KERANG
KERANG had two teams participating with Kerang 2 and Kerang 3 not finishing in the top four. Kerang 1 finished 2nd earning a double chance with Kerang 4 after finishing third. Kerang 1 travelled to Cohuna for an all out slugfest with dour opponents on Cohuna Golf. Kerang 4 went to Gunbower to play Cohuna 3 in a knockout semi final.
At Cohuna in the Northern Valley competition, Kerang have now done twice what nobody else have done all season to earn the first spot into the Grand Final. Kerang prevailed over the very strong Cohuna Golf combination after first finishing even on shots overall in what was a seesawing match. Meaning an extra end was needed to be played to separate the two sides. In that extra end Kerang managed to win each of the rinks to win the semi final bout by four shots. This provides us with the week off next week to await our opponent which will be either Cohuna Golf or Murray Downs who will play in the Preliminary Final at a venue to be disclosed.
Hancock 23-24 to Keely. Wilson 22-26 to Hammond. Lunghusen 33-24 to Fletcher.
Over a little further to the east were our Kerang 4 team fighting out their own knockout semi-final against Cohuna 3 at Gunbower. Unfortunately for this team their season came to a sudden halt after being defeated by a Cohuna 3 unit hellbent on victory. We fought on gallantly going down in each rink to the tune of 30 shots overall. Just wasn’t to be our day in the end which perhaps didn’t reflect our whole season in the right light.
Infantino 15-23 to Walkington. Teasdale 10-25 to Clark. Pendlebury 16-23 to Gruar.
With one team from the club to battle out a Grand Final in a fortnight, let’s get there and really get behind our bowling club representatives in the Northern Valley competition.
We will need plenty of volunteers for the Northern District PA Grand Final which we will be hosting. We will be putting up gazebos with a few errands around the clubrooms to present our club with pride. People will be given jobs to carry out on Friday of the Grand Final. Obviously, the bar will be open after. See Faggy or Teasa to submit your availability please.
In the Black Duck Social Triples we had 12 players with K. Teasdale, M. Infantino and G. Charles getting the chocolates. There wasn’t a lot else on offer in the way on information, so I’m guessing the Jackpot may have not gone off. Come down on Tuesday to have a roll in what really is a hospitable and welcoming environment and have yourself a fun time.
KERANG GOLF
FINALS time in all grades of bowls, and Kerang Golf Bowls has four of their five pennant teams making the play-off rounds. Well done to all who have contributed to this situation and good luck to all who are selected to play.
Our Division 2 team have advanced straight to the grand final with a strong win over Cohuna Golf 3. All rinks won on the Barham Riverdome carpet and now have a week off before playing in the championship game on March 1 at Kerang. Greg Beck continues his good form, winning by 17 shots, Graeme Hayes won by nine and Laurie Gray’s team finished strongly to win by six. Scores were 73/41 in Kerang Golf’s favour.
A different story for Division 3 who had to contend with the strong winds up at Gunbower against Wakool. After leading for most of the day, Kerang Golf faltered over the last four ends to give up the lead and Wakool won the game on the last ends. Overall, a 57/62 shot loss, with only the David Randell rink winning by 14 shots, not enough to cover for Howard McClelland and Robert “Fonzy” Taylor who lost by 10 and nine shots respectively. A preliminary final at Cohuna this week against Cohuna 3, with the winner gaining their place in the Grand Final.
Our two Midweek teams will be playing in the 1st Semi-Final on Tuesday at Pyramid Hill, with Division 1 against Barham and Division 2 playing Leitchville. Last Wednesday, both teams finished their season at home and close game in each division were the order of the day. Division 1 were against Pyramid Hill and won on the Frank Ritchie rink by five shots and the Lloyd Murray rink by six. The Jimmy McLeish team were one behind at the end of play. A 10 shot win overall. Division 2 was even closer with the last Barham bowl on the last end of the day, drawing shot, with scores level after 20 ends. The winning shot was enough to give Barham a one shot win, and that covered the one shot loss the Judy McKerrow’s team had registered earlier, so a tied result for the morning of bowls. The Kerang Golf Bowls club then entertained the visitors with a very large spread of sandwiches, slices and cakes for the celebration of the end of the preliminary rounds of Midweek Pennant. Wow – what a feast was had by all.
