Echuca Bowls Club

Thursday’s jackpot pairs last week, kindly sponsored by Moama Bowling Club, was attended by 20 teams on perfect greens in cool weather and a slight breeze.

There were six, two-game winners starting with Peter Kesson/Geoff Tinning (+6), Kevin McGreevy/Col Berryman (+14), Lal Whyte/John Blair (+17), Kevin Bursill/Steve Campion (+18), runners-up John Dinsdale/Bill Cook (+25) and the runaway winners Ivan Hicks/Max Clifford (+46).

Best one game went to Trevor Nagorcka/Bruce O’Neale (+36).

The jackpot did not go off and will be $40 this week.

Last Friday's Scroungers were very well attended, with Andrew Humphrys taking home the Intersport voucher from Heather Brumby from Ulverstone, Tasmania, who won the Roma Pizza voucher.

Last weekend was the hugely popular Joyce Thorn Memorial Ladies Pairs, sponsored by Philip and Mal Thorn.

48 teams (96 bowlers) competed in sectional play over Saturday and Sunday, with the following teams winning their section:

Section 1 - Michelle Cunnington/Kristy Gillingham (Echuca)

2 - Deb Stanaway/Trish Odgers (Ranges/Trentham)

3 - Caroline Reilly/Jan Hermasson (Yarrawonga)

4 - Roma Opie/Emma Simmonds (Leitchville/Moama)

5 - Kerryn Evans/Jean Fairchild (Moulamein/Barham)

6 - Kaye Barker/June Clifford (Echuca)

At the completion of the playoffs, the overall winners were the mother and daughter pairing of Wilma and Vera Curnow of Moama, from Pam Hughes and Jan Robertson of Eaglehawk.

Congratulations to tournament secretary Rhonda Gallagher and her team of helpers setting up, kitchen hands, bar people, umpires etc, you all did a wonderful job.

Monday’s social bowls were cancelled due to works on the greens.

ESSEN-5-a-side on Tuesday was unfortunately cancelled due to the weather.

The teams for Sunday's practice match against Cohuna Golf are up, and the day commences with a BBQ lunch at noon, followed by bowls at 1pm.

Club uniform required.

The next tournament is the men’s and ladies consistency breakfast fours to be held on Friday, October 10, with breakfast at 8.30am followed by bowls at 9am.

Entries to Rhonda Gallagher on 0448 400 051 or on the sheet in the clubhouse.

Mini Bingo again failed to go off and is capped at $4000 until someone gets lucky.

You’ve got to be in it to win it.

Nibbles and drinks tonight (Friday) between 4 and 6pm.

Moama Bowling Club

Social Bowls- Thursday, September 11 - Ladies Scroungers

Winner: Shirley Riters.

Runner-Up: Carmel Simpson.

Rink Winners: Mary Kaine, Pam Kerr, Di O’Bryan, Rhonda Soloman, Liz Doidge.

Ditch: Wilma Curnow, Margot Brennan.

Men’s Pairs

Winners: Ray Sangster, Wayne Whitney.

Runners-up: Jock Linehan, Peter Campbell.

Best 1st Game Winner: Alan Watson, Russell Kelly.

Best 2nd Game Winners: Phil Bell, Greg Pettigrove.

Saturday, September 13- Open Pairs

Winners: Ian McGregor, Jock Linehan.

Runners-Up: Dennis O’Bryan, Tony Hawley.

Best 1st Game Winner: Alex McQuarrie, Joe Murphy.

Best 2nd Game Winner: Cheryl Doherty, David Lonnie.

Indoor Bowls- Tuesday, September 9 - Open

Winners: Sue Underwood, Roland Matchett, Fay Smith, Bill Musgrove.

Runners-up: Maurie Jones, John Zealley, Denise Lee, Ron Hooper.

Thursday, September 11- Open

Winners: Sue Underwood, Denise Lee, Bob McKinnon, Ron Hooper.

Runners-up: Bill Musgrove, John Zealley, Shirley McKinnon, Joy Hooper.

Rich River Bowls Club

Season opening day was held last Sunday in magnificent weather.

Two long-term Rich River Bowls Club members took the honours of opening the season.

