Last weekend the club hosted a 2 Bowls Triples Tournament with ten different clubs competing. It was great to welcome bowlers from Orange, Forbes, Parkes Railway Club, Greenwell Point, Yass, Manildra, Leeton, Belrose and Warilla.

This meant 60 bowlers competed in three games of 15 ends on Saturday and two on Sunday.

At the mid-way point on Saturday evening the team of Nathan Reynolds, Dave Reilly (members of our club) and Glenn Beveridge from Warilla had the lead on 45 Points. The team from Belrose were in second place on 40 points and Team Grant and Team Frame (both from our club) were equal third on 39 points.

On Sunday morning the weather gods were not quite as kind as they had been and, in a strong wind, positions changed. Team Harris and Team Johnson (both representing our club) won both of their games to get amongst the prize money while Team Frame and Team Belrose could not hold their form and dropped off the leader board.

In the final wash up the prize winners were:
1st place – Nathan Reynolds, Dave Reilly and Glenn Beveridge on 73 points;
2nd Place – Dave Johnson, Jo Simpson and Mike Simpson on 60 points;
3rd place – Maree Grant, Tom Furey and Brian Townsend on 58 points;
4th Place – Wilbur Harris, Guy Ellery and Steve Turner on 57 points.

Congratulations to all the prize winners and in fact all the bowlers, it was great to see such a good turn-out and we look forward to welcoming all the visitors at our next event.

Such events cannot go on without a lot of generosity and hard work behind the scenes from a lot of people. I must mention our major sponsor, Johno Johnson and the Railway and Commercial Hotels. Thank you for your support. Also, thanks to Power Tools +, Parkes Hydraulics and Woolworths.

I should also thank the volunteers who put in so much time keeping the greens and club surrounds in such great shape and all the other volunteers who helped to make this weekend such a great success, in particular Tom Furey, Martin Tighe and Col Miller.

By George Bradley

There were no championship games played during the past week. In social bowls on Thursday, 10th February the Triples match finished with the closest score line after a couple of dramatic changes. Rob Tinker, Gordon Dickson and John Dunn won the first end but Ian Simpson, Bob Freeman and Jim Blake had the best of the early ends and lead 13-8 after thirteen ends. On the next end Team Tinker scored six shots to take the lead for the second time, 14-13 and with one end to play still held the lead 19-16 and looked like the winners but on the last end Team Simpson scored the four shots they needed to claim victory.

In other matches, Rob Irving and Graham Barby 21 just got up against Col Mudie and Tom Furey 19. Col Hayward and Ron Hornery 21 beat John Wright and Alan Affleck 16. Steve Turner and John Carr scored too many and Jonno Johnson and Ray Jones didn’t score enough.

On Saturday, 12th February a good field of twenty eight bowlers turned out and it was good to see Wes Westcott back on the green after a fairly lengthy absence. Results of the matches were:

• Guy Ellery and George Bradley 24 – Dave Reilly and Jo Simpson 21
• John Ward and Noel Johnstone 18 – Mike Simpson and Ray Jones 14
• Ian Simpson and John Wright 23 – Brian Townsend and Arthur Corbett 18
• Rob Tinker and John Niddrie 24 – Martin Tighe and Wes Westcott 19
• Nathan Reynolds and Ron Hornery 25 – Col Hayward and Gordon Dickson 20
• Col Mudie and John Carr 23 – Tom Furey and Col Woods 17
• Tony Reardon and Mal Porter 24 – Rob Irving and Jim Blake 16

By George Bradley

T’was a hot, dry morning of 32 degrees for the bowls girls; and a freezing minus 32 degrees in Beijing, another world away. But hot competition at both venues, with contestants vying for a podium finish!

Before the day had dawned, Lea Orr retired hurt, and Jan McPhee missed her plane home, so the race schedule needed a reshuffle. As the Aussie flag flew high, the Club Championship Singles matches commenced.

On Run 9, Merilyn Rodgers and Liz Byrne battled it out for a spot in the semi-finals. Liz, the reigning champion, was in top form and dominated once again.

Elaine Miller and Cherie Frame were more closely matched on Run 11. Cherie is through to the next round after opening up a strong lead which was impossible to peg back, despite Elaine’s efforts.

Despite an ACL injury, sustained while competing in the Ulladulla Ultra Triathlon, Maureen Miller soldiered on in true Olympic spirit to lead all the way in her heat against Carol Reed on Run 10.

After-match TV interviews included thanks to Ground Control, Umpire Gwenda, hydration manager, Maureen, and the match markers and volunteers without whom these games would not be possible!

