KERANG
THE Athol Stephen Classic 2 Bowl Triples was held last Monday and Tuesday with 34 teams contesting the event. There were a number of teams who cancelled their entries due to the expected high temperatures forecast for the two days that it was held. The organising committee made a number of changes to the conditions of play which allowed players to finish before the hottest part of the day and this was well received by the players.
The event was quite successful and the winners were: Malcom Williams, Charlie Boswood and Henry Boswood from Kyabram. Runners up: Rob Day, Geoff Wilson and Bruce McClymont from Inglewood. Third place: Barry Anset, Darren Anset and Phil Godkin.
The last round of Saturday pennant for the year resulted in two teams having wins and two teams loses.
The Northern Valley team recovered from a late season slump in form and defeated the previously undefeated Cohuna Golf team by 12 shots. This win has seen the team rise back into second position on the ladder, which is where they had been for the majority of the season. The two teams will face off again in the second semi-final at Cohuna next Saturday.
The Division 1 team lost to Cohuna 1 by 23 shots and the Division 2 team lost to Pyramid Hill by eight shots and both of those teams will miss any finals action this season.
The Division 3 team had an eight shot win over Barham 5. This win saw them finish third on the ladder and they will play Cohuna 3 in the first semi-final at Gunbower next Saturday.
We wish all teams playing in the finals best of luck and may their good form continue.
After play on Saturday many of the players stayed on for a pizza night and the counting of the “Players Player” Votes which saw Kerry Watts and Dale Hancock sit atop the leader board.
Some of our members have been attending various tournaments around the area which is good to see. A team will be at Gunbower on Sunday and then a team will be at Boort on Monday. There are a number of tournament flyers on the board in the clubhouse which members should try and attend.
KERANG GOLF
THE last round of Saturday Pennant has now been completed and the finals start this week. Good luck to all teams who have made finals in their respective divisions.
Our Northern Valley team travelled to Murray Downs for the second time this season, and, although winning on two rinks were no match for the Josh Thornton rink and were beaten by 20 shots overall. Again, Frank Ritchie’s rink was the leader, with a 22/16 win and Andrew Charles team won 26/22.
Division 2 had a home game against third placed Cohuna 2 and lead at every stage other than the winning post, with the lead changing, in Cohuna’s favour on the last end of the game. The Graeme Hayes rink did best, holding on to win by three shots, with Greg Beck’s team one down and Laurie Gray’s rink three down at the end. A very close game, but the Golf team improved their ladder position to top, with their one winning rink gaining the two points.
Division 3 was also at home against Pyramid Hill 2 and came away winners on all rinks. Noel Robertson’s team were the best with a 32/10 scoreline and the winners of the Royal Hotel vouchers for this week. Congratulations Noel, Rob “Curly” Curtis, Rosie Laughlin and Marlene Rawson. Division 3 has finished in second place on the ladder and now plays top team Wakool in the second semi-final at Gunbower nest Saturday.
Midweek had a week to forget very quickly, with Division 1 playing at the Riverdome and although winning on Lloyd Murray’s rink went down on the other two. With a game to go before finals, the last game will hopefully get back to that winning feeling, heading in to the to the final’s games.
Against Leitchville at their home greens, Division 2 also recorded a loss, with the consistent David Randell rink winning again, but not by enough to cover the second team’s loss.
The third night of the Ian “Squizzy” Taylor Memorial Barefoot Bowls was completed last Wednesday and again, everyone seemed to be having a great night.
Hayes Real Estate have finally got their act together, as Graeme returned to lead the team to two wins and 32 points, to take the Choice Cut Butcher’s vouchers for this week. Well done to Graeme, Travis Hipworth, David Wood and Craig Davis. The runners-up were Hirdy’s Buslines who are having a much improved season.
Chocolates to Kerang Truck Repairs, Shane Waddingham, Heath O’Brien, Mick Fisher and Shane’s Mum, Carol.
The ladder sees Hirdy’s Buslines on top with 74 points, followed by Hayes Real Estate on 72, The Lions 67 and Royal Hotel 65, round out the top four.