Wilma Williams started with a dead straight jack roll.

Adrian Costello followed and showed his skill and experience, rolling the first bowl to be a resting toucher.

A great start to kick off the season with 40 bowlers playing three-bowl pairs.

Only one point separated first and second places, both husband and wife duos, with Bev and Brian Trengove two games, +52 taking first place over Jacqui and Frank Millar 2,+51.

Third place, also close, with 2,+49, went to Barb Dashwood and Leon Sharp.

Special thanks to those who provided delicious slices for afternoon tea.

Ladies Bowls

‘Giggles on the Green’ last Thursday, September 11, proved to be very successful with 18 interested ladies keen to learn the skills of lawn bowls.

With encouragement and tuition from our regular bowlers on the day, many started showing great potential.

The morning was full of challenges, prizes and lots of laughter.

Any new attendees are most welcome and encouraged to return for more on our regular Ladies social days.

A big thank you to the organisers and helpers on the day. Great work team.

Draws are now posted for the Daisy Taylor pairs.

Final needs to be played by October 9.

Ladies, please be mindful of this date and ensure you get games started promptly to avoid holdups.

Also keep an eye out for entry to the ladies' singles matches which will be posted shortly.

Men’s Bowls

Wednesday’s jackpot pairs saw 32 players having a fun day.

Ron Bentley and Sean McCallig took the overall win for the day with three wins, 80+29 over Norm Hodge and Keith Rowan in second place with 3, 79+22.

Third place went to Peter Hingston and Gerry Devlin with 2, 58+27.

Entries are now open for the men’s singles club matches.

Sheets are on the board, so please ensure that you get your names down prior to 5.30pm on respective closing dates.

Men’s minor singles closes Friday, September 26 and Men’s championship singles closes Friday, October 10.

Draws will be posted within a couple of days after closing.

New Bowlers

The club is interested in getting contact details of people interested in learning bowls in the hope to arrange further ‘come and try’ opportunities.

Please reach out to Barb Dashwood on 0419 513 650 or come along to one of our regular social days.

Coaching can be arranged for any interested new bowlers, and bowls are available for loan on the day. Remember also, that no commitment is required for social bowls – just let the club know prior to 9am on game day if you wish to participate.

Dates for the diary

Saturday, September 20 – Midweek Pennant Practice Match against Mathoura (1pm start)

Thursday, September 25 – Goodwill Tours Practice Match (12pm Lunch + Bowls 1pm for 1.30pm)

Friday, September 26 – Grand Final Eve – Open Fours Tournament – 12.30pm start

Saturday, October 4 – Weekend Pennant – Round 1

Tuesday, October 7 – Midweek Pennant – Round 1

Wednesday and Thursday, October 22 and 23– Men’s 5-a-side – 9.30am start

Social Bowls Summer Program: September through May

Wednesday - Men’s Jackpot Pairs – 12pm for 12.30pm start.

Thursday - Ladies Social Bowls – 9.30am for 10am start.

Names to be submitted by 9am on day of play.

Entry sheet on noticeboard in bowls pavilion or phone Bowls Office 03 5481 3390 and leave a message.

Rochester Bowls Club

Friday Social Bowls : 18 bowlers enjoyed playing two bowl triples on Friday, September 12. Winners for the day were Bert Smolenaars, Joan Limbrick and Octavia. The raffle winner was Ian Dennis. The jackpot didn’t go off, it will jackpot for next week. Those wishing to play on Friday, Sept 19 are asked to ring the club office on Friday morning between 8.45am to 9.15am to record your name.

Bowls: Each Thursday morning from 10am with Marg Knight and Leigh Milgate.

Pennant: There’s a practice match against White Hills planned for Sunday, Sept 21, names on the list, please.

60 and over: No play at Lockington on Wednesday, Sept 10 as play was cancelled. This week’s play will be at Echuca on Wednesday, Sept 17 commencing at 11am.

A, B and C-grade men’s championship: Entries into these events are now being taken, with entry forms now available in the foyer. Current handicaps are also displayed. All men are encouraged to enter their name.

