Around the Greens

Saturday B1s: Travelled to Yarrawonga and were soundly defeated on two rinks, 75 to 44 shots. Not a bad thing before finals as they still finished in 3rd spot. Well done to all players who contributed over the season to this result and the club will be wishing you well on Saturday whoever you play.

Saturday A3s: At home to YMGCR, this match would decide who made the final four. Fortunately for us it was Tungamah with a 20 shot overall victory. Coming off a Club Champion victory on Thursday night Steve Flanagan was on fire winning 32 to 13. This with another two rinks getting up gave Tunga the win they were after to ensure a finals birth.

So, Tungamah will have all three teams in the finals. An excellent achievement for the small club. Congratulations to each player who participated during the season, either as a regular or as a fill in.

Good luck as this season comes to a close to all who represent Tungamah play hard and do your best in each team.

YMGCR Bowls

Midweek Pennant

The penultimate round of Midweek Pennant saw the A1s play host to Wodonga, never an easy essay, for what shaped as a season defining game.

After battle finished it was the home side, YMGCR, who won the day. Final scores YMGCR 64 shots and 12 points to Wodonga 43 shots and 2 points.

Winning well for YMGCR were Ian Febey (L), Shirley Hummel (2), Gary Presnell (3) and Ray Irvine (S) who won 29 shots to Wodonga 11 shots.

Also helping secure the win were Rhonda Irvine (L), Chris Horne (2), Greg Green (3), and Ian Brimblecombe (S) who won 26 shots to Wodonga 20 shots.

The A1s have now worked their way into 5th place on the ladder sitting 6 points behind Corowa RSL.

The A1s this week, host Benalla at the Golf Club. Benalla are in 6th place on the ladder and are snapping at the A1’s heels.

This will be a game that will determine whether the A1s saddle up for the finals. Good luck to the A1s in their endeavour to qualify for finals.

The A2s entertained Moira at the Golf Club last Tuesday. And after the final bowl had been delivered it was YMGCR 60 shots and 12 points to Moira 41 shots and 2 points. Blazing the way for the Golf Club were Bill Jenkins (L), Judy Leeson (2), Cliff Morton (3), and Allan Goudge (S), who won well 21 shots to Moira 11 shots.

The big winners for YMGCR were Sue Evans (L), Vicki Withers (2), Greg Fisher (3), and Kerry Kinnane (S), who won 27 shots to Moira 15 shots.

The A2s are currently in 4th place on the ladder on 98 points, 11 points ahead of Wodonga.

In the last game of the year the A2s host 7th placed Dederang, in a fixture where they can’t afford a slip. Best of luck to the A2s for this week’s game.

Wednesday Social Bowls

Wednesday Social has been kicking off at 10am which no doubt bowlers would have appreciated, considering the persistently warm weather we have been experiencing.

24 players shaped up last Wednesday, for the now traditional nominated 3 bowl pairs. Sharing first prize of $80 and a drink card each were Mick Reilly and Barb Tennyson.

The Runners Up prize of $60 went to Peter Lidgerwood and Robyn Forge.

The losing rink consolation prize of $20 went to Norm Windebank and Andy LeFevre. Andy stepped forward, again, to claim the first lucky number prize of $20 and the second lucky number prize of $10 also was won by Andy LeFevre.

Weekend Pennant

After last week’s disappointing loss to Rutherglen, which probably extinguished the A1s slim chance of playing finals, the A1s played host to Wodonga in the final game of the year.

YMGCR’s games against Wodonga have always been an anticipated game over the last 3, or 4 years and in this game, it was the visitors who won the day.

Final scores, Wodonga 86 shots and 16 points to YMGCR 76 shots and 2 points.

Keeping up their end of the bargain for YMGCR were Ian Febey (L), Shirley Hummel (2), Michael Vaughan (3), and Ray Irvine (S), who won 30 shots to Wodonga 22 shots.

The A1s finished their campaign in 7th place on the ladder.

The A3s travelled to Tungamah which was a game that had they prevailed, they may well have participated in the finals.

However, it was the home side that emerged victorious after the 84th end. Final scores Tungamah 87 shots and 16 points to YMGCR 67 shots and 2 points.

Playing out the last game of the season in fine style were Lynne Baxter (L), Liliana Borwick (2), Rob Lidgerwood (3), and Vic Brincat (S), who won 24 shots to Tungamah 21 shots. The A3s finished the year in a creditable 5th place.

The A5s had to win the last game of the season to have any chance of avoiding relegation, when they travelled to Wodonga.

Alas for the A5 gang it was Wodonga who prevailed confirming that the A5s would take the drop for the 2025 / 2026 season.