Going back a couple of days and on the Monday evening the Mixed Pairs Championship was played, with eight pairs entering the event. After the regulatory three games of 2-4-2 bowls, the were no three game winners. The Mixed Pairs Champions for this year are Bryce McLeish and Rosie Laughlin who had two wins and a drawn game, to finish 10 shots up overall, and win on a countback from Ken and Carol Pay, who also had two wins and a tie, but only four shots up, so had to settle for runners-up. As usual, everyone enjoyed themselves on a balmy Monday evening, with presentations and congratulations being held greenside.
Night 4 of the Ian “Squizzy” Taylor Memorial Barefoot Bowls was held last Wednesday evening on a very warm evening, keeping the barman very busy during the night. Winners were Hirdy’s Buslines with 33 points and a massive 40 shots up, to just edge out the Royal Hotel, also with 33 points, but only 18 shots in front. Congratulations to Alan Hird, Erin Byrne, Scott Bremner and “new” recruit Aaron Lancaster who rushed home from the Pilbara region in WA, just to be part of it. Chocolates to Paul’s Bowlers, who are improving with each week on the green. The ladder sees Hirdy’s Buslines on top with 107 points, followed by Hayes Real Estate 103, Royal Hotel 98 and Ian’s Allstars on 75.
Thursday Social was a game of “Scroungers” between those who were not playing club matches and the winner was John Duckworth. Speaking of club matches, it is great to see that they are either completed or are progressing at the correct times. The 100 Up is down to the last four and the Club Pairs is at the same stage. With our Presentation Day and Annual General Meeting set down for Sunday, April 13, it is important to get these games played on or before the due dates.
The Champion of Champions was played at Kerang on Sunday and our representatives Lloyd Murray and Carol Pay both won their games to advance to next week’s semi-finals, where Lloyd will play Guy Treweek from Wakool and Carol will play Som Pascoe from Kerang. Lloyd defeated Lionel Mann from Pyramid Hill in a close match 25/21 and Carol accounted for Marie Scott, 25/9 in a game where carol bowled brilliantly. Good luck to both bowlers next week.
COHUNA
TUESDAY’S SOCIAL BOWLS (11/2).
ANOTHER fun day had by members and visitors.Great to see our lovely Marian Smith back on board and straight back into the winners team good on you Marian.
There were two two game winners on 39 points each.
Runners up were Marg Main Richard Flinders Rob Wilson and Jane Johnson but the days Champs were Alison Ainger, Marian Smith, Corale Jones and Lurch Well done and congratulations.
MID WEEK FINAL PENNANT ROUND 14 (played Feb 12)
DIV 1: “Cohuna1” cemented first place on the ladder with a run away win over second placed“Kerang1”.
Well done on a fine season so far. The whole club is with you as you chase the 2025 Division1 Flag. Final R14 Score “Cohuna1” 66 shots /12 points defeated “Kerang1” 45 shots.
A terrific all rinks win.”Rick Parr’s Team” led by example with a one shot win (20-19 ).
“Frank Tonn’s Team”, put the weight down for a seven shot victory (22-15). “Mike Hofman’s Team” showed that you might beat us once, you might beat us twice but you will never beat the “Hoffers” three times.
A big 13 shot turn around from the last two weeks winning 24 to 11.
THE LADDER: Cohuna1 12-1-1 135 points Kerang1 9-4-1 111 points Barham1 9-4-1 106 points. KerangGolf1 6-7-1 79 points.
DIV2: As the sun sets slowly in the west, we take comforting warmth that we have given our best, had plenty of fun and excitement, enjoyed the comradeship and great team spirit of our very special club as we sadly say “adieu”, “arrivederci” or “hooroo” to this year’s pennant campaign.
We never made the finals but watch out world as we bounce back next year. It’s been fun for everyone involved in this very competitive division.
Final R14 Scores “Cohuna2” took a bit of a shellacking from “Gunny1” losing 23 shots against 48. Well done to the Gunnies as Noddies team lost 10 to 29 and Barbara’s team lost 13 to 19.
