YMGCR Bowls Club.
Wednesday Social Bowls Report.
Last Wednesday, the 24th of June saw 39 players turn out, despite the cool weather. The greens were running well, which was reflected in the number of close bowls across a number of the rinks. Finding conditions on rink 5 conducive to good bowls were David Irvine and Keith Eade who were the day’s big winners sharing $90.00 and a drink card each as their reward for first prize. David and Keith’s opponents were two visitors, Peter Taylor and Tony Price. Conditions on rink 12 seemed to suit Les Spencer and Michael Szarbo who potted the winning rink second prize of $50.00. Les and Michael played Ian Febey and Col Withers. The day’s play wasn’t without reward though for Col Withers and Ian Febey who happened to win the losing rink consolation prize of $20.00. The first Lucky Number raffle prize of $25.00 was won by Norm Windebank and the second Lucky Number raffle prize of $10.00 was won by Garry Seamer.
Friday Social Bowls Report.
Chilly morning weather, last Friday the 26th of June transformed into a sunny afternoon, and the 40 players who turned out were the beneficiaries. Both greens were in play, and bowls were played in the east west direction. The day’s first prize winners were Ray Butler and Cheryl Chidgey who played on rink 6. Ray and Cheryl won $90.00 and a drink card each. The runners up were Judy Leeson and Karen Guymer, who played on rink 12. Judy and Karen shared $50.00 for their afternoon’s play. The losing rink consolation prize of $20.00 was won by Barb Tennyson and Norm Windebank who played on rink 3. The first Lucky Number prize of $15.00 was won by Greg Green, and the second Lucky Number prize of $10.00 was won by Greg Fisher. Coming to the Friday Bowls Co Ordinator’s attention were two players who only delivered 3 bowls, instead of 4 bowls on a particular end of their games. Decency prevents us from naming the miscreants; suffice to say that they both reside out at Silverwoods. Must be something in the water out there.
Sunday Funday Social Bowls.
28 players enjoyed the warm Sunday afternoon weather this week; perhaps taking advantage of the conditions before this week’s predicted wet weather arrives. The day’s play was preceded by the now traditional draw to the spider competition. After the bowls were delivered, it was Mick Crawford who had his bowl closest to the spider. Mick won $5.00 and a selection of sweets for his accurate bowl. First place winners were Terry Cartwright and Craig Jordan who played Wendy Pump and Trevor Kilpatrick on rink 4. Terry and Craig won $60.00 for their consistent bowls. Second place went to Deb Rodgers and Greg Green who played Michelle Thomas and Ian Febey on rink 9. Deb and Greg took home $40.00 for their efforts. The losing rink consolation prize went to Liliana Borwick and Bruce Davies who played Karen Guymer and Noel Loft on rink 11. Karen and Bruce won $20.00. The first Lucky Number raffle prize of $20.00 was won by Norm Moule and the second Lucky Number prize of $10.00 was won by Chris Morrissy.
Proposed changes to Weekend Pennant…. Things that make you go hmmm part 2.
Last week we reported on the Ovens & Murray Bowls Region AGM, focusing on the O&M Pennant Committee’s decision to reduce the number of rinks, in A3 and A4 section to 3 rinks rather than the traditional 4 rinks. All the constituent clubs were represented at the meeting, either at Wangaratta Bowls Club, the venue for the meeting, or via zoom.
A discussion was then held, where clubs were invited to state their case, either for, or against the decision. After the clubs had stated their positions, the O&M Pennant Committee read a prepared statement outlining why they believed change was necessary.
The O&M Pennant Committee’s reasoning for the change was a need to bring the O&M into sync with surrounding regions pennant structures, it would streamline the O&M’s process of finalising the divisions, and the pennant draw for the region. Hopefully, the Pennant Committee reasoned, this would reduce the number of forfeits given by clubs who weren’t able to field a side, due to lack of numbers, particularly in the lower divisions.
Clubs that argued against the change, particularly smaller clubs that had a side in either A3, or A4, were of the opinion that dropping 4 players from their top side into their second side, which typically was in a B section, where there are only 3 rinks, would force 4 players out of the second side. The players who would be left out of the second side would then not get a game of pennant; perhaps forcing those players to cease playing pennant, and presumably cease their club membership, and move to a larger club where they would be certain of playing pennant. This scenario, the smaller clubs argued, would be disastrous for their immediate futures, and may even force some clubs into considering whether it would be viable to continue, or if not, disband the club. This, they opined, would be a body blow to a small community already experiencing a population drift away to larger towns, or capital cities. Small towns, the clubs who were against the change argued, rely on sporting clubs and sporting facilities to help maintain relevance and a sporting and social outlet for their community.
After the discussion ballot papers were issued to all club representatives, and the result of the vote was 19 clubs voting against the change and 10 clubs voting for the change. The O&M Pennant Committee told the meeting that they would consider the result of the vote and advise the constituent clubs whether the change would remain or be rescinded.
Last week the O&M Region advised constituent clubs that they had reversed the decision, and A3 and A4 divisions would remain at 4 rinks. I am of the opinion that sooner, or later all divisions in Ovens and Murray A section may change to 3 rinks, rather than 4. In the meantime, if the O&M Region still believe that 3 rinks are the way forward, they at least have the time to strengthen their argument for the change, communicate the need for change effectively and convincingly to clubs. As for the clubs that would be impacted most by the change, well, they have been given some breathing space to consider what will be their strategy for securing their club’s futures if the changes do ultimately come to fruition. Until next week, good bowling.