The A5s finished in 8th place on 57 points. Rounding out the year with a great rink win for the A5s were Terry Baxter (L), Bob Brokenshire (2), Ross Lloyd (3), and Ian Morffew (S), who won 24 shots to Wodonga 15 shots.

Thank you to all those YMGCR bowlers who represented the club over the 2024 / 2025 season.

Well done one and all.

Until next week, good bowling.

ClubMulwala Bowls

Midweek Pennant- A2s WON. Club Mulwala shots 68, points 12. Wodonga shots 48, points 2.

Best rink on the day was - (S) Brad Mitchell, (3) Geoff Mitchell, (2) Robbo Lockwood, (L) Wade McPherson.

The team is sitting third on the ladder and will be playing in the finals. Hope to have a win against Wangaratta for the last game of the season and hopefully put the team into 2nd spot, therefore giving the team a second chance in the finals.

The A3s just lost to Chiltern, by 4 shots on the last end. It was a great game against a very strong side, who needed to win to get into the finals.

The best rink on the day was (S) Daryl Richmond, (3) Steve McPhee, (2) Heie Hansen, (L) Ray Whybrow. The team is making the long journey to Mansfield for the last game of the season.

The B2s had a WIN. Club Mulwala shots 60, points 12, Corowa Civic 2 Shots 58, points 2.

A great close game and a wonderful win by the team. We had two best rinks on the day- (S) Darren Liversidge, (3) Martin Kaine, (2) Doug Chessum, (L) Barry Martin, the other winning team was (S) Ian Price, (3) Gary Hart, (2) Russell Cook, (L) Chris Price.

Both rinks won by 6 shots.

Weekend Pennant- all Saturday teams are sitting on top of the ladder and will play in the finals this Saturday.

The last games for the home and away season. Now both teams are into finals.

A4s had a win against Rutherglen who needed to win to get into finals.

The game was very intense. Club Mulwala shots 89, points 14. Rutherglen. Shots 64, points 4.

The best rink on the day was. (S) Stan McIntosh, (3) Wayne Dowsey. (2) Kay Smith, (L) Malcolm Miller.

The team will take on Nth Albury next Saturday in the double chance game for the finals. We hope to win against the very strong all male side.

The B2s side WON, taking on a very strong and determined Moira side who also needed to win to make into the final’s series.

The ClubMulwala team, although safely on top of the ladder, each player needed to prove themselves to get a spot as a player in the first week of finals, so we were very determined to win at all costs.

We will face Corowa RSL in the double chance game to secure a spot in the grand final next Saturday. Club Mulwala shots 67, points 12, Moira, shots 57, points 2.

There were two best rinks on the day. Both only winning by 5 shots. (S) Ian Price, (3) Faye Cook, (2) Heie Hansen (L) Don Lockhart. The other rink was (S) Gary Atkinson, (3) Nicole McPherson, (2) Carmen Mangan (L) Darren Liversidge.

Pairs Championship - Greg Bennett and Brad Mitchell played Gary Parker and Graeme Arnold in the Grand Final. Gary and Graeme won by one shot.

The Ladies Grand Final took place last Wednesday. Kay Smith and Nicole McPherson won the ladies pairs, only won by one shot, against Willy Lockwood and Betty Richmond.

This shows how talented the clubs top bowlers are. Both Club Championship Games were very tight and played in good spirit.

Pennant Training - 10am Thursdays. All pennant players are urged to attend, particularly the players who are in one of the final’s teams. This is a great opportunity to seek advice and refine your bowling skills.

Upcoming Events - Mixed Pairs. Please have your names on the list asap to secure your place, games will be running during late Feb and early March.

-Friends In Common Tournament March 2025. A fantastic Fundraiser that the club loves to support.

-Duke of Edinburgh Sheild Tournament. Saturday and Sunday April 5 and 6. Club Mulwala is honoured to be hosting this prestigious event once again.

-We are also hosting the “Remember Our Heroes Tournament” in late April, another tournament ClubMulwala is so happy to host.

-AGM - last week of May - details to follow.

Bring on the finals – go ClubMulwala Bowls Club.

Yarrawonga Bowls

Monday 2/4/2 – February 3 - No game due to heat.

Weekend Pennant – Saturday, February 8

It was a great final round of Pennant for the Water Baggers with all 4 divisions scoring a win to finish of the Season and the A1s and A4s cementing a place in the finals! Congratulations!

A1s The A1s travelled to top of the ladder Corowa RSL and had a great win away on the grass rinks 94/82 ensuring a finals berth and taking a lot of confidence from the last few weeks.

Club coach and skip Michael Szabo and his crew of Evelyn Calder, Peter McKay and Ian Woods were in stellar form securing a very convincing 27/11 victory.

Seasoned campaigners Garry Sanders, Claire Sanders, Gary Murnane and Les Spencer also leading the way to finals glory with a resounding 31/17 win.