THE LADDER: So close and so tight from first to eighth but in the cold hard light of day, Cohuna 2 finished fifth and Cohuna3 finished eighth.
FRIDAY NIGHT CASUAL ROLL, BAREFOOT AND BUDGET TEA.
With the club rooms tarted up for Valentine’s Day, we welcomed bowlers from Cohuna Golf and also Kerang (Hi Brian B) about to play finals here the next day.
We had caravan visitors from Ballarat, and a little later in the evening we welcomed Ken Hocking’s daughter and family from Canada arriving direct from their Melbourne Airport flight to Cohuna via VLIne bus.
Another top night at our Bowlo and congratulations to Corale for the decorations and the catering ladies for the magnificent budget tea. Where else in this great land could you get a gourmet hamburger and chips plus a selection of Lisa Kerr’s scrumptious pavlova or Gavin’s delicious, tasty cheese cake for less than a pint of lager in the big smoke.
Great night, great people, great town, great club.
SAT PENNANT SEMI FINAL
DIV1: “Cohuna1” are in the Grand Final (to be played Saturday, March 1 at Kerang Bowls) after beating “Wakool1” by 40 shots 81-41. Congratulations team. Our opponent will be winner of prelim final (Saturday, February 22, 1.30pm at Cohuna Bowls) between “Wakool1” and “Barham2”.
An outstanding victory by a well-balanced and focussed team.“Mike Hoffman’s Team”, playing out of their Mikro skins, showed why 13 is “Lucky for Some” with a 28 to 15 shot win.
“Jeff Reade’s Team” not to be out gambled, played a “Lucky Seven” shot win, 25 to 18.
“The RParrers” never gambled, just scored a 20 shot win (28 to 8). Very nice. Next up is the Grand Final, do it one more time.
DIV2: “Cohuna2” has won a spot in the Prelim Final on Saturday 22 at home against “CohunaGolf3”. The winner of that will play “KerangGolf2” at Kerang Bowls in the Grand Final on Saturday,March 1. Our hard-fought win over “PyramidHill1” was again a solid “all of team” performance and congratulations. “Noddy’s Team” met Pyramids best to just go down by two shots (16–18). “Geoff McIvor’s Team” won by 3 (18-15)“Doug Marshall’s Team” also won by 3 (17-14).
DIV3: “COHUNA3” also won a Prelim Final spot against “KerangGolf3” which will be played 1pm, Saturday 22, at home. The winner will then go on to play “Wakool2” in the Grand Final at Kerang Bowls on Saturday, March 1. Our Semi Final win over “Kerang4” was an inspirational 30 shot victory with all three rinks contributing in positive territory.
“Jeff Gruar’s Team” got a Stawell Gift Style start with a handsome lead before the smoke from the starters gun had wafted away.
They endured a slight rear guard action by Kerang but held to win by seven shots (23-16).
“Steve Clark’s Team” did not have it all their own way either but the “Pressies” went away in the end to comfortably take a 15 shot win (25-10)
“Norm Walkington’s Team” was solid all day and deserved their eight shot win (23-15).
COHUNA GOLF
THE highlight during the ladies social day on Tuesday was the final of the pairs. Teaming together in excellent fashion the pair of Cheryle Baker and Noelene Brown defeated past winners Gwen Campbell and Yvonne Eckhardt quite comfortably to notch their first title.
The pickup winners were the trio of Linda, Margot and Kath, well done to you all. The final round of midweek pennant was held on Wednesday, with not much joy for either of our teams. The Ones hosted Barham, and were comprehensively defeated although the Eckhardt rink snatched a win in their game, and collected Kimmy’s coffee vouchers. Thanks to all who supplied the goodies which enabled us to supply lunch for our opponents after the game.
The Twos went over to Barham, and also enjoyed lunch, but not so the bowls as much just one shot being the losing margin. Ian Morrison drew, and Irene Trezise was pipped by one. With the season now over we can only wish good luck to all other sides participating in the finals.
