KERANG
IT was a very warm Saturday afternoon, so it was lucky that we played in the morning.
The incessant heat was the driving force that forced the powers that to be make the decision to start the day early at 9am, a decision that was heartily supported after play about 2pm with refreshments available under aircon.
In the Northern Valley, Kerang almost snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat after trailing what seemed to be a 35 to 40-shot deficit at one stage. Kerang rallied against Murray Valley powerhouse Murray Downs to get within four shots only to go down by eight shots in the end.
The loss has Kerang dislodged from second into third with a rink win needed against Northern District dynamo in Cohuna Golf to cement a finals place in the last round. No cameos this week, gents. Need you for 25 ends.
In Division 1, Kerang confronted a determined Cohuna Golf team who took the majority of the points on offer. With two close matches that could have gone either way, it could have really played havoc with the ladder. Unfortunately for the Black Ducks, we had a rink unable to get the result needed for the overall win.
It seems now impossible to make the finals in the newly revamped NDPA competition. One more game to display your wares, guys. Do it with pride and celebrate the year with your peers.
In Division 2, Kerang ventured to the ‘Sister Club’ (not sure we can use that terminology nowadays) in Kerang Golf and limped away very tattered and dishevelled as the margin was one already forgotten about.
The three rinks were outplayed to the tune of 63 shots. After hearing a bowler there for the day asking, ‘how do you compete with a 3-35 result?’ You obviously get better at your craft. Or someone older offers some timely advice. Simple really.
In Division 3, Kerang sauntered away mainly due to Marshall Rosewall and his Friday night preparation. Leading from the front can be hard work for the uninitiated, but Marshall does it on his ear.
Back to the match results and we see that Kerang have had a two-rink win against worthy adversaries in Pyramid Hill to the tune of 16 shots. This puts them in a good place mentally to push further into hopefully what will be a full calendar during the finals while aiming for the ultimate success.
I couldn’t make heads of tails of the Black Duck notes, so I will be better advised to leave that be.
We will have held the annual Athol Stephens two-day extravaganza by the time this goes to print. I may be 100 per cent confident that it was ran well with the right amount of volunteers (overflowing). We also would have had a great night down at Sporties on the Monday after a delicious meal while letting the tunes of Honest Ken wash over us in the best beer garden in the land.
There will be a vote count held at the Bowling Club after play with Adrian Bates and his technical nous at the forefront. A big screen and refreshments available while the count goes ahead. I imagine it going for maybe an hour tops.
The beauty of this award is that anyone can win it across the four divisions, and whomever takes the win will be suitably applauded for their season. May the best player from all divisions win!
Please, I urge our membership to support this initiative as it really will show who our MVP really is. Let us get behind it and make it a night to remember.
KERANG GOLF
THE final of the Men’s Club Championship was finalised last Friday evening with Dallas Mathers playing Lloyd Murray.
Lloyd got off to a flying start with some very precise draw bowling and led by 10 shots in the early stages. Dallas picked up his game after dead-ending and got back to a 21/11 scoreline. However, Lloyd picked up his game and finished off with some excellent bowls to be the winner of this year’s Club Championship.
A big crowd enjoyed the game. Congratulations Lloyd – you have been a stalwart of the Kerang Golf Bowling Club and have now won your second championship.
Lloyd previously won in the 2004-05 season. Lloyd will now go on to play in the Champion of Champions at Kerang on Sunday, February 16. His first opponent will be the champion from Pyramid Hill.
The men’s B Grade final was played last Thursday afternoon between Rob “Curly” Curtis and David Randell. For the first half of the game scores were close and David led 14/13, before “Curly” unleashed, and closed out the game 21/14, without David winning another end. Congratulations to both players on some excellent bowling.
The penultimate rounds of Saturday Pennant series were completed last Saturday, with the Midweek still having two rounds to go. With the forecast temperature expected to be 38-plus, all games were played in the morning.
In the Northern Valley competition, Kerang Golf hosted Barham and the visitors enjoyed a big win that moved them to second on the ladder. Best for the home side were Dallas Mather’s rink, down by five, and Frank Ritchie’s team losing by six.
Better news in the lower divisions, with a big win to Division 2 against Kerang 3, with the Greg Beck-skipped combination winning by a massive 32 shots. Obviously, this was the best winning rink for the club and therefore wins the Royal Hotel vouchers for this week – well done to Greg, Sonia McLeish, Carol Pay and Peter Niall.
Laurie Gray was up by 17 and Graeme Hayes was 13 in front at game’s completion. This team is now in second position on the ladder and plays third-placed Cohuna 2 this week in a battle for second spot, with the winner rewarded with the double chance.
Division 3 travelled to Cohuna Golf to tackle the Gunny Golfers and came home victorious on two rinks and an overall nine-shot victory. Comeback skipper “Aldo” led the way with a 12-shot victory, David Randell continued his winning ways with a five-shot win, but “spiritual” leader Noel Robertson and team had to settle for second place, going down by eight shots.
