YMGCR BOWLS CLUB
Weekend Pennant Grand Final Report.
The A1’s consistent season, and finals series, saw them in the A1 Grand Final for the third year in a row, and not surprisingly against the same worthy and ominous opponent, Wodonga. YMGCR v Wodonga games have developed into a real rivalry over the last three years with YMGCR winning the GF in the 2021 / 2022 season. The following season, 2022 / 2023, saw Wodonga win and with a win each during the home and away season this year things could not have been more finely poised for this years Grand Final, which was held at Corowa Civic Bowls Club.
Wodonga flew out of the blocks, obviously chock full of confidence, and after the first half hour’s play it was Wodonga 17 shots to YMGCR on 4 shots. The next half hour saw YMGCR steady the ship and after an hours play the score was Wodonga 24 shots to YMGCR 14 shots after 26 ends. The next half hours play saw things ever so slightly swing back to Wodonga; after 41 ends the score was Wodonga 42 shots to YMGCR 30 shots. That meant that each YMGCR rink only had to make up 3 shots to tie the scores. After 54 ends the score was indeed level with the combatants on 50 shots each. As befits a Grand Final it looked like this one was turning into a nail biter. The next 45 minutes saw the game continue on as an arm wrestle, after 67 ends the score was Wodonga 60 shots to YMGCR 56 shots, and with only 17 ends remaining it was time for YMGCR to make a scoreboard statement if they were to win the game. But it was those experienced campaigners Wodonga who were attempting to assert their authority and after 76 ends it was Wodonga who had made the break, with the score Wodonga 70 shots to YMGCR 58 shots. The next two ends saw each of the sides score 2 shots each and after 78 ends the score was Wodonga 72 shots to YMGCR 60 shots. The margin wasn’t insurmountable, but with only 6 ends to play it looked a tall ask for YMGCR. The next few ends saw YMGCR pick up a few shots, but when the last end was to be played YMGCR needed 8 shots to draw the game. They managed to pick up 1 shot and it was Wodonga the winners again by 7 shots.
Despite the obvious disappointment of the loss the A1’s have had another season which they can reflect on with pride. They have represented the Golf Club with distinction over the last three years and play the game with grace and a level of sportsmanship which is of a high order. The players who represented YMGCR with such a competitive spirt on Saturday were Jim Lefevre, Andrew Lefevre, Michael Vaughan, Ian Febey, Gary Presnell, Ray Irvine, Anne Miles, Ian Brimblecombe, Wayne Lowrie, Laureen Smith, Troy Williams, Rod Jones, Colin Withers, Greg Green, Bob Fiddes and Garry Sanders. Well done all.
Wednesday Social Bowls.
There was no Wednesday Social Bowls played last week due to the Bernie Botts Charity Tournament. The good news is that Wednesday Social resumes this week. Entry sheets are at the Bowls Office, and with the weather becoming milder this is a great way to enjoy a competitive game of bowls. Bowlers from surrounding clubs are welcome as are visitors form further afield. Visitors, please place your contact telephone number next to your names.
Friday Social Bowls.
Now that the pennant season is behind us the ever-popular Friday Social will be resuming soon. Details to follow in next weeks report. Until next week, good bowling.