Kerang Golf
Saturday Pennant saw two teams at home, with the Northern Valley team taking on the top team, Cohuna Golf and Division 3 playing against Cohuna 3.
The Division 1 team had a tough day against the undefeated ladder leaders, with two rinks down by substantial amounts. The other match between first time skipper, Andrew Charles and Harrison Keely went down to the wire with young Andrew drawing a telling second shot, with his last bowl, on the last end to edge clear of his opponent by that one solitary shot, with the score being 24/23 in Charles’s favour.
Both Frank Ritchie and Dallas Mathers had tough afternoons against the leaders of the competition.
Division 2 headed over the river to tackle Barham 4 at the Riverdome and came back victorious on all rinks.
Greg Beck led the way with a 21 shot victory, Graeme Hayes was eight shots up at the finish and Laurie Gray saluted by seven shots.
Overall a 87/51 shot victory. This team is now in second position on the ladder and is only one point behind ladder leaders, Cohuna Golf 3.
Division 3 hosted Cohuna 3 and ended up with wins on all rinks, although Gayle Anderson threatened to spoil Uncle Jeffrey’s day by bowling well in their close loss.
David Randell and team continue on their winning way and again have picked up the Royal Hotel vouchers for their 33/7 shot win. Well done to David, Judy McKerrow, Trevor Linton and Craig Hicks.
Noel Robertson’s team continues to play well and finished 10 shot winners.
Howard McClelland was three shots in front at the completion of his game with Norm Walkington, but the major interest was whether Jeffrey Anderson could match it with his nephew’s wife, Gayle. All in good fun and Uncle Jeff “shouted” Gayle at the end of a close encounter.
This team now sits in second position on the ladder, with the final two rounds to play.
Midweek Pennant had a win in Division 1 against Cohuna Golf and a close contest against Gunbower, in Division 2, going down by one shot overall. The Division 1 team was well served by the Jimmy McLeish rink who prevailed by six shots.
Lloyd Murray’s team played a tie and Frank Ritchie was down by two.
Overall, a four shot win and valuable points, in relationship to the ladder.
Division 2 had a close loss to Gunbower, with the David Randell rink continuing its winning run, having a 15 shot margin at the completion.
However, this was not enough to cover the Marlene Rawson skipped team that went down by 16.
Our first night of the Ian “Squizzy” Taylor Memorial Barefoot Bowls was held last Wednesday, with 12 teams entered.
The winners on the night were Stace’s Mob with 31 points. Well done to Terry Stacey, Barry Gladman, Mark the Postie and John Lynch – you are the recipients of the Choice Cut Butcher’s vouchers for this week.
Runners-up were Kerang Truck Repairs, led by Shane Waddingham, with Heath O’Brien, Mick Fisher and “new” recruit, Stuart Robinson.
Chocolates to Andy Jeffs, Tony Newstead, Dean “Swooper” Moore and John “Digger” Peck.
Thursday Social had a few less players with the Ladies playing their 100 Up games in the morning.
However, there were enough to make up six pairs and the winners were Laurie Gray and Marie Miller, who were the only two game winners.
Runners-up were Noel Robertson and Trevor Linton, with the chocolates to Ken Pay and Bryce McLeish.
The Men’s Club Championship is now at the play-off stage after Dallas Mathers defeated Jimmy McLeish and Lloyd Murray defeated Rob Fisher last Friday evening.
Good luck to both players, both of whom have never won a Club Championship.
The game will be played this Friday afternoon, commencing at 4pm.
Members are invited to come along and watch.
What a great event our Australia Day Triples has become.
The delicious lamb burgers before play make for good conversation and a great start to the event on Australia’s Day of Celebration.
Sponsored by our local Ford Dealer, Arnoldt and Greenwood Pty Ltd, this event has stood the test of time since it started many years ago, and has been held on January 26th, even when there wasn’t a public holiday for the event.
Arnoldt and Greenwood have been the sponsors every year since and many thanks are extended to Jason and the Greenwood family for their continued support of this important event.
Hayes Real Estate has come on board recently as a secondary sponsor, mainly contributing to the purchase of the lamb burgers, so special thanks to Graeme and his team, as well.
After the three games, it was surprising that only one combination had won all games, as after two rounds there were five teams vying for the top prize, with two wins each.
The Barham combination of Gary Cook, David Potter and Charlie Bagg were heralded as winners after their successful day, as they were the only three game winner.
