Bowls Notes and Club Blog

CLUB TRIPLES CHAMPIONSHIPS
Two first round minor matches and one major match were played over the weekend.
John Dunn, Wally Grant and Mick Craft played Tony Byrne, Bernie Mitchell and Nimo Mills in the first minor match which went right down to the wire. Tony, Bernie and Nimo won seven of the first nine ends to lead 17-9 and then extend their lead to 23-12 after 16 ends. John, Wally and Mick won seven of the next eight ends to trail by one shot with one end to play. With Nimo’s side holding shot Mick played through the head looking to trail the jack back to his bowls but unfortunately he edged the jack sideways which gave Tony, Bernie and Nimo three shots for them to claim a 27-23 win.
The other minor match saw Greg Townsend, Peter McPhee and Steve Ryan finish strongly winning five of the last seven ends played to record a comfortable 27-12 win over Rob Irving, Gary McPhee and Tom Furey.
In the major triples match Tom Furey, Tom Casey and Col Hayward won eight of the last nine ends played to record a 29-14 win over John Hodge, Col Mudie and John Ward.
SOCIAL BOWLS
Thursday saw 24 bowlers play six games of pairs. Three games had a margin of one shot with the biggest margin on the day being seven shots.
Trailing 10-16 John Taylor and George Bradley won five of the last seven ends to score a narrow 21-20 win over Bob Freeman and Kevin Hynds.
Mike Valentine and Keith MacRae played Wally Austin and Col Hayward in a very close low scoring game. Mike and Keith held a good 12-5 lead after 14 ends and then held on to defeat the fast finishing Wally and Col by one shot 15-14.
Mick Blunt and Col Mudie trailed 7-15 after 13 ends before dominating the remainder of the game to score a come from behind 19-18 win over John Watson and John Corcoran.
Despite only winning nine of the 21 ends Graham Dixon and John Ward managed a 23-16 win over John Dunn and Mick Craft. They were helped by three big multiple shot winning ends.
Rob Irving and Tom Casey played John Hodge and Graham Barby. John and Graham held a commanding 18-6 lead after 13 ends. Rob and Tom won all of the remaining ends and levelled the score at 18 all on the penultimate end and then scored four shots on the last end to complete their come from behind win 22-18.
In a game that included 14 one shot ends the man of the match Les Kent teamed with Geoff Freeman to score a hard fought 19-14 win over Gordon Dickson and Warren Bevan.
Major prize winners were Rob Irving and Tom Casey with the minor winners being Graham Dixon and John Ward.
With 18 bowlers playing in the club triples matches on Saturday only 6 hardy souls played social bowls.
Mike Valentine, Dave Johnson and Stuart Kelly had a good 23-12 win over Les Kent, Joe Crowley and John Ward. This was Stuart’s last game at the club before his departure to Lismore. All members wish Stuart well in his move and are sure he will strengthen whichever Lismore bowling club he joins.
Major prize winners were Tom Furey, Tom Casey and Col Hayward with the minor winners being Mike Valentine, Dave Johnson and Stuart Kelly.
SUNDAY MORNING JACKPOT
Unfortunately the cold and wet conditions prevented bowls last Sunday.
The jackpot will remain at $860. Come along on Sunday morning for a game of bowls, a sausage sandwich, and a chance of winning the jackpot. Names in by 9:30am for a 10:00am start.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
The annual Christmas in July dinner is being held this Saturday, July 18 commencing at 6:30pm. The cost is $25.00 per head for a two course roast meal prepared by Mike’s Kitchen. Members are urged to book a table by contacting the club by Friday, July 17.
MEALS
Members and their invited guests are advised that Mike’s Kitchen is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner. It is also open for Sunday lunch with roast lunch being the speciality. Mike’s Kitchen is also available for group bookings at other times of the week.
Friday night raffles are also held with patrons having the chance to win meat trays, shopping vouchers and cash prizes. Members badge draw this Friday is $1100.
UPCOMING BOWLS EVENTS
July 18-19 – Major Triples Club Championship; July 26 – Nominations close for both Minor and Major Fours; August 8-9 – Major Fours Championships; August 15-16 – Minor Fours Championships; Sunday, August 16 – Nominations close for Handicap Pairs.
STARTERS
Thursday, July 16 – Keith MacRae and Graham Barby; Saturday, July 18 – Ron Murray and Bernie Mitchell; Thursday, July 23 – John Ward and John Watson.