Kerang Golf Bowls Notes
OUR Northern Valley team hosted Murray Downs for the first time on Saturday and were very hospitable, with the visitors winning on two rinks and an overall result in their favour. Only the Ritchie Murray rink could salvage points for Golf, with a 16 shot win and the Royal Hotel vouchers as well.
Recipients, Ritchie, Andrew Charles, Sid Hutchinson and Alan Hird will certainly enjoy the spoils offered by our sponsor. Overall, a 64/85 shot loss.
Division 2 travelled to Cohuna to take on the second placed team on the ladder, the Cohuna 2 combination and came away with a win on two rinks for a 67/51 shot win.
Greg Beck, playing on his old home green, and his rink excelled with a 15-shot win, to lead the way, with Laurie Gray also winning, by eight shots. Graeme Hayes team was level with four ends to go but couldn’t get over the line.
Division 3 were at home to top team Wakool and succumbed on all rinks.
The David Randell rink was best, after giving away a nine-shot start, fought back to go down by four. Both the Jeff Anderson and Noel Robertson teams were down by 10 shots. A 47/71 loss to the top team, but still in the top four. According to the “sore knee” skipper, this Kerang Golf team will be very competitive when the finals come around.
Our midweek teams had battles last Wednesday with Division 1 hosting Barham. Unfortunately, a couple of late outs left the team a bit undermanned, and Barham won on two rinks, with Frank Ritchie’s team managing a one-shot win for the only points for Golf.
Thanks to Sid Hutchinson and Noel Robertson who were called up very late to fill the vacancies.
Final score was Barham 65 to Kerang Golf 46.
Division 2 travelled to Barham and were beaten by the home team on both rinks. Best served was the David Randell team who went down by three shots.
Still in the top four in this division, but very little separates first from eighth, so a couple of wins will help consolidate a spot in the finals.
Our last night of Twilight Triples was played last Wednesday evening on a beautiful night for bowls. The final night always takes on a finals like format with all teams playing against their closest ladder position opposition.
The game between top of the ladder Hayes Real Estate and Team Charles was basically a grand final, with a close contest all evening.
A strong performance from the Hayes team saw them score two shots on the second last end to gain a three-shot advantage, which Team Charles could not overall on the last end.
This left Hayes Real Estate as our Twilight Triples Champions for 2024.
Well done to Graeme Hayes, Brett Hipworth and Dave Wood. Our runners-up, Taylor Ashton Painting, came from a long way back with a big win on the night to take the second place, and Eagles 44 finished third.
Many thanks to our support businesses in Kerang, Choice Cut Butchers, Hall’s Hardware and Gray’s Bakery for their help over many years of our Wednesday “Barefoot” bowls – your assistance is appreciated by the club and all the participants.
The night’s winners were The Golfers who had 31 points, to win on a countback from Eagles 44.
Well done to ex-Golf captain Jack Hewitt, Doug Meehan and Phil Lloyd who took home the Choice Cut Butchers vouchers.
Chocolates to Stace’s Mob, but again, they headed off early, so Hirdy’s Buslines accepted the sweet treats in their absence.
Our next “Barefoot” Bowls series will commence in mid-January, with the Ian “Squizzy” Taylor Memorial Barefoot Bowls series.
If you would like to take part, please get in contact with Aldo (0407 310762), president, Jim McLeish (0429 346418) or any Golf bowler and they will head you in the right direction.
A hot day on Thursday, with a few championships matches also being played, so numbers were down a bit. The winners were Howard McClelland, Craig Hicks and Dale Spinks and the chocolates went to visitors David “Jim” McGrath and Les Gibson (Quambatook) and Greg Beck.
Working Bee today – sand on the green, prior to lazering tomorrow – many hands make light work.
Also, the shades on the Westland Green will be dismantled during this time, with the new shelters being erected during this period of green renovation.
There are club matches that need to be played by this coming weekend so, please get these arranged.
Also, the 100 Up and Club Pairs draws are on the noticeboard – please check out the “play by” dates to make sure you get these matches completed by the appropriate dates.