In his acceptance speech, Gary Cook congratulated the Kerang Golf Bowls Club for their conduct of the tournament and the fun atmosphere they always convey.
The runners-up prize was awarded to the best of the two game winners and that was the Beck team of Craig and Bernie Beck (Kerang Golf) together with cousin Noel from Kyneton who had 56 points and 15 shots up to win on a count back from the Cohuna Golf team of Pat Quinn, Bruce Morrison and Mick Carmody also totalling 56 points, but only 10 shots up, so third place to that team.
The best last game score was also a tie, and with 11 shots up, the Charlton team of Ken North, Gary Bateson and Richard Porter took home the consolation prize.
Chocolates to Carmen and Joe Gauchi and Mari Miller.
This Australia Day tournament continues to attract a full field and is a great way to celebrate our national day with a BBQ and beer and a game of very friendly bowls.
Thank you to all who supported our Australia Day Triples on Australia Day – January 26th.
Reminders – Our Royal Hotel night is on this coming Saturday night – please put your names on the list to tell the organisers that you are coming.
Also, the Mixed Pairs Entry Sheet is also looking for names.
This event is held on Monday, February 10, with a 5.30pm start.
Cohuna
Last Sunday, January 19, saw Cohuna Bowls host our Star The tournament is generously sponsored by Terry White Chemmart, Cohuna.
Special appreciation goes to the many club volunteers who worked to make the day so successful, particularly Rick Parr and his tournament team as well the volunteers who had the surrounds of the club, the greens, the catering and bar all up to tip top standard as usual.
The overall winners from Wakool were Lyn McNaul, S. Mills, C. Mills and S. McNaul.
Congratulations, a two family combo ….. Well done.
Tuesday social bowls, January 21.
Good news and bad news. Bad news … event was cancelled due to 42 degree heat. Good news … membership count still same as day before Tuesday.
Mid week Pennant Round 11, played January 22.
Our Pennant Teams proudly posed pre-game for a group photo (see FB page) modelling our outstanding new club shirts.
Whilst the garment is a comfortable light weight and easily maintained modern fabric, an additional feature is that the design has two pockets in which, apart from bowling accessories, also serve to carry loose currency that can be tendered over the bar after a hot day on the rinks – what a top idea.
DIV 1: Hosting Pyramid Hill, Cohuna 1 produced a solid team effort to win well on all three rinks.
Team 1 of Wayne Brooks won 19 shots to 13.
Team 2 of Frank Tonn won 28 to 18.
Team 3 of Mike Hofman won 30 to 15.
THE LADDER: We still lead the competition with a two game lead over “Kerang1” and back to a three game lead over “Barham1”.
Next week (round12) will see us tussle with second placed “KerangGolf1”, then only two more rounds to go.
DIV2: A battle royale took place for bragging rights and as predicted, in a very tight contest, we saw a home team win.
“Cohuna2” defeated “Cohuna3” by just nine shots, 46 to 35.
Heads were all down during the bowling but smiles all around afterwards in the club. Good competitive bowling everyone.
Jeff Gruar’s “Cohuna3” defeated Barbara Hildebrand’s “Cohuna2” 21 shots to 19.
Noddy Hosking’s “Cohuna2” defeated Norm Walkington’s “Cohuna3” 27 shots to 14.
Two very even club teams each winning one rink, but “Cohuna2” took the bickies overall and well done.
The ladder: “KerangGolf2” lead four teams on six wins, “Cohuna2” follow on five wins, “Cohuna3” have four wins.
With three rounds to go, the final four is far from certain.
Next week (Round 12), “Cohuna3” play third placed “Gunny1” and “Cohuna2” play the leader “KerangGolf2”. Might be some ladder position changes.
Friday night casual roll and barefoot bowl:
As is the case more often than not, another beautiful late afternoon come early evening night at Cohuna Bowls Club. Locals and visitors enjoyed a roll, a drink, a two course budget tea all with the friendly crack and companionship of our “Bowlo”.
Returning caravaners Wendy and Russell from historic Williamstown enjoyed the night just as much this time as when they last visited two years ago.
The super delux hotdogs were a winner but the yummy crumble and ice cream was out of this world.
Saturday Pennant Round 12 (played January 25)
DIV 1: “Cohuna1” our leading team is still leading the comp and going from strength to strength.
It is terrific to see them playing with confidence and getting good wins.
This round we were host to “Barham2” and were victorious with 69 shots to 35.
All rinks were in positive territory and saw Team 1 of Mike Hofman win 18 to 13.