Thursday Social was only attended by nine members who had a quick game, to beat the heat later in the afternoon. We played three games of pairs against each team and at the completion, there was no pairing that won all their three games. So, two wins and nine shots up was enough for Laurie Gray and Craig Hicks to take the money. Chocolates to Marie Miller and Neil Paul.
The Mixed Pairs Championship was held last night, so a report will be in next week’s notes.
Coming events: Our Presentation Day and Annual General Meeting is to be held on Sunday, April 13, and our Anzac Day Triples will be Friday, April 25.
Club matches are progressing by the due dates, which is great to see. Good luck to Lloyd Murray and Carol Pay in the Champion of Champion matches to be played this coming Sunday at Kerang. Games start at 9.30am, so get down and support your champions as they battle with the Pyramid Hill champions in the first round.
COHUNA
FOR the second time in a row, following a forecast for 40+ heat, Tuesday Social Bowls was cancelled.
The weather bureau appeared to be a little off early on but were soon exonerated as the day turned into another red hot stinker.
Some hardy members still had a casual roll and the final knockout rounds of 100up were played. Rhonda Ballard and Kate Peace will play in the final.
MID WEEK PENNANT ROUND 13 (played Feb 5)
DIV1: At home, Cohuna1 continued on their inspired journey narrowly sneaking the points from the always strong CohunaGolf1.
Final score 52 to 50. Frank Tonn’s team followed last week’s fire eating performance to score a gripping one shot (17 to 16) victory. Rick Parr’s team went one better winning (16 to 14), for the mathematically minded i.e. by two shots.
Mike Hofman’s team lost 19 shots to 20 but played a pivotal role in our overall win.
Showing “Alamo-esque” grit, they held the line against the constant kitty attack of CohunaGolf1 The Hof Rink, for the second week in a row went down by one shot but again saved the day for Team Cohuna1.
Well done “Hoffers”.
THE LADDER: One round to go we are on top 12 points ahead of second place Kerang1 and cannot be overtaken. Cohuna1 W 11 L 1 D 1. Kerang1 W9 L3 D1 DIV2: Cohuna2 An anonymous team member, not authorised to speak in public, confided that this could be like the bowls version of work from home, not bad if you can get it … and you still get paid.
Cohuna2 courtesy of the bye still collected eight points from 10 shots for doing nuthin.
How good is that. Day in the pub perhaps, throw a line, whatever, cheers.
Cohuna3 meanwhile back at the grindstone, eked out five shot (34-39) victory over CohunaGolf2. Jeff Gruar’s Team played well to just go down (17-19) by two shots while The Team of Stephen Clark(sometimes known as “The Pressies”) towelled up the Golfers (22 -15). Next week both Div2 teams are at home, “3” playing PyrHill2 and “2” playing Gunny1.
Good luck to both teams and enjoy the day.
THE LADDER: With one round left Cohuna2 could best finish fifth as we are now (W5-L6-D1). Cohuna3 had an impressive jump from ninth to seventh also on 5-6-1 and considering points, could probably best finish sixth.
FRIDAY NIGHT CASUAL ROLL, BAREFOOT BOWL AND BUDGET TEA
The Bowlo precinct was alive with action throughout Friday.
There was swimming at the Apex Park Beach, “Tarzan Swinging” closer to the caravan park, Lilo Floating, the swimming pool slide getting a good workout and many displaying their skills on the lawn tennis courts. All within cooee of the bowlo, what a town.
Plenty turned up for a roll, a drink, a chat, a giggle or two and the surprise budget tea turned out to be a BBQ’ers delight followed by delicious slices and cakes courtesy of a modest member, who wishes to remain anonymous.
A good time was had by all including regular visitors Lyn, Martin and Angela, leading members of the Solo Caravaners Group.
We always welcome and enjoy your visits. Keep on trucking.
SAT FINAL PENNANT ROUND 14 (played Feb 8)
DIV1: Our No1 Team has finished top of ladder with a solid win (74-51) over Kerang2. Through the year we have gone from strength to united strength, congratulations team and good luck through the final series, as our premier standard bearers, the whole club is behind you.