Bar Duty: Monday to Friday 5 to 6.30 pm

15 – 19: K Barker and D Hocking

22 – 26: A Williams and G Chambers

29 – October 3: R Dennis and Octavia

Lockington Bowls Club

The club held the Annual Memorial two-bowl triples on Sunday with the official club opening day.

There was a fine roll up of bowlers to enjoy the excellent conditions on offer. Clubs represented included Elmore, Gunbower, Lockington, Kerang Golf, Moama, Moulamein, Rochester and Tongala.

Club President John van den Bosch welcomed all present and acknowledged the ongoing support from our sponsor in the Moama Bowling Club. This support is greatly appreciated by all bowlers and clubs alike.

On the green, bowlers competed in three games of ten ends and the winners on the day decided on a points system. At the end of the three games, there was only one undefeated team and five two game winners to battle for the spoils.

The winning trio included Russell Shawcross, Kym Ray and Steve Pavone (s) 81 points. After a lengthy countback the Gunbower skipped team by Bill L'Hillier were runners-up on 60 points ahead of third placed local team comprising John Andrea, Anthony Westwood, Pos Andrea (s) with 57 points.

Other two game winners were Carol Pay (Kerang Golf) 55, Francis Keech (Rochester) 53 and Ray Hanson, Sue Harris, Andy Harris (s) 52 points.

It was interesting to note that three of the two game winners lost their last game by one shot. Tournament Secretary Chris Stewart acknowledged the input from all members in the kitchen, bar staff, greens staff - a special effort from Lloyd Buchanan and Ray Hanson plus people who supplied the goodies for afternoon tea.

The club wishes to thank all members for the effort in making themselves available for the Working Bee held on the previous Saturday. Many hands make light work!

This coming Saturday, the club has arranged a practice match against Gunbower to be held at Lockington and fight for the coveted Stirrers Spoon. 1pm. For 1.30pm start. Full colours to be worn. The selectors will name the respective teams during the week.

Birthday congratulations to Lorraine Appleby for her special birthday. The crowd rendered a happy birthday song during the afternoon tea on Sunday.

During the past week, the weather intervened in the running of the Scrunge events and the first round of the Sixty and over competition. That competition will take place at Echuca Bowling Club this Wednesday.

60 and Over

The Campaspe and District 60 and over bowls group held the start of the season at Echuca on a mild and cloudy day.

The season was supposed to start at Lockington last week, but it was decided that it would be too cold at 10.5 °C for us oldies.

There were 26 teams of four, competing for a chook, that’s 104 players approximately as some teams had players short.

There were five three-game winners.

Unfortunately, Dave Grants’ team from Stanhope only had one bowl near the jack and missed out.

Four other teams only had two bowls near the jack.

They were Doug Goldworthys’ team and John Langleys’ team who both missed out.

Laurie Quinn’s team of Noel McMaster lead, Neil Dovaston second, Andrew Humphrys third and Laurie Quinn Skipper, came second.

The winners were Allan Bensons’ team that consisted of Bert Smolenaars' lead.

Allan Benson second, Tim Quinlan third, and Kevin Hall as their Skipper.

Both teams' players won a chook each.

Next week is at Rochester starting at 11am.

The contacts for next week are David Murray on 0477 520 385 or Francis Keech on 0477 949 700

Good bowling to all.

Rich River Golf Club

Weekly Highlights

The scoring on Thursday suggested that many appreciated the green tees with Max Beard having the score of the day to take the B-grade honours.

Graeme Stevens had a great score to win the monthly medal on Saturday, as did Kacey Heywood, who won for the second week in a row to claim the star award.

Greens Director Steven Jones double bogeyed his first hole and then fought back brilliantly to have the best scratch score of the day, a par seventy-one.

Liam Fleming was fired up by the Storms win and had his best ever score on Sunday with a nett 63, well ahead of the rest of the field.

Deborah Patterson had a brilliant stableford score to win B-grade in the Monday Medley, with Gary McDorman taking the A-grade victory.

Suzy King had a very good 9 holes to win the ladies' event.

Only the diehards played on Tuesday due to the soggy conditions, with Allan McLeish coming out on top from ‘Mr Integrity’ Gerard Ryan.

Josie Kirkman, Di Atkins, Bernie Smith and Megan Wetton combined brilliantly in the four person puttose to win the ladies' picnic day event.

