SPECTATORS at Saturday’s Northern District bowls preliminary finals at Barham’s Riverdome were treated to three great contests, as clubs vied for a spot in this week’s grand finals.
With heat a concern on the outside carpet, Division 3 played under cover early and enjoyed near-perfect conditions. Kerang 4, much to the delight of manager Merv Tilley, finished too strongly for hometown rivals Kerang Golf. All three rinks won, two by a single shot, but with Helen McBain having a big victory the result was never in doubt.
The Division 2 match between Cohuna Golf and Barham was all about the Charlie Bagg rink.
In great form himself, Bagg led his troops to an impressive 13-shot victory, Vic Kendall added to that tally, and although Cohuna Golf’s David Orr rink had a handy six-shot win, the overall margin could not be reduced enough.
Golf’s season is now over, very commendable after fielding two sides in this division, while Barham proceed to the grand final.
The Division 1 game had all the trappings of a major event, with live television streaming, and spectators packed into every available space.
Golf began with Gary Easton skipping his rink, replacing a hospitalised Bluey Fletcher. Barham began well, establishing a commanding lead, and it was not until the 45th of the mandatory 63 ends that the Golf unit threw out a challenge.
With Harrison Keely keeping a lid on the rarely beaten Harker side, the other two played with increasing confidence, establishing a narrow lead that was maintained until the end.