Social ladies were out practicing their freestyle bowling skills in the warm, dry conditions.

Valmai Westcott, wearing bright aussie colours, and Maria Willcockson earned twice the points of their rivals, Kay Craft and Lynn Ryan. The prepared surface suited the style of Kate Keogh and Marja Iffland as they left Frances Charlton, Chris Curteis and Betsy Johnstone wondering how they could improve their skills.

By Lea Orr

bowls

MEN’S BOWLS

The second semi-final of the 2021 Minor Triples Championship has been played at last! Rob Tinker, Col Miller and Graham Dixon got off to a great start with Gary McPhee, Tony Riordan and Brian Townsend 5- 20 After ten ends. However, Team McPhee started a great comeback and won eight of the next nine ends and had cut the deficit to two shots. Not to be outdone, Team Tinker rallied and won three of the final six ends to advance to the final with a 26-22 win.

Social Bowls: A small field of 14 played two games of pairs and one game of triples. Tony Riordan and Ray Jones vs John Ward and Col Mudie 18 – 15; Martin Tighe and Col Miller vs Gary McPhee and John Carr 22 – 13; Triples: Graham Dixon, Bob Freeman and Mal Porter forced a draw with Rob Irving, George Bradley and Jim Blake, 18 all.

29th January 29: A good field of 24 bowlers. John Ward and Jim Blake vs Rhona Went and Mal Porter 19 – 18; Steve Turner and Lorraine Baker vs Martin Tighe and Jhonno Johnson 27 – 12; Arthur Corbett, Gordon Dickson and John Carr defeated Ray Jones, Bob Freeman and Ron Hornery 21 – 15; Col Mudie, George Bradley and Ian Simpson vs Ellery, John Niddrie and Rob Irving 23 – 21.

By George Bradley

WOMEN’S BOWLS

Our Women’s Bowling Club and Queen Elizabeth have so much in common: 70 years of successful reign for a start, and a court full of jesters besides!

Kate Keogh/Marja Iffland found the going a bit tough versus Valmai Westcott/Merilyn Rodgers.

Kim Evans (& Di Howell substituting after Kim tripped over the queen’s corgi)/Beth Thomas/Maureen Baillie were invested as victors over Carol Reed/Lorraine Baker/ Joan Simpson by a margin as short as the corgi’s legs!

Kay Craft/Lea Orr/Heather Harvey reigned supreme over Flo Riseborough/ Lynn Ryan/Betsy Johnstone.

It took a 5 plus a couple of 3’s for Jan Griffiths/Liz Byrne to amass enough points to be crowned victors over Chris Curteis/ Maureen Miller.

A first-rate morning in divine conditions, played with right-royal camaraderie, and polite applause at appropriate times! Splendid job, ladies!

By Lea Orr

And just like that, it’s February – named after the Roman festival of purification, Februa! The purest of birthdays this month to Frances and Maree!

We were 17 gals sanitising our hands and bowls and headed to the top green on Tuesday.

Lorraine Baker/Jan McPhee/Cherie Frame brushed away any threat from their opposition and won by a good margin against Kay Craft/Laurie Keane/Rhona Went over on rink 16.

After a pretty close game on rink 18, Merilyn Rodgers/Carol Reed/Lea Orr filtered off a few iffy deliveries and cleaned up against Gwenda Carty/Valmai Westcott/ Marja Iffland.

Three against two meant nothing on rink 17. Eileen Bradley/Kim Evans/Di Howell demanded a swab from their two opponents, Frances Charlton and Maria Willcockson, who attempted a clean-sweep of the points.

Rehydration couldn’t come quick enough, and Maureen was kept busy for a while! Thank you, always!

Maria, Merilyn, Marja and Eileen were all flushed to win $$ in the 100’s club.

A reminder that nominations are open for the Club Championships for 2022. Close at 12 noon on Tuesday, 8th February. First round a week later.

Our next Trading Table on 22nd February will have a “yellow” theme. Gifts with a minimum value of $10 please. Get your thinking caps on!

Next week, to play social bowls, call the club 6862 1446 between 9 – 9:30am, with play to begin at 10am. New bowlers and visitors are always welcome. Social Roster: Chris Cox

By Lea Orr

The year 2021 wasn’t the best ever by any means, so let’s hope 2022 is a big improvement.In spite of all the set-backs, and thanks to a lot of work from our match committee, the Men’s Bowls Club at the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club did get all except two of the championship events completed, and I belatedly offer congratulations to all the winners and runners-up.