Currently in second spot on the ladder, a final-game win will see this team earn the double chance in the finals.
In Midweek, our Division 1 team played a close encounter against the top team Cohuna. The Jimmy McLeish-skipped rink won by one shot after being as much as eight shots ahead during the game. Frank Ritchie’s team played a tied match at 19/19 and unfortunately, Laurie Gray’s rink was defeated by nine shots, so an eight-shot deficit at the end.
Division 2 also played at home and again the David Randell rink led the way with a 33/17 win and Judy McKerrow’s team, after being down by as much as 10 shots early in the game, fought back to level the scores with two ends remaining, only to see Cohuna win both those ends, going down by three shots.
Division 1 is in fourth position and Division 2 is on top, but only four points separates first from fourth.
Night 2 of the Ian “Squizzy” Taylor Memorial Barefoot Bowls was completed in beautiful warm weather last Wednesday evening. The winners were The Lions with 31 points and 19 shots up, on a countback from three other teams who also had 31 points.
Winning team members were Tony Pearson, Neil Paul, Geof Davey and Lorraine Ritchie, who win the Choice Cut Butchers vouchers for this week. The runners-up were Taylor Ashton Painting Team 1, with spiritual leader, “Fonzy” showing the way. Chocolates to Paul’s Bowlers, who enjoyed their first night.
The ladder sees The Lions on top with 51 points, followed by Stace’s Mob, Taylor Ashton Team 1 and Royal Hotel, all on 48 points. If you would like to join this very social, fun evening, please contact Aldo on 0407 310 762.
Thursday Social was enjoyed by 15 players and the only two-game winner was the Greg Beck, Trevor Linton combination, with help from Dale Spinks in game 1. Runners-up with a win and a tied game was Bryce McLeish and David “Jim” McGrath. Chocolates to Les Gibson, Joyce Tuohey and Craig Hicks. If you see Joycey ask her about trying to find a lost bowl, that was not actually lost – good luck with that.
The Royal Hotel night on Saturday evening was enjoyed by all who attended. This is our way. of thanking our sponsor for his support of our Saturday Pennant teams throughout the who season.
The Mixed Championship entries are coming in slowly. This event is on Monday, February 10, with a 5.30pm start. The entry sheet is on the noticeboard. Other club matches that need to take place include the next round of the pairs which has to be completed by February 16.
Club games that are nearing their “play by” dates need to be completed, with the 100 Up games needing to be done by February 15 and the men’s pairs by the 16th February. All other games have reached their completion which the match committee is happy about.
COHUNA
TUESDAY social bowls returned after being cancelled by heat the previous week.
Mastering a tricky wind on an otherwise lovely day, the winning team was Marj Mooney, Trevor Kirby and Marilyn Flinders. Congratulations.
Whenever we have need to cancel an event due to an extreme heat forecast in the future, we will always notify on the Facebook page.
In Midweek Pennant last Wednesday played at Kerang Golf, our No.1 side had a hard-fought win over Kerang Golf 1.
The atmosphere would have been electric as each side won a rink and then drew the third. Cohuna 1 won overall by eight shots and gained nine points.
Frank Tonn’s Team won 21/12, Mike Hofman’s lost 17/18, Rick Parr’s drew 19/19. Very good team effort from all players. Next week we host Cohuna Golf 1 in the second-last round (13) of the year.
In Division 2, with the penultimate round next week I have studied various scenarios as to how our Cohuna 2 and Cohuna 3 can make the final four.
Now I remember once getting an honourable mention in an arithmetic class and also attending a year of algebra, even though I never spoke Latin, so I feel somewhat qualified to sadly report on our final four chances as follows. Cohuna 3 … not going to happen. Cohuna 2 … can still happen.
Our 2 and 3 sides this year have been competitive with some really good results along the way. They have enjoyed the year and developed their bowling skills and smarts. They will be putting their best bowls forward attempting to snatch a couple more wins for our club. Go you good thangs.
Cohuna 2 this round lost to Kerang Golf 2, 35 to 48 shots.
Barb H’brand’s team won 18/15, Noddy Hosking’s lost 33/17. Next week is reinvigorate time with a bye. The ladder: Cohuna 2 sit fifth, 5W 5L 1D. All top-four teams above are 7W 3L 1D.
Cohuna 3 are placed ninth of 13 teams but still only one win from four others above.
Friday night’s casual roll and barefoot bowl was another super night for members and visitors, including caravaners Jeff and Allison who bowl out of Kangaroo Flat.
Whoever created the night’s MasterChef menu is to be congratulated. The gourmet pie and chips main followed by fresh Dixie ice cream with sparkles worked a treat together.
The raffle was won by Heather Storey, followed by Gail Anderson and budding future champion Jasper. Members jackpot was not claimed and increases to next week.
