on a date will be made when things improve in our area.
Looking forward, and hopefully all the excess water will have moved on by then, and the mosquitoes will have disappeared as well, the Kerang Golf CluBarham Star Day is gazetted for Sunday, December 4. An entry sheet will be put on the noticeboard this week, so start getting your teams organised.
Quambatook
The Tyrrell Men’s State Singles was played on Sunday. Quamby had four representatives and Mick Coleman won through to the semi-final before losing to the eventual winner, Shane Wight from Berriwillock, who defeated Kevin Reid from Birchip in the final.
Division 1 8/76 d Birchip Grey 4/65.
G.McKissack d M.Spicer 30/12.
M.Coleman d by R.Haddrick 24/25.
C. Manners d by M.Bowen 22/28.
Division 2 1/48 d by Birchip Grey 7/54.
A.Wood drew N.Fletcher 25/25.
D.Geary d by G.Smith 23/29.