Christmas Party is this Sunday night, and it is not too late to book, but you will have to be quick. If your name is not on the list, on the noticeboard, please do it ASAP.
Kerang Bowls Notes
IN what could only be described as uncomfortable conditions Kerang had four teams compete with three teams being away.
In the Northern Valley competition Kerang were hosted by Cohuna Golf and headed the hosts at smoko.
After smoko the the momentum swung viciously to the Cohuna Golf combination. They tightened the heads and showed why they are undefeated.
Kerang were able to scavenge a point from Wilsons draw but the other two rinks went down by 11 and 16 shots respectively with a game for second spot up for grabs against a resurgent Barham in lieu.
In the Northern District PA Kerang claimed a nice away three rinks win over Gunbower.
Orr outlasted Hogan by three shots and Hein came from behind to win by the same margin. Pay took on and defeated Davis by four shots to have the Black Ducks sitting in the four nicely.
In Division 2, we had a two rink win loss. McBain and Rosewall won by three and two shots correspondingly while the overall result decided by a 22 shot loss delivered to Marshall from McGann.
McBain skipped away to nearly be reined in and Rosewall got the winning shots on the last end in what proved to be closes games. Bones will be looking to next week to atone.
In Division 3, Kerang took on Leitchville and recorded a very solid result with a three rink win 38 shot victory. The home green advantage really was driven home in this fixture with the result keeping finals a possibility for sure. With two teams winning by double figures, it holds us in good stead.
In the Black Duck Social Triples, it was Ian Hastie, Carol Pay and Alynne Fagg who took the honours with their two wins and eight shot surplus.
In the second game the largest margin was 14 shots by Wayne Neville, Peter Waters and Ken Pay. The Jackpot remains unclaimed and sits at $120.
The Men’s Singles was played during the creation of these notes and further details will follow in the next edition of this fine editorial.
The Pairs needs some attention as there aren’t many entries. So please, if you can afford a couple of Sundays to it that would be greatly appreciated. As there are other club events nearing, it would be a good idea to run your eyes across the board in the clubrooms on the noticeboard and perhaps enter one or two.
We had a couple of birthdays in the week with Betty Jobling and Val Baker turning another year notable. Happy birthday ladies and we at the club hope it was a fabulous day for you both.
The Xmas Party will be this Saturday, and we ask that members bring a salad or sweet to share. It will start at 6.30pm and names are to be on the board beforehand. Let’s make an effort to make this a great night with plenty of laughs before Santa makes a visit.
Cohuna Golf
DESPITE threatening weather, we were able to stage our annual Nutrien hams tourney on Monday night, with great support from our members and sister clubs within the Northern District.
Proving that bowls is a game for folk of all ages, a team of young guns from Cohuna cleaned everyone up to gain first prize.
Congratulations to Zac Mitchell, Rhys Bradley, Shaun McIvor and Archie Tooley. Not far behind was Rick Parr (also Cohuna) and team.
Tuesday bowls was restricted to a few ends under dark skies, but all activity returned by Wednesday, with both midweek pennant teams at home.
Perhaps a better result would have been a washout as only Ian Morrison’s side could claim any bragging rights, the Ones down on all rinks to Cohuna, with the Twos pipped on the line by Leitchville.
Wednesday night bowls attracted some forty starters, on a great evening to be under lights.
New faces in Trevor Coburn, Wayne Dehne and Oliver Mathers scored the chocolates after a terrific performance.
The ladder rankings see David McNamara’s rink clear leaders on 30 points, from Mal Appleby 22, Max Simmonds 17, Neil Simmonds and Helen Hall both 16 and Steve Henty, Alan Cooke and Margo Henty all on 13.
Our Christmas night this week, beat Len in the fashion stakes please, with play resuming on January 15.
The depth of talent within the club was demonstrated again on Saturday, with all Divisions winning their matches, and Premiers, 1 and 2 all taking top spot on their respective ladders.