Jeff Reid’s Team won by 19 shots (32-11). The Hoff steadied, down by just seven in a low scorer (11-18) “The RParrers won the lollies by nine.
Well done “No1”, we love you more than can be respectfully displayed in public. THE FINAL LADDER: Cohuna1 9-3-2 Wakool1 9-5-0 CohunaGolf2 9-5-0 Barham2 7-6-1.
DIV2: Our No2 Team after a hard fought one point win (52-51) over KerangGolf2 we make the finals in third place all equal on wins but just separated by points from 1st and 2nd “Noddy’s Team” led the way (19-16) with a 3 shot win.
Brian Main’s with a nail biter (18-19) one point win.
Doug Marshall’s Team held on to just go down by 3 (17-14) but also cement our great overall win.
An impressive three rink effort, well done all.
THE FINAL LADDER: KerangGolf2 9. 4. 1 113points CohunaGolf3 9. 4. 1 112points Cohuna2 9. 4. 1 105points Pyramid Hill1 8. 6. 0 81points DIV3:
Our No3 Team may have taken their foot off the pedal just a little too early as they succumbed to a rampaging Gunny Golf1 (56-63) by seven shots.
The Pressies rink led by S. Clark had a big win of five delicately navigated shots, (22- 17) but not enough to compensate for losses by Trevor Allen’s team (five shots) and Norm Walkington’s seven shots.
It was a fine day of bowling and see-sawed all day and while not finishing with a win we have had the years fine bowling and commitment rewarded with a finals berth.
Congratulations to all.
THE FINAL LADDER: let’em roll. Wakool2 13-0-1 Kerang Golf3 10-4-0 Kerang4 9-4-1 Cohuna3 6-7-1.
COHUNA GOLF
A GOOD turnout of ladies on Tuesday despite the heat, with triples the choice of the match committee. Winners on the day were Linda McManus, Helen Hall and Rhonda Bibby.
Midweek pennant followed the next day, with the Ones playing the top side Cohuna in town. After a terrific battle all day, our three rinks were so close to causing a major upset, but after all scores were tallied we had missed out by just two shots. First time at the helm Phil McManus guided his rink to a one shot victory, with Yvonne going down by one, and Peter by two.
Division Two also played Cohuna at home and were also so close to a victory. Irene down by seven against President Steve, whilst Ian Morrison snagged a two shot victory over Jeff Gruar.
Both teams finish up for the season after this week’s games, but neither has been disgraced over the fourteen rounds, just missing out on finals. Hopefully both will finish the year off with more match points this week.
Wednesday night bowls played their penultimate round last week, with one further round to go before finals begin. Winners were Len Mathers along with Tim Johnson and those terrors from Kerang, Andrew and Jordan. Well done to you all. The ladder sees Dave McNamara with a firm grip on top spot, but the make up of the final four will depend greatly on this week’s games. Second is Mal Appleby on 38, from Max Simmonds 34, Steve Henty 30 and Margot Henty also 30. Hard on their heels is Helen Hall 29, Alan Cooke 26 and Neil Simmonds 25.
Thursday pairs saw visitors from Cohuna and Gunbower swelling the field, with Craig Whittaker and Lyle Baker taking top honours. Runners-up were Pat Quinn and Ursula Kirby.
Thanks to our regular greens’ helpers, we managed to groom and condition A green satisfactorily also on Thursday, despite a power cut. We now know that a camping generator will drive the greens equipment. Thanks Phil! This should now carry us through to when we stage a midweek final in late February.
Pennant results on Saturday saw, horror of horrors, a loss to the Northern Valley group, their first of the year. Better now than in the finals seems to be the general opinion, although the way Kerang played showed them approaching top form with the semis only a week away. Harrison got back on the winning list, albeit by just two, with Jarred down by three and Bluey a sizeable eleven. Losses of big numbers across all cards bears attention. The Bower vouchers went the way of Harrison, Col Barton, Col Black and Frank Trezise.