Thursday, September 11

A-grade: Dale Phillips (39 points), 1. Steve Edwards (37), 2. Frank Severino (37), 3.

B-grade: Max Beard (42 points), 1. Derek Jones (37), 2. Graeme Stevens (37), 3.

C-grade: Michael Clemmens (40 points), 1. John Paterson (40), 2. Shane Dorgan (39), 3.

Saturday, September 13

Men: A-grade: Jade Bennett (nett 68), 1. Jason Quattrocchi (88), 2. Steven Jones (scratch - 72), 3.

B-grade: Graeme Stevens (nett 65), 1. Daryl Brown (67), 2. Dave Edwards (scratch - 82), 3.

C-grade: Tyler Jardine (nett 66), 1. Alan Guy 69), 2. Jared Laffy (scratch - 87), 3.

Women: Kacey Heywood (nett 68), 1. Michelle Craigie (69), 2. Simone Morgan (70), 3.

Sunday, September 14

Men A-grade: Anson Claes (nett 67), 1. Craig Maconachie (70), 2. Paul Elliott (71), 3.

B-grade: Liam Fleming (nett 63), 1. Anna Docking (69), 2. Keith Jones (69), 3.

C-grade: Lyn Richardson (nett 68), 1. Bill Kuluris (71), 2. Jodie Armstrong (71), 3.

Monday, September 15

18 Hole A-grade: Gary McDorman (39 points), 1. Bill Patterson (38), 2. Darren Yates (37), 3.

B-grade: Debora Patterson (43 points), 1. Kerry McLaughlan (37), 2. Lorraine Bowman (36), 3.

9 Hole: Suzy King (20 points), 1. Helen Taylor (20), 2. Lorraine Healey (19), 3.

Tuesday, September 16

A-grade: Allan McLeish (nett 70), 1. Gerard Ryan (70), 2. Alex McCrae (72), 3.

Wednesday, September 17

Josie Kirkman, Di Atkins, Bernie Smith and Megan Wetton (nett 45), 1. Barb McCarty, Lyn James, Julie Charlton and Rosie Devlin (50), 2. Heather Gunstone, Ann Velt, Susan Dwyer and Amanda Simmonds (52), 3.

Bridie McKenzie Singles Matchplay

Karen Evans won the coveted Bridie McKenzie event over Pam Brennan, 4 holes up with 3 holes to play.

Bridie McKenzie’s daughter, Margaret McKenzie, was on hand to present the trophy to Karen with Golf Committee Captain Debbie Morden.

Fourball Matchplay

Katia Bish and Louisa Rovetto won the Ladies Fourball Matchplay event over Ingrid Coburn and Judy Holland with a win on the last hole.

Club Pennant

The Ladies Club Pennant run on Fridays has come to a conclusion with Team Srixon coming out on top.

Liz Pollard, Denise Ferrier, Debbie Gniel, Barb Duke and Judy Lawlor were in the winning team.

Rochester Golf Club

Another good field played golf at Rochester over the past week.

Brendan McCarty led the Wednesday 9-hole event by winning with a solid 24 points from recently returned Greg Watkins on a countback from the unlucky David Gebbie, both on 23 Stableford points.

Next best was Bruce Bryant (22), Kevin McCormack and Chris Eeles (20), President Hicks was nearest to the 3rd hole.

Louise Eeles found that if you are lucky enough to play with top-quality golf balls, your golf game should improve, according to the logo on the box.

Sure enough, Eeles had one of her best days out winning last Friday's Ladies Par for a +3 on a countback from Barbara McCarty, Louise Williams -1 was next best, also taking out nearest-the-pins on 5,8 and 16 and Sam Shotton was closest to the 12th hole.

Apparently, the Ladies are now encouraging Eeles to supply balls for the remainder of the season.

31 men competed in last Saturday's Stroke Monthly medal event in perfect conditions, and it was only fitting to see one of the mowing team, Brendan McCarty, once again continue his good form to win with an impressive 80 net 66 to take home the last monthly medal for this season.