The Northern Valley match was expected to be close and was so until the halfway break. Kerang may have wilted somewhat in the heat, although Jason Wilson did well to force a draw with Jarred Hammond. Bluey home by 16 and Harrison by 11 topped off a great result.
Playing next door our Ones met Barham 3, and didn’t show our opponents the slightest bit of Christmas cheer, winning on all three rinks. Peter Bibby up 36-6, Pat Quinn 32-10 and Gary Easton 22-18 to earn valuable points and percentage.
Also at home were our Division Two, who turn on consistent performances each week. Playing Barham 4, Greg Mathers did best, up by fifteen on Gary Wishart, with Ian Morrison winning by five and Mal Appleby by two.
The Gunny Golfers hit winning form again at Pyramid Hill, with Des Keely’s rink the standout, winning 33-9. John Pearson also gained points, whilst Gary Musgrove was just tipped out. When all players are available this unit is more than capable of figuring in finals action.
Finally on Sunday, our major event, the CluBarham classic fours was played with an excellent field from far and wide.
After four games, and an excellent lunch, points were tallied to ascertain our prizewinners. The only four game winner was the team from Golden Square entered by Alan Eddy with Daryl Cheeseman skipping, ahead of the best of the threes, Wycheproof with Dale Grove up front. Third place went to perennial trophy winner in Buck Lehmann from Murray Downs.
Best wins in each round were game 1, Paul Clear (Barham) and Lloyd Ritchie (Deni) shared, game 2 Kevin Reade (Boort), game 3 Rodney Fletcher (Golf) and game 4 John Keely (also Golf).
Thanks to the greens staff, organisers Jean and Mick, and above all our wonderful caterers yet another memorable day has been completed.
Greens renovation time now, with day one on Monday, and further work to be completed as the week goes on. Please try to volunteer some of your time if possible.
Cohuna Bowls
AS of Sunday, December 8, with weather warming and holidays drawing near, there is still plenty of activity at and around our picturesque Cohuna Bowls Club.
At time of print our Men’s and Ladies Singles Finals were about to commence.
Results will be posted on the Club Facebook page and congratulations to the winners.
Monday saw our Christmas Hams Tournament with multiple delicious hams generously donated by Nutrien Real Estate going to proud winners.
SOCIAL Tuesday bowls was another fun day of bowls and getting together for members and visitors. The clear winner with two games and 50 points was the team of Marj Mooney, Jeff Gruar, Sue Burgess and Ursula Kirby.
Well played team and congratulations.
On Friday, between the 40-degree heat and the following rainstorm/cool change
The Cohuna U3A held their Christmas Luncheon in the comfort of our air conditioned Club rooms.
Congratulations to the U3A for all their fine community work as well as to our catering ladies, a lovely spread of fine foods presented once again.
Casual bowling was enjoyed later in the afternoon and our Friday night budget tea was a treat with ham, turkey, salads and more. Members and visiting RV Campers again enjoyed the night.
On December 21, our Christmas Party takes place where four huge Christmas hampers will be won.
The night, catered by Ben North Catering of Leitchville is just $30 a head.
Hamper tickets will still be available on the night and attendance is via a list in the club or through Tuesday Match Committee members.
MID WEEK PENNANT ROUND 8
(played last Wednesday, December 4.)
DIV. 1: Cohuna 1 (68 shots) Def. Cohuna Golf 1 (42 shots).
Congratulations to all three teams finishing on the plus side and contributing to the very solid win.
Mike Hofman’s Team +6, Wayne Brooks +7 and Frank Tonn +13.
We now hold two wins and 15 points above Kerang 1 with Barham 1 on third.
Division Two Cohuna 2 (50 shots), bounced back to defeat Barham 3 (28 shots).
Rick Parr’s team won by 28 shots while Noddy Hosking’s team fought to the line to
cement the return to the winner’s circle. I wish I had have put an “oxford” on them.
Nice to get the second win and we still sit ninth but gained one win on Kerang 2.
Cohuna 3 (46 shots) Def. Kerang 2 (27 shots).
A solid 19 shot win with Jeff Graur’s team at +3 and Norm Walkington’s team +16.