Division One fared better, home to Leitchville. After honours were shared up to the break, all rinks got right away to win by 17 (Peter) 13 (Gary) and 11 (Pat). With the finals scheduled for Barham, both this group and the Threes are heading across to the carpet on Friday for a practice session at 4.30. Players will be notified of travel arrangements. They will play Barham 2 in the first semi-final.
Division Three finished the home and home games on a bit of a downer, losing all rinks to a fired up Barham side, by a total of seventeen shots.
Nevertheless they still hang on to second possie, and will play Kerang Golf in the semi this week. It’s a neutral venue for both clubs, with our teams bound to bounce back.
It’s been a while coming, but our combined group of Gunny Golfers cracked it for a great win to finish the year off, ultimately finishing in fifth position. With John Prout and Des Keely winning their rinks, opponents Cohuna 3, fourth on the ladder, couldn’t bridge the gap against a resolute J.D. Pearson. Thanks to all who contributed by filling in when needed, and to manager Tucker who was able to get a side on the track each week.
On the home front we are running the popular twilight mixed fours this Sunday, with Jean Sutherland looking for a few more entries please. It’s a five o’clock start with a high tea to follow. The final of the ladies pairs is set for Tuesday alongside the regular pickup games, with the men’s pairs still a fair way off the pace as are some of the other events.
Pennant players at Barham, partners and friends are all welcome to adjourn to the Royal on the corner after their games on Saturday, just let team managers know well in advance to confirm our booking.
QUAMBATOOK
WHILE our Div 1 side missed the finals after losing the last home and away match, Div 2 finished in second place and played Sea Lake in the second semi final on Saturday.
Quamby led for most of the match and were 10 shots up at lunch but Sea Lake gradually pegged them back and hit the front with just a few ends to go.
In the finish it was a win to Sea Lake by two shots and they go into the Grand Final while Quamby will play Birchip Grey in the preliminary final at Birchip next week.
In The Div 1 finals Birchip Grey defeated Sea Lake and go into the Grand Final and Berriwillock defeated Birchip Maroon to go into the Prelim next week against Sea Lake.
The Labour Day Tournament is coming up soon, Pairs on the Sunday 9th and Triples on the Monday 10th March.
NDPA
Results & Ladders as at February 8, 2025
Division 1
Cohuna Golf 2 12/78 def Leitchville 1 0/37
Barham 2 12/66 def Gunbower 1 0/47
Cohuna 1 10/74 def Kerang 2 2/51
Wakool 1 12/94 def Barham 3 0/38
Cohuna 1 115 123.75%
Wakool 1 104 112.75
Cohuna Golf 2 101 115.40
Barham 2 88 112.98
Kerang 2 70 91.62
Leitchville 1 66 85.17
Barham 3 50 74.79
Division 2
Pyramid Hill 1 8/65 def Kerang 3 4/57
Cohuna 2 10/52 def Kerang Golf 2 2/51
Barham 4 12/65 def Cohuna Golf 3 0/48
Kerang Golf 2 113 133.84%
Cohuna Golf 3 112 113.09
Cohuna 2 105 113.23
Pyramid Hill 1 81 99.29
Barham 4 55 84.39
Kerang 3 38 71.20
Division 3
Gunny Golf 10/63 def Cohuna 3 2/56
Kerang Golf 3 12/80 def Pyramid Hill 2 0/33
Kerang 4 10/67 def Barham 5 2/55
Wakool 2 10/60 def Leitchville 2 2/56
Wakool 2 145 139.49%
Kerang Golf 3 113 130.97
Kerang 4 105 114.23
Cohuna 3 80 100.53
Gunny Golf 1 73 88.48
Barham 5 67 103.27
Leitchville 2 62 89.51
Pyramid Hill 2 27 55.23
NORTHERN VALLEY DIVISION
Murray Downs 1 8/80 def Kerang Golf 1 4/60
Racecourse 1 10/68 def Barham 1 2/66
Kerang 1 10/76 def Cohuna Golf 1 2/64Cohuna Golf 1 139 133.90%
Kerang 1 90 97.60
Murray Downs 86 103.84
Barham 1 84 112.04
Racecourse 1 79 93.59
Kerang Golf 1 26 70.67
