Cohuna Golf
THE final week before the Christmas break was a hive of activity, commencing with the ladies wind-up on Tuesday and culminating with the Club Championship singles on Sunday.
Ladies first and the winners were Val, Helen, Noelene and Elaine in a smaller field than usual, as the majority must have been preparing for the ladies/midweek pennant luncheon to follow.
Hosted by Kimmy’s Cafe, the meal was magnificent, the presents intriguing and the jokes corny, all combining for a first-class wind-up.
Midweek pennant the following day saw the ones get home from Cohuna 2 in a nail-biter, with Pat down by six, Peter drawing and Yvonne home by nine in possibly our best conditions for the year.
Cohuna’s hospitality after the game was exceptional, thanks from all our players who enjoyed their luncheon. Midweek recommences on January 11.
Wednesday night bowls was also a gala event, with a big crowd ignoring the cold conditions. Winners on the night were Geoff Kendall, Maddy Black, Garry Valentine and Winko McLoughlan, with Maddy receiving the dress-up award as well.
Lee and Max’s supper was first class, as was the work put in to prepare it by Irene and her helpers. This popular competition also resumes on January 11.
The final round of Saturday pennant had everything, and a few more connotations one couldn’t possibly imagine. The ones hosted Leitchville, winning well on two rinks with Harrison (-7) the only loss.
Beside them our Whites played Cohuna, and after a tough battle early drew away to win convincingly on all rinks. Col Black is yet to be beaten, whilst the rinks of David Orr and Bruce Morrison are both bowling well.
Navy went across to Barham, losing Malcolm pre-match with Covid. Jeff Holloway then unfortunately suffered a severe migraine, which removed him from play, also president Tucker who withdrew to see him safely home
Thanks to substitutes Snowy and Esther all rinks continued with Doug Peace snagging a win, Bill Waters just missing out and Des Easton down a few. The Bower vouchers went to Doug Peace, Brian McLoughlan, Jean Sutherland and worthy sub Lyle Baker. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Mal and Meggs.
The threes played interstate bowls, heading off to Wakool. Despite the hosts’ warm welcomes, they were anything but friendly on the green, tipping both Rhonda and John Prout over by quite a few. Gary Musgrove gained two points for the visitors with a great display against Steve Chalmers.
Onto the Club Championship, with Gary Easton pitted against Craig Whittaker. Early spectators were treated to yet another fine barbecue meal, a follow on to the excellent spread put on for the Friday night members.
Earlier in the week Craig defeated Ian Coates in their semi, while Gary won out against current champion Jarred in a thrilling encounter.
After an evenly contested first few ends Gary maintained an impeccable line and length to draw clear of a resolute Craig.
Whenever Craig held a good shot, Gary was able to play him out, and so doing raced away to an outstanding victory, his first since 2013, but number five in total.
All that remains now is the renovation of A Green this week, with members to be aware that no greens will be prepared for play until the end of the month. Check with Bruce or Peter if you are desperate for a hitout. Merry and safe Christmas to all our members and friends, support what local tournaments you can over the break, and thanks to the Gannawarra Times for their assistance with publishing.
Kerang Golf
MERRY Christmas and a happy new year to all the readers of our notes.
The last round of Pennant in 2022 last Saturday, and the only time for the season that all our teams play at home together, and what a great day it turned out to be for the Kerang Golf Bowls teams.
In a possible history making feat all teams won, with this being the first time all teams were winners on the same day and playing at home.
Division 1 hosted Cohuna and led by Howard McClelland’s rink, won by 12 shots against Frank Tonn, and held on for a one-shot overall win, 58/57. Frank Ritchie was down by five shots against Brian Bowles and Lloyd Murray lost by five against Rick Parr. The result was not known until the last bowl was played, creating an exciting finish for the big crowd of onlookers. The McClelland rink, with Rob Fisher, Marlene Orr and Andrew Charles, were also the recipients of the Royal Hotel vouchers for this week.
Division 2 played Pyramid Hill and came out victorious with two rinks winning and the other only one shot short.
Ronnie McKerrow returned to the winners list with a nine-shot win over Jan Leed, Laurie Gray continued his good form by leading his team to a two-shot win over Lionel Mann and Peter Niall was one shot short against Marie Scott, after leading most of the afternoon.
Division 3 continued on their winning way with a 57/48 overall win against Barham 5. Judy McKerrow was the standout, winning 24/16 against Wendy Cook.
Noel Robertson led by 12 shots after 15 ends and limped over the line to win by only three shots. Rob Malseed was two shots in arrears at the finish. This division is now top of the ladder in their grade.
The Midweek Pennant team had another good win, with both rinks up, and a 58/35 overall win against Kerang. Lorraine Ritchie was a big winner 40/16 and Judy McKerrow won by one shot, 18/17.
Thursday bowls had 16 participants who enjoyed a breezy cool day.
After a three-way countback, Frank Ritchie and Craig Hicks came out on top with their two wins and 14 shots up, coupled with winning 12 ends out of 16. Craig must think his venture in to bowls has been successful, as he collects a prize nearly every time he comes to play.
Unlucky runners-up were Rob Fisher and Trevor Burmeister who also had two wins and 14 shots up, but only won 11 ends. The chocolates to Jim McLeish and Trevor Linton.
Thursday bowls will revert to Wednesday this week as members will wish to attend the funeral of new member Peter “Ted Bear” Murray on Thursday afternoon. We will all remember Ted Bear as a mate to many and a friend to all, through football, cricket, bowls and family. Condolences to the Murray family, and partner Marie, from all at Kerang Golf Bowls.