Team 2 of Rick Parr win 20 to 10.
Team 3 of Jeff Reade win 31 to 12.
Next week we look forward playing “Gunbower1” at Gunny.
The Ladder: We sit top (7W-3L-2D) but just two drawn games ahead of next three teams.
We all have seven wins but the three teams below all (7W-5L-0D).
DIV 2: A big win over “Kerang3” 97 to 45 shots and 12 valuable points.
All rinks had solid but hard fought wins producing a great team effort.
Team 1 of Noddy Hosking led with a 38 to 16 result.
Team 2 of Geoff McIvor was on fire with 34 shots to 10.
Team 3 of Doug Marshall rounded out with a top 25 to 19 shot victory as well.
The Ladder: Much the same positions as last week but consolidating our third position on eight wins which is equal to “KerangGolf2” and “CohunaGolf3” above us.
The three of us are only separated by five points, the suspense is almost too much and next week we play “CohunaGolf3” at home. Let the good times roll.
DIV3: “KerangGolf3” won the day 75 shots to 26.
A tough day in the office for “Cohuna3” being defeated on all three rinks and of course soundly overall.
Jeff Gruar’s rink lost by 10 shots, Norm Walkington’s by just three and sadly Stephen Clark’s rink copped a 26 shot loss.
Our winning ways may have taken a short detour, but we look forward to rebounding with renewed vigour next week at Leitchville against their No.2 side.
The Ladder: Our nearest rivals jumped a game up on us today including “Kerang4” which relegated us from third to fourth.
position. Hopefully with a win next week we can bounce back.
Cohuna Golf
Our social Tuesdays began the week’s bowls, with a mixture of pairs and triples.
Mary and Noelene combined best on the day to take home the day’s trophies.
Wednesday night bowls continued with a great turnout, the results favouring Dave McNamara, Winko McLoughlan and Leigh Johnson. After Round 9 the ladder is as follows:
D. McNamara 41, M. Appleby 32, M. Simmonds 28, M. Henty 24, H. Hall 23, N. Simmonds 21 and S. Henty with A. Cooke both on 20 points.
The second half is very competitive, it will be interesting to see which teams eventually make up the final four.
Midweek pennant was hard work against a handy Kerang Golf side, with Yvonne’s rink home by two and Frank finishing with a tie.
Peter down by six saw the visitors win by that amount, and consolidate their position in the rankings.
Division Two also had a tight game against a Barham combination, with Ian Morrison winning by not quite enough to cover a loss on Irene’s rink. Both sides play away this week, here’s hoping our luck changes for the better.
Saturday pennant results were a mixed bag, with our Northern Valley team winning well at Kerang Golf, despite one rink being narrowly defeated.
Bluey and Jarred both won by huge margins making the overall difference some forty shots.
The Division One side hosted a fired-up Gunbower, which can see finals participation if they maintain their good form.
Despite a great finish by our bowlers the Bower hung on to win by six overall.
Pat Quinn down by seven, Gary Easton by two but the two points scored by the Bibby rink in winning help keep us also in the mix as well.
The Twos played Pyramid Hill, with the lively green not doing any favours for the visitors.
All three rinks won impressively, with Ian Morrison’s rink the standout, up by 25 shots.
The Bower vouchers went to Ian, Lee Sutherland, Linda McManus and Steve Brown after a great display of bowls.
Great to see Russ Ladson back bowling well in our pennant ranks.
The Gunny Golfers travelled to Kerang, and again gave a lot of cheek without quite coming first.
Des Keely up by 13 maintained his good record, but Tony Williams and John Pearson couldn’t sufficiently rein in the opposition, Kerang winning overall by seven.
Heat and limited entries curtailed our Monday night tournament, so the major attraction over the weekend was the final of the club championship on Sunday, between Jarred Hammond and Rodney (Bluey) Fletcher.
In conjunction with a sausage sizzle, (thank you social committee), a sizeable crowd were treated to a magnificent game of bowls.
Fortunes ebbed and flowed throughout, with Jarred favouring long ends, and Bluey shorter lengths when in charge of the mat.
Scores were locked together throughout, the largest margin briefly a five in Jarred’s favour before the gap was closed. We were treated to brilliant conversions by both bowlers, but ultimately there had to be a winner.
With the score-board showing 23-24, Bluey scored the necessary two shots to emerge this year’s champion, his first championship at the club, ahead of a very worthy runner-up.