Brent Sweeney has seen his handicap slowly decrease to run second with a net 68. Grant Robinson (70), Troy McInness and Robert Vise (71), Mark Walsh, David Gebbie, David Fuller, Zac McInness, Shane Connelly, Frank Severino and Leigh Hicks all finished with net 72's and were unlucky not to win balls.

McCarty (5), Greg Watkins (16) and Jake Wright (18) to be the nearest to the pin winners on the day.

Shane Connelly and Grant Robinson are the new 2025 Four-Ball Match Play Champions, defeating President Hicks and young up-and-coming golfer, Zac McInness.

Although the final score was 4/3, this didn't reflect the tightest of the game. Mike Austin will now go on to play in the Singles Match Play grand final after defeating veteran Ap Kuiper one-up.

The course is in top condition, and the ladies are expecting a good roll up for their annual bowl day on Tuesday, another event that is sure to attract plenty of support.

The club's annual MND Charity 4-person Ambrose (proudly sponsored by Rochester's Sports Power) will be played on the Friday before the AFL Grand Final, and please keep in mind the 3-person Rochester Kindergarten fundraiser is scheduled on Sunday, October 4.

Lockington Golf Club

September 11: Joy Bickford Bowl Rose Bowl Teams Event

Eleven teams contested the Bowl, with players from Elmore, Neangar Park, Marong, Rich River, Quarry Hill, Rochester and Mitiamo. In a close finish, the Bowl was won by the Neangar Park 3 team with a total of 103 points, by three points from Rich River 3, with Rich River two in third with 92.

The Neangar Park team’s performance was a consistent team effort by Helen Leech (39), Renae Boucher (33) and Bernice Campbell (31). The Bowl was first played in 1978, and this year’s victory was the second by Neangar Park, their first win was back in 2010.

Individual results: Division 1 winner – Helen Leech 39; 2nd– Denise Ferrier (Rich River) 36, count back; 3rd– Kirsten Butler (Quarry Hill).

Division two winner – Lauren Coghill (Rochester) 43; 2nd– Renae Boucher 33; 3rd– Sherryn Pedersen (Elmore) 31. Lockington Members Event winner – Fiona Newton, 30.

Ball comp: Division 1: 33 – Cath Kelly (Rich River 3), Louise Rolfe (Rich River 2); 32 – Julie Leahy (Rochester). Division 2: 29 – Lynley Strachan (Mitiamo), Gail Barker (Marong), Barb McCarty (Rochester), Denise Pappin (Elmore).

nearest-the-pins: 7th– Kirsten Butler; 2nd shot 9th– Julie Leahy (great birdie); 16th– Julie Leahy; 17th– Bernice Campbell. Nearest the line: Denise Pappin.

A big thank you to all the workers in the kitchen and all the cooks who provided such a scrumptious feast for golfers to enjoy, with many compliments received. Well done to all who have worked on the course to get it in such good nick.

And a very special thank you to the Bulla Family Dairy for their very generous sponsorship of the day, crucial in making the day such a success.

September 13 – Stableford. Mark Lyons was in super form with a score of 39 points to win the Privilege Cup on a countback from Grant Humbert.

Division one honours went to Grant Humbert, ahead of Ash Portwine and Stuart Newton, who both finished with 37. Mark Lyons was the clear-cut winner of Division 2, ahead of Jeff Carnie (35).

nearest-the-pins: 16th– Ian Maddison; 2nd shot 12th– Grant Humbert (A), Ian Maddison (B); 2nd shot 18th for the 6-pack smack – Grant Humbert.

Spike’s Longest Drive on the 4th, sponsored by Hot ‘n’ Cold Plumbing – Ash Portwine (A), JD Wright (B), Brad Wakefield (C). Neither the O’Connors Case eagle's nest on the 3rd, nor Captain Grant’s yardstick prize on the 16th, was won.

The Handicap Matchplay Championship final between Jeff Carnie and Steve Holt was played on Saturday. Steve began well to be 1-up after 7 holes, before Jeff went on a tear, winning six consecutive holes to surge to a 5-up lead after 13. The 14th was halved and the match was over, victory to Jeff 5 and 4, his first ever honour board gold letter title.

A number of Locky golfers competed in Bamawm’s TJ Malone 4BBB on Friday. Well done to Stuart Newton and Ash Portwine who teamed up to take home the Division one winners’ prizes.

