A VERY wet week forced the cancellation of Thursday bowls, along with a major disruption to the golf club’s pro-am tournament. They did well to wind it up on the following day, hopefully better luck with this great event next year.
We proceeded towards our opening day with fingers crossed and, although cold, the day went off very well. A full green of 14 sides supported our club and sponsors Mawsons, with visiting sides from Barham, Gunbower, Cohuna and Kerang.
Last year’s lady champion Yvonne rolled the first kitty, and our newest life member John Brown bowled to it, starting a new season.
With quick greens it was locals who adapted best, with the winners being Lee and Jean Sutherland, teaming with John Prout and Elaine Bartram. They were the only three-game winners. Runners-up were Pat Quinn and Cohuna members Noel Hosking, Kerry Ballard and Kaye Currie. With lots of novelty prizes, many of those attending went home with a souvenir.
Our pin-up boy Rodney Fletcher was en route from Perth where he was an integral part of the Victorian arm-bowlers side, which won the Australian championship for the third year in a row. He does Northern District and Cohuna Golf bowls proud and let’s hope his great form continues into the coming Pennant season.
Jackpot pairs will be played this Thursday, although coming with a weather warning, followed by a practice match against Cohuna on Sunday. This starts at 1pm, with Pat Quinn still collecting names.
Anyone anxious to play in the 60-and-over singles is reminded that entries (to Yvonne) close this Thursday.
KERANG GOLF
AT the annual general meeting, held after Opening Day social bowls on Sunday, Gary Borg was elected to a third term as president. Gary has led the club through the difficult pandemic times and sees a positive future for the club with the appointment of our own greens curator. Members were congratulated for their support over the past 12 months, with special emphasis on the Division 3 team who made the preliminary final and the Midweek Division 2 team who were again runners-up in their grand final. Numerous members have volunteered their time, doing the little things that keep the greens, buildings and surroundings in good condition and all were thanked for their contribution to our club. Financially, the club is in a sound position with income exceeding expenditure, enabling the committee to use the modest excess for the benefit of members and visitors.
Graeme Hayes was re-elected to the position of vice-president, Judy McKerrow continues as secretary, and Ken Pay, Laurie Gray, Noel Robertson, Rob Fisher, Jim McLeish, Frank Ritchie and Howard McClelland were elected to the committee. Match committee and selection committee appointments are still being finalised. One vacancy still exists on the committee, so anyone who is interested should contact Gary.
On the bowling green, Jim Richards was honoured with sending down the first bowl of the season. It wasn’t too bad, either, Jimmy was pretty happy. We had 31 players enjoying a game before the AGM. Winners on the day were the combination of Ronnie McKerrow and Allison Medson, two wins and 19 shots up. They were a long way in front of the only other two-game winners, Mick Fisher, Marlene Rawson and Stuart Robinson, two shots up. Third place went to Carol Pay and Howard McClelland with a win and a tie and 11 shots up on a countback from three other teams with a win and a tie. Chocolates went to Laurie Gray, Aaron Lancaster and Jim Richards. Thursday bowls was washed out due to the rain, which was good for the fertiliser applied the day before.
Names are required for the Lake Boga practice game on Friday, September 23, at Lake Boga. Contact will be made with all members about their availability for all upcoming events. The Captains versus Presidents Challenge will be played on Saturday, October 1, which is only a week before the Pennant season.
LEITCHVILLE
THE club hopes members have enjoyed the winter break and looking forward to Pennant bowls, as Midweek Pennant starts on the October 5 and Saturday Pennant on October 8. Bowls practice for members, new members and barefoot bowlers is every Wednesday at 5pm. There will be a working bee on Sunday, September 18, at 11am. Call Tony Cantwell on 0419 369 821.
The club Opening Day and practice match against Gunbower at Leitchville is on Sunday, September 25. Names should in by 12.30pm for a 1pm start and pennant uniform is to be worn. Visitors are most welcome. Place names on the noticeboard list or call Graham Douglas on 0409 567 428, Tony Cantwell on 0419 369 821, or Ken Dehne on 0438 200 868. All members should bring a plate of afternoon tea.
We will have a practice match against Pyramid Hill on Sunday, October 2, at 1pm at Pyramid Hill at a cost of $5 per player, with afternoon tea supplied. Place names on the noticeboard or call selectors Ken Dehne, Hamish Hooper (0400 620 041) or Graham Wilson (0427 612 083), as teams will be picked on Wednesday, September 28. Subs are now due and can be paid to John Walters or Heather Crichton.
