YMGCR BOWLS CLUB
Midweek Pennant and the last round before our Christmas break and the A1’s had a top of the table clash with our arch rivals WODONGA. With the late withdrawal of top skip “GG” Green, Ray “Rory” Brown was thrust to the top job and Claire Sanders was moved to play 3rd. The rink drew Wodonga’s premier rink and they jumped out of the blocks to take an early lead before Rhonda Irvine found her range and she then dominated for the rest of the game. Not to be out done Susie “Q” Middleton also joined in and began to pepper the jack and when she was required Sanders played some huge bowls. After dropping a 4 late in the game and the Wodonga skip playing some brilliant bowls to bring his side back into the contest, on the last end with YMGCR leading 18 to 17 and Wodonga holding 1 shot and then their skip adding another, Rory with his first bowl cut it back to 1. The opposition skip could not add to the score, but with danger everywhere and with Rory needing to play a perfect bowl for a win, after consultation from his rink it was decided that he didn’t have the ability, so they took the draw with 18/18 each. Anne Miles just won 24/10 and Laureen Smith lost 13/17. This now puts them a game clear on the ladder.
A2’s also played at home against another top four side in Benalla and in a tight finish won 12/60 to 2/55. Garry Hart was in control all day to win 21/16. Allan Goudge rink with a great bowl on the last end by Marcia McGrillen won 21/20 and John McGough who was well down all day fought his way back to lose 18/19. They now sit 4th on the ladder.
A3’s travelled to Benalla and won a titanic battle to win 12/58 to 2/56. They have now jumped to 2nd on the ladder and put Benalla back to 3rd. The star rink was Marie Whitehead who won 22/16 (this rink is putting a strong and consistent season together) and Bob Liddell rink as usual being tough to beat fought and ground out a brave win 18/17. Doddy Dodman went down 18/23.
B1’s had a bye.
Weekend Pennant had the A1’s home against top side Wodonga and lost 4/67 to 14/80. Michael Szabo’s rink was the best preformed winning 24/12 (still undefeated) with Ray Irvine also winning 22/18, Jim LeFevre going down 15/25 and Anne Miles losing 6/25. With a few upsets in the other games YMGCR remain 2nd on the ladder.
The A2’s went to Wodonga who sat top of the table, and with a little bit of luck could have caused the biggest upset of the season but went down 5/71 to 13/74. Neil Loveridge rink had a good win with Normie Windebank leading well, Lynton” Whinger” Potter keeping the score card up to date and Dougie Wheeler playing well, they pulled off a good win 19/16. Ian Price had a tough game. They lost the lead with a few ends to go but dug deep to pull out a win 17/16. With newly promoted lead in Alan “Rowdy” Hayes and Rob “Doc” Martin they are starting to gel with three wins in a row. Kerry Kinnane led most of the day only to come out with a draw. Cat lost 19/26.
A4’s ventured to Benalla and lost 4/69 to 14/84, with Marie Whitehead winning 18/12 and it was great to see Bob Evans making his first appearance this year due to ill health. He will make a huge difference to the team when he gets a few games under his belt. Bob Liddell won a close game 22/20 and Ian Morffew finally lost his first game 18/22. (I think Morf should be practising more instead of catching cod). Steve Gann lost 11/30.
B2’s played Corowa RSL at home just coming up short losing 4/57 to 10/61, with John McGough rink winning 18/12 and Ross Lloyd winning a tight battle 22/20 (good to see Neville “Nifty“ Coleman back). Noel Millar lost 17/29.
Wednesday Social bowls was won by Nifty Coleman and Bob “Bucks” Brokenshire with runners up being Cat and Lyn McGough and the jackpot was won by Garry Hart and Gavin Borwick.
Other good news; in the O&M over 60’s singles we had Anne Miles with a win in the ladies over fellow teammate in Laureen Smith and Garry Sanders beating Greg McDonald from Wangaratta. They will now represent the region in the State finals. In the Men’s O&M pairs Ray Irvine and Peter Velardo lost to a Wangaratta team 16/20. Well done guys on making it that far.
Also it is fantastic to hear Judy Green is home from hospital and is on track for a full recovery.