The last game before the finals for night pennant bowlers, and Steven Brown combined with Darren and Andrew to take home the trophies. Boy were they excited! The draw for this week sees David McNamara play Mal Appleby in the second semi, whilst Max Simmonds takes on Helen Hall in the first.
In the second four the two Hentys, Margot and Steve meet, as do Alan Cooke and Neil Simmonds. Still a competition for those off the bank.
Thursday pairs was well attended, with Steve Brown bobbing up again alongside Peter Coates to claim the cash, with the repechage winners being Noelene Brown and Terry Stobaus from Pyramid.
The eagerly awaited pennant finals came next, but alas not much went to plan. The Ones were well defeated on two rinks, with Peter notching a consolation win in his game. Those present on Saturday night enjoyed a meal and chat to wind up what has been a pretty successful year nevertheless. The final Bower vouchers went to Peter Bibby, Doug Peace, Phil McManus and Gwen Campbell.
The Twos never got into their game against a very strong Kerang Golf, but by finishing second earned the right to play again this week. Best of luck team, we’ll be at Cohuna to support you.
Members have been busy following the tournament circuit of late, with Peter, Frank and Ron winning the Boort Classic last Monday, then Peter, Colin, Mick and Ron made it a double by winning the Serpentine Invitational on Thursday. The Barham Classic and Country Week in Bendigo are both now just around the corner, and keenly anticipated.
Our club staged its own tournament on Sunday, with the twilight mixed fours sponsored by Cohuna Car Sales and the Hair and Body salon. Sixteen teams enjoyed the cooler conditions, finishing with a magnificent high tea after the three games.
Prizes went down to fourth, with teams headed by John Prout (4th), Bruce Morrison (3rd) and the Keely family side (2nd) with Peter Bibby, Jason Heard, Rhonda Bibby and Allison Ainger scoring enough shots up to grab first prize. All skippers thanked the valued sponsors, the organisers, the catering ladies and all who took part in a very happy night.
Finally news on our members playing in the champion of champion event at Kerang. Bluey Fletcher won his first game well, and will be in a semi-final next Sunday against Brodie Harker, whereas Noelene Brown missed out against her Cohuna opponent. Both represented the club in fine style and are to be congratulated on their achievements to date.
NVPL
AFTER fourteen rounds of competition, finalists in both the Northern Valley and Northern District bowls ranks began an enthralling finals series on Saturday.
Cohuna hosted the Northern Valley matches, both thrillers, with Kerang and Cohuna Golf tying after the 75 ends, whilst Murray Downs hung on to defeat a fast-finishing Barham combination by six.
With a mandatory extra end to be played, Kerang proved the steadier in that scenario, gaining shots on each of the three rinks to win by four, and advance straight to the Grand Final. With two losses now in a row, the once highly rated Cohuna Golf unit will need to regroup quickly for this week’s game, although they did win two rinks, albeit very narrowly.
Although the Barham rink headed by Brian Mansbridge had an impressive 13 shot win, the other two Murray Downs teams carried too much fire-power, especially early, for their opponents. Josh Thorton was a standout in defeating Mark Quor 36-18.
This week, again at Cohuna, Cohuna Golf will play Murray Downs.
Division One games were played on the carpet at Barham, with results going pretty well as expected. In the second semi Cohuna had too much depth for Wakool, winning by a huge 40 shots, to stake a grand final berth. Rick Parr finished 25-8 in his game to seal the result.
Barham met Cohuna Golf in the first semi, with Barham winning by nineteen shots overall. The Bibby rink’s eight shot victory closed the margin somewhat, but with a team full of ex Division One players Barham had all the answers whenever challenged. They now play Wakool at Cohuna , both seeking a grand final position.
In Division Two, Cohuna 51 defeated a plucky Pyramid Hill 47, whilst Kerang Golf 73 were much too strong for Cohuna Golf 41.
Gunbower hosted the Division Three semi-finals, where ladder leaders Wakool continued on their winning way defeating Kerang Golf 62-57, whilst Cohuna had all the answers against Kerang, taking the honours on all three rinks.
All preliminary finals will be at Cohuna this week, and as all are cut-throat games the intensity level should make for great viewing.