As a reminder, the club championships mixed pairs final is to be played before or on February 15. Next round of triples by February 15 and final on or before March 2. Club fours next round on or before February 15 and final by March 2.
To date the ladies singles is decided, won by Rhonda Ballard, the club singles won by Mike Hofman, and club pairs won by Frank Tonn and Ray Storey. Congratulations to all.
Events where the final make-up is known but yet to be played are: club open fours Rick Parr and Jeff Reade v Trevor Dehne and Frank Tonn, club mixed pairs Gavin Hird and Kate Peace v Marg and Jeff Reade, and ladies pairs Lisa Kerr and Gaye Simms v Sue Burgess and Corale Jones.
Good luck to all involved and to those who have yet to complete earlier rounds.
In Saturday Pennant, Division 1 recorded a solid nine-shot (62/53) win against a very strong Gunny 1 team.
Two of our rinks competing doggedly allowing the Reade rink to play the role of “a rising tide lifting all boats” for the very good win. Rick Parr’s team lost 19/22, Jeff Reade’s won 26/15, The Hof’s team won 17/16
The ladder, with one round to go: Cohuna 1 (W8 L3 D2) leads second-placed Wakool 1 (W8 L5 D0) 105 points to 92. We seem to have cemented top spot but wish to run through the line at full speed when next week it is Kerang 2 at home.
In Division 2, our mighty Cohuna 2 has had a reality check this week as we succumbed to an impressive Cohuna Golf 3 team but we are still just one game behind second and third teams and still in the finals bunch.
Team 1 led by Noddy Hosking -3, Team 2 led by Bryan Main -6, Team 3 led by Mark Southern -3. We next play second-placed Kerang Golf 2 and while positions could alter dramatically, best for us to dust ourselves off from this round, buckle up and win the last round.
In Division 3, goodness gracious me, Cohuna 3 has gone down as well. Surely it has nothing to do with our Friday Night gourmet pie and chips, possibly beverages, who knows.
So we copped a bit of a shellacking from Leitchville 2 but next week playing Gunny Golf 1 at home we are coming out all guns blazing.
This round all rinks went down, losing overall 72 shots to 46. Norm Walkington -1, Trevor Allen -13, Steve Clark -12.
On the ladder, we are still fourth on six wins and need a strong performance next round to hold that possie. Team, you will do it.
COHUNA GOLF
ON Tuesday the ladies combined their pick-up with the final of the club singles. Linda, Kath, Margot and Corrie made light of the very blustery conditions to win the day’s event, after which all settled in to watch the match between Yvonne and Noelene.
Both ladies were at times frustrated by the elements, but maintained a high standard nevertheless. Eventually Noelene Brown triumphed for the second consecutive year, over frequent past champion and gallant runner-up, Yvonne Eckhardt. Congratulations to you both.
Midweek pennant enjoyed better weather, the Ones at Kerang just dipping out despite winning two of the three rinks, albeit by one on each occasion. Two matches to go, both against the top sides, so a chance to finish on a high note.
Second Division playing alongside did much better, winning both games by a net total of 10. Kimmy’s vouchers went the way of Ian Morrison, Mary Rodwell, Liz Keely and Steve Brown for a six-shot victory over Gayle Teasdale.
Wednesday night bowls saw the pairing of an excited Terry Mathers and Andrew from Kerang playing in the pick-up section take out the evening’s trophies. Games in the teams’ section were all closely contested with not a big enough margin anywhere to snare the goodies on offer.
Thursday pairs saw numbers come back to a healthy total, with our regulars plus visitors all back on deck. Alan Cooke and John Prout headed the list, while Mick Carmody and Janette Phyland claimed the runner-up awards. Check the starting times for this week as an early start has been proposed.
Saturday pennant players did well, the early start here making conditions quite tolerable for the day. The Northern Valley game between our boys and Racecourse saw a Golf victory by 12 shots, two rinks to one. Jarred 12 up, Bluey eight and Harrison the loss, also by eight.
Division 1 journeyed to Kerang, with Gary Easton’s rink leading the way with an 11-shot margin over Jason Brown. Peter Bibby up by one and Pat Quinn down by two rounded out the scoreline, keeping this group well in finals contention.
The Twos went into Cohuna, and also collected the biccies, this time on all three rinks. Greg Mathers continues to build on a good season’s record (nine wins and a draw from 12 matches), winning by six, with Ian Morrison and Mal Appleby both sneaking home by three.
The Gunny Golfers played at home alongside the big guns, and just fell away over the final few ends to finish nine in arrears of Kerang Golf. Well done to the rink of Tony Williams, Steve Brown, John Prout and Jamison Melbourne for their great eight-shot win, which earned for them the Bower meal vouchers.
On the club front we have our Twilight Fours tournament scheduled for the 16th, with Jean chasing up entries. This is always an enjoyable event, so support the club and be part of it.