Jumping up to seventh place ahead of Leitchville1, we are now on the same wins as the six teams above us. In this very even division with only six rounds to go there will be nail biting a plenty as fortunes of the teams around us fluctuate with the advance of our ladder climbing.
In the words of The Great Houdini … “One Knot at a Time?”
SATURDAY PENNANT December 7
All teams were at home this round and a sausage sizzle capped off a day of fine bowling in slightly muggy but clear skies.
Division One: Cohuna 1 (72 shots) Def. Wakool 1 (43 shots) with all rinks doing well. A great result for the team as we jump to top of the ladder. Frank Tonn’s Team had a nail biting one shot victory, Jeff Reade’s team were +11 and Wayne Brooks’ Team was on fire with a +17 win.
The ladder, first Cohuna 1 W5 L2 D2, second Kerang 2 W4 L3 D2, third Wakool 1 W5 L4 D0. Great effort team.
Division Two: Cohuna 2 (51 shots) lost to Kerang Golf 2 (67 shots). Some good bowling but not enough to prevail today. Noddy Hosking’s team lost a close one by eight shots, Brandon Keely’s team went -15 while Doug Marshall’s team rallied going up by seven shots. Looking for a rebound next week.
The ladder on five wins we still sit second to Cohuna Golf with Kerang Golf 2 just behind all on five wins and a draw. Another tight competition.
Division Three: Cohuna 3 (58 shots) Def. Barham 5 (42 shots). A solid win for us today as all three rinks combined for a 16 shot win. Sue Burgess Team +4, Margaret Main Team +10 and Kaye Currie Team +2. A good, concentrated effort.
The ladder: We sit third just ahead, on less than 1 per cent to Kerang 4. We both have W5 L3 D1. Wakool 3 games ahead of us lead the field but we are climbing the ladder. After the next round we could be anywhere from second to fifth. Keep on winning and, of course, grinning.
Northern District Playing Area
Saturday Pennant
Results & Ladders as at 7/12/2024
Division 1
Cohuna Golf 2 12/90 def Barham 3 0/34
Kerang 2 12/60 def Gunbower 0/50
Barham 2 12/84 def Leitchville 1 0/27
Cohuna 1 12/90 def Barham 3 0/34
Cohuna Golf 1 69 125.80%
Cohuna 1 67 114.7
Kerang 2 61 99.55
Wakool 1 60 108.9
Barham 2 52 109.89
Gunbower 1 46 91.19
Leitchville 1 39 78.17
Barham 3 38 81.24
Division 2
Pyramid Hill 1 8/65 def Kerang 3 4/48
Kerang Golf 2 10/67 def Cohuna 2 2/51
Cohuna Golf 3 12/64 def Barham 4 0/42
Cohuna Golf 3 78 115.44%
Cohuna 2 64 106.67
Kerang Golf 2 63 111.67
Pyramid Hill 1 61 109.98
Kerang 3 30 78.87
Barham 4 28 84.57
Division 3
Gunny Golf 10/65 def Pyramid Hill 2 2/43
Cohuna 3 12/58 def Barham 5 0/42
Wakool 2 12/71 def Kerang Golf 3 0/47
Kerang 4 12/69 def Leitchville 2 0/41
Wakool 2 93 133.26%
Kerang Golf 3 67 127.15
Cohuna 3 64 114.92
Kerang 4 63 114.29
Gunny Golf 1 57 92.31
Barham 5 40 99.44
Pyramid Hill 2 25 61.84
Leitchville 2 23 72.83
NORTHERN VALLEY DIVISION
Round 9 7/12/2024
Murray Downs 1 10/85 def Kerang Golf 1 2/64
Barham 1 12/91 def Racecourse 0/58
Cohuna Golf 1 11/78 def Kerang 1 1/51
Cohuna Golf 1 90 130.09%
Barham 1 61 115.69
Kerang 1 61 102.84
Murray Downs 1 52 104.13
Racecourse 1 37 83.48
Kerang Golf 1 14 69.93