Upcoming events: Tuesday, September – Committee Meeting. Friday, September 18 – three person ambrose, any combination, sponsored by Echuca Mazda and Mitsubishi. Hit off 11am – noon. Enquiries to Darren Carnie 0428 862 292.

Bamawm Golf Club

Friday, September 12

It was a very successful day for our annual TJ Men’s 4BBB with over 20 pairs enjoying the day and many more visitors turning up after golf for a drink around Terry’s Bar.

A-grade winners were Stuart Newton and Ash Portwine with 45 points. Runners-up were Shaun Malone and Ryder Comer on 44 points, on a countback from Grant Humbert and Simon Portwine.

B-grade winners were Adam and Ziva Shawcross with a fantastic score of 53 points, from runners-up Paul Evans and Shane Broucek on 46 points.

NTP 2nd shot 4/13- Adam Shawcross (in the hole)

NTP 7/16- Ash Portwine

NTP 8/17- Kevin Humbert

NTP 2nd shot 9/18- Ash Portwine

Longest Drive Todd Loutitt (0-15), Simon Portwine (16+), Leon Laffy (over 70’s)

Thanks to visitors from Lockington, Mitiamo, Elmore, Rich River, Heathcote and Port Arlington.

Sunday, September 14

Sunday saw a small but quality field compete in a Stableford round.

Winner of the day was Jesses Cuttriss with 33 points from runner-up David Winchcombe on 31 points.

NTP 2nd shot 4/13- Kahl Oliver

NTP 7/16- Kahl Oliver

NTP 8/17- Jesse Cuttriss

Longest Drive Jesse Cuttriss (0-15), David Winchcombe (16+).

Next week is closing day, there will be a 3-Person Ambrose, hit off from 11-12.

Echuca Moama Croquet Club

Friday, September 12

16 Members today played three games in sunny conditions, we had two winners today Liz Dellar and Jenny van der Zande, both winning three games with a +10.

Jump Shots today, three for Lyn Keillor and one for Johnny Tarrant.

Monday, September 15

15 Members played three games in nice weather.

Winner for the day was Jill Graham, winning all three games with a +10.

A hoop in one for Johnny Tarrant.

Two jump shots for Jill Graham and one for Jan Tracy.

Rich River Croquet Club

Golf Pennant- Thursday September 11– Rich River Kangas

This week, the Kangas team (Lyn Keillor, Cherie Lessing, Sandra Retallick and Helen Brierley) played the Numurkah team (Garry McNamara, Pauline Sloane, Ruth Cashan and Harry Baker) at home.

The first singles games played saw Nurmurkah take the lead with two games 21 hoops only one hoop in front of the Kangas 2, 20.

The second singles matches saw Nurmurkah strengthen the lead with 2, 25 to the Kangas 2,18.

The Kangas rallied in the doubles matches, winning three of the four games.

In the end, the Kangas triumphed 7, 65 to 5, 65.

Rich River Golf Croquet – Thursday September 11

11 players competed against each other in doubles and triples croquet this morning.

Congratulations go to Leon Koch, the only person to win all three games, scoring 3, +12 and the runner-up was Cheryl Lees, scoring 2, +8.

Helen Smith also performed well, making a jump shot.

Kyabram Pigeon Club

Another week of racing was held at the Kyabram Racing Pigeon Club.

On September 13, trainers headed out to Werrimul for the two separate events.

In the regular Werrimul 1 event, Kyabram’s Gary Beavis topped the field of 12 trainers, his birds hitting an average velocity of 1345.02 metres per minute.

The podium was rounded out by another pair of Kyabram trainers, with Peter White scoring second and Gary Rayner third.

Also held was the Werrimul Breeders Plate, which shook up the standings somewhat.

A more elite field of birds was led by Peter White at a velocity of 1343.34, followed by Gary Rayner and Echuca East’s Andrew ‘Bear’ Williamson.

A special midweek ‘come back race’ was held in midweek, September 17, from the closer Sea Lake liberation point.

John Carroll topped the standings with 1527 mpm, followed by Rayner and Beavis.

The club’s next event will return to Werrimul on September 21.

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