Good luck next week and take this red hot form all the way! Ladder Pos 4th.

A4s had a solid win at home against 3rd placed Corowa RSL 84/72 with 3 out of 4 rinks getting up. Peter Markby’s rink, with Micky Dixon, Sammy Smith and Peter Humphries had a day out with a thumping 34/13 win ensuring that finals berth was certainty.

Great job A4s, go get ‘em next week! Ladder Pos 4th.

B1s may have been out of finals contention but that didn’t stop them giving Tungamah a bit of a hiding at home in the last round, winning very comfortably 75/44.

Pammy Dodman’s rink including Joe Borg, Kay Tait and Lisa Burnham put on a clinic with a dominant 33/8 win …outstanding bowling you lot!

Tommy Dodds, Rosie Andrews, Jules Allan and June Binental once again got their rink across the line. Unfortunately B1s will miss out on finals action this year but what a great way to end the season.

Next season crew! Ladder Pos 6th.

B2s also had a good win to finish off the season, beating 2nd place Corowa RSL winning 2/3 rinks.

Ray Sheridan continued his recent run of form playing some truly excellent shots and his rink of Neil Hamilton, Graeme Thomas and Kim Silver won their rink convincingly 29/14 and Noel Owens crew of Gwen Maddox, Ken Smith and “Im Eugene” O’Connor also coming from behind and winning.

Let’s aim for finals next year. Ladder Pos 7th.

Midweek Pennant

All divisions are well placed in midweek and are hoping for a strong showing come finals time in 2 weeks with only 1 more round remaining.

A1s travelled to Benalla scoring a good win 68/42 with 2 winning rinks and a draw. Zarbs, Ev, Woodsy and Peter Velardo proving the difference having a fantastic game with a bruising 33/8 victory.

Let’s go A1s- mid week and weekend finals berths. The club are behind you all the way. Ladder Pos 3rd.

B1s are sitting top of the table with 1 match to go. Round 13 saw them beat Swanpool at home who they were competing with for the double chance winning super convincingly 82/50 and all 3 rinks having excellent wins! Keithy Allanders rink of Chris O’Meara, Peter Mac and Peter Humphries must have had something in the water as they had a resounding 28/9 win.

Hear WADA came looking for Keith and crew after the match but they were already on the beers.

Ray Butlers and Mick Crawfords rink also having good wins and all showing they are ready for finals action.

Lets keep top position. A4s you’ve had a great season and take that form into finals. Ladder Pos 1st.

B2s had a loss away to Corowa RSL going down 55/65 but getting 1 win and a drawn rink and retaining second spot on the ladder.

The rink skipped by Ray Sheridan who is running hot both days, Eugene O’Connor, Di Day and Rosene Andrews combined beautifully, producing a very convincing 25/15 win.

Whilst its likely we will lock in the double chance it’s important we put on a good showing at home on Tuesday against the undefeated Commercial Club as its very probable we will then play them again in first round of finals.

Believe we can do it and give them something to think about. Dare to dream B2s and make it happen. Ladder Pos 2nd.

Barefoot Bowls - Happy 80th Birthday Maxi!

We had a great night helping Max celebrate his 80th birthday last Thursday. Even though the temp tipped 39 degrees, some 50 odd barefoot bowlers who love the fun of Thursdays turned up to help celebrate and played for over an hour, even in the stifling heat …dedication or delusional ..perhaps a bit of both.

Come join each week for the shenanigans. Bar opens 5pm, bbq served 6pm and games start 6.30pm. $5 pp. Please place names on sheet out front of club no later than 3pm on day and if unable to play, please call club or take name off list by then.

Monthly 2 bowls open triples tournament – Wednesday, February 12

The widely contested 2 bowls triples is back! 10am start 4 games of 10 ends.

Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall + Best winning rink each game.

Total prize money $630. $60 entry per team – lunch included.

Enter teams at clubrooms or email info@yarrabowls.com.au or call 57443082 and leave a message.

111th Easter tournament now open for entries.

4 days of bowling starting on Good Friday, April 18th. $5000 prize money. Please note entries for Good Friday are closed as all slots are filled. Places available on other 3 days but filling fast.

For entry details please email Kim Silver at ybceaster1@gmail.com.

Club Championships

The finalists for the club pairs have now been whittled down to Mens – Mick Crawford and Peter Markby vs Les Spencer and Stephen Day. Match being played Sunday, February 16 at 9am. Womens – Sue Middleton and Claire Sanders vs Evelyn Calder and Kim Silver.

Match to be played Wednesday, February 19 at 9.30am. Come and support the players if free.

Mixed Pairs draw has been completed and is on the board – 1st match to be completed on or before 23/2/25.

To all club members and the wider community, good health and good bowling.