Our annual Christmas Party was held following bowls and the ladies did an excellent job catering for the 40 people in attendance.
Santa was a bit busy this year, but sent a note saying he would place our presents under the tree at our homes, instead of handing them out early at the party.
Many thanks to all who turned up and made the night a success, with special thanks to all those who helped prepare the meal and to the members who made salads.
Also, at the Christmas party, the Wheelbarrow competition was drawn and this year’s winner is John Duckworth on ticket No.3424. Congratulations John and thanks to competition organiser Carol Pay for her continued fundraising efforts for our bowling club funds. Thanks also to Hall’s Hardware for their on-going support of this major fundraiser.
The Ian Westland green is being top dressed (tomorrow) over this short break and will be out of action until mid-January. The Alec Mitchell green will be available for club matches, social bowls and roll-ups over the Christmas/New Year break, so members are encouraged to get club games completed during this time.
All the draws are now on the noticeboard, so there is no reason why matches cannot be played. Social bowls will continue over the festive season and there are tournaments in out area, if you would like to play in these events.
Leitchville
CONGRATULATIONS to winners Graeme Hayes Kerang Golf Team and runners-up Pat Quinn Team at the Leitchville Christmas Hams tournament and thanks to the sponsors C.L. King and Co.
Midweek Pennant results
Division 2 d Cohuna 45 (8 pts) to 31 (0 pts)
Suzanne Bennett d T. Hancock 26/14; Heather Crichton d B. Hildebrand 19/17.
Saturday Pennant results
Division 1 lost to Cohuna Golf 51 (2 pts) to 75 (10 pts)
Ken Dehne lost to R. Fletcher 12/31; Roma Opie d H. Keely 25/18 (this team of Roma Opie, Hamish Hooper, Don Opie and Suzanne Bennett will be dining out at the Leitchville Hotel); Tony Cantwell lost to J. Hammond 14/26.
Division 3 d Cohuna 49(12 pts) to 35 (0 pts)
Laurie Crawford d B. Hildebrand 26/15; Mal Irvine d A. Hipwell 20/11; Graham Douglas d G. McIvor 23/19.
The Club Championship Men’s Singles first and second rounds will be played on Saturday, January 7. Entries close January 7 at 9.30am for a 9.45am start. Entry sheet on noticeboard.
The Leitchville Bowls Club would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy and safe new year. On Sunday, January 8, A/C Triples at Leitchville at 12.30pm. Entries to Tony Cantwell Phone 0419 369 821.
Northern District
WEDNESDAY PENNANT
Division 1
Kerang 10/59 d Barham 2/45; Cohuna 1 10/65 d Pyramid Hill 2/45; Cohuna Golf 1 9/56 d Cohuna 2 3/53
Division 2
Leitchville 8/45 d Cohuna 3 0/31; Barham 2 8/47 d Barham 3 0/24; Kerang Golf 8/58 d Kerang 2 0/33; Cohuna Golf 6/38 d Pyramid Hill 2 2/35
LADDERS
Division 1
Cohuna 1, 68, 152.86%
Kerang, 58, 105.42%
Cohuna Golf 1, 53, 87.50%
Pyramid Hill, 52, 96.41%
Cohuna 2, 47, 84.66%
Barham, 46, 84.92%
Division 2
Barham 2, 48, 195.18%
Kerang Golf 1, 48, 157.89%
Kerang 2, 40, 133.96%
Cohuna Golf 2, 36, 100.00%
Leitchville, 32, 83.08%
Cohuna 3, 30, 80.92%
Pyramid Hill 2, 28, 33.77%
Barham 3, 26, 62.67%
SATURDAY PENNANT
Division 1
Cohuna Golf 10/75 d Leitchville 2/51; Barham 8/59 d Wakool 4/58; Kerang Golf 8/58 d Cohuna 4/57; Gunbower 10/60 d Kerang 2/55
Division 2
Kerang Golf 2 10/68 d Pyramid Hill 1 2/58; Kerang 2 12/60 d Barham 2 0/47; Cohuna Golf 2 12/80 d Cohuna 2 0/43; Barham 3 10/63 d Cohuna Golf 3 3/48
Division 3A
Leitchville 12/69 d Cohuna 3 0/45; Wakool 2 10/75 d Gunny Golf 2/34; Barham 4 10/70 d Kerang 3 2/52
Division 3B
Kerang 4 12/79 d Pyramid Hill 2 2/34; Kerang Golf 3 10/57 d Barham 5 2/48; Cohuna 4 12/15 bye
LADDERS
Division 1
Barham, 76, 124.43%
Cohuna Golf, 74, 111.71%
Kerang Golf, 71, 122.12%
Cohuna, 64, 101.45%
Kerang, 58, 126.67%
Wakool, 51, 90.74%
Gunbower, 47, 83.67%
Leitchville, 39, 61.23%
Division 2
Kerang 2, 78, 118.59%
Barham 2, 75, 125.99%
Cohuna Golf 2, 72, 125.65%
Cohuna 2, 58, 96.57%
Barham 3, 57, 91.83%
Kerang Golf 2, 50, 77.66%
Pyramid Hill 1, 47, 85.94%
Cohuna Golf 3, 46, 90.42%
Division 3A
Barham 4, 85, 152%
Wakool 2, 73, 121.80%
Leitchville 2, 68, 108.82%
Kerang 3, 57, 96.00%
Cohuna 3, 49, 92.98%
Gunny Golf, 28, 56.50%
Division 3B
Kerang Golf 3, 78, 124.88%
Kerang 4, 76, 119.91%
Barham 5, 74, 129.57%
Pyramid Hill 3, 66, 85.45%
Cohuna 4, 44, 70.22%