The “Honour Roll” of champions for 2021 are: Major Singles – Mick Went; Major Pairs – Gary McPhee and Guy Elery; Major Triples- Greg Townsend, Mark Dwyer and Mick Went; Major Fours -Tom Furey, Steve Turner, Guy Ellery and Wilbur Harris; Minor Singles – Rob Irving; Minor Pairs – Martin Tighe and Gary McPhee; Mixed Pairs – Merilyn Rodgers and Wilbur Harris; Mixed Fours – Tom Furey, Eileen Bradley, Brian Townsend and Liz Byrne; Handicap Pairs – John Wright and Gary McPhee.

The finals of the Minor Triples and Fours still have to be played.

Last, but by no means least, the award we would all like to win, Club Bowler Of The Year, and the 2021 winner of the award was Mick Went.

A parade of bright Christmas T-shirts, dangling Santa earrings and flashing necklaces guided us out onto the green on Tuesday.

The Minor Singles semi-finals were played with the final to be played on or before 14th December between Maureen Miller/Heather Harvey and Lorraine Baker/Chris Curteis. Commiserations to Chris Cox/Kay Craft and Maria Willcockson/Carol Reed. Great sportsmanship everyone and thumbs up to umpire Gwenda.

In social games, Cherie Frame/Brenda Davies/Betsy Johnstone enjoyed a close match versus Vi West/Elaine Miller/Hilda McPherson on Rink 6. All was going well, nice and even, until Team McPherson lost their mojo and gifted the last few ends to Team Johnstone.

Too much Christmas cheer and your game suffers! That was the case for Valmai Westcott/Merilyn Rodgers/Rose Mitchell when they came up against Frances Charlton/Isabel Svensden/Maureen Baillie/Lea Orr. Team Orr wrapped up the match unchallenged.

Our Joanie will try anything! Her flashing earrings blinded the opposition, resulting in a sound win to Jan McPhee/Gwenda Carty/Rhona Went/Joan Simpson over Julie Green/Beth Thomas/Lynn Ryan on Rink 3. The latter team crept into double figures by scoring a 4, giving them all hope for next time!

By Lea Orr

The rain has been a treat for the greens, however, keeping our Ground Control busy.

The main event was the Minor Singles Championship final between Lorraine Baker and Maureen Miller. Tension was high, and the match was an even contest. The scores ebbed and flowed, with Maureen finishing with a surge to take the title for 2021 over 32 ends.

In social games, Isabel Svensden/Eileen Bradley/Lynn Ryan/Maureen Baillie came up against the barrage of Flo Riseborough/Hilda McPherson/Liz Byrne with Team Byrne’s score reaching the high-water mark and Team Baillie remaining in drought.

In a raucous game of fours, Frances Charlton/Di Howell/Maria Willcockson/Merilyn Rodgers/Rosemary Mitchell played Kim Evans/Lea Orr/Chris Cox/Jan McPhee/Vi West. Scores rose steadily but the depth of experience in Team West was the catalyst for a win!

In another triples game, scores remained close all the way. Carol Reed/Chris Curteis/Heather Harvey kept their heads above water, leaving Kate Keogh/Kay Craft/Joan Simpson bobbing in their wake.

By Lea Orr

The weather gods smiled on us on Saturday and four championship matches were played.

Minor Pairs Championship

Rob Irving and Jim Blake started well against Brian and Greg Townsend and lead 10-1 after nine ends. Brian and Greg fought back, but Rob and Jim advanced to the next round with a win 18-12.

Mixed Pairs Championship

Gwenda Carty and Col Hayward had a close match against Merilyn Rodgers and Wilbur Harris. After six ends Merilyn and Wilbur had opened up a lead of 10-3, Gwenda and Col gradually got back into the game, but in the end Merilyn and Wilbur won 24-20.

Maree Grant and Tom Furey were too strong for John Wright and Bettsy Johnstone, winning 31-15.

In the Handicap Pairs Dave Johnson and Mal Porter lead all the way against Col Miller and Ron Hornery, running out winners 33-21.

By George Bradley

Women’s Bowls

The rain has given the greens a blast of oxygenated H2O, and Ground Control have done a grand job preparing the perfect surface.

In the semi-finals of the Minor Singles Lorraine Baker defeated Lynn Ryan in a close tussle in atrocious conditions last Friday, and Maureen Miller sewed up the match against Heather Harvey on Tuesday. The final will take place between Lorraine and Maureen next week.

In a social game of pairs, Marja Iffland and Fran Dixon kept it very friendly when playing against Betsy Johnstone and Lynn Ryan, drawing the game 15-all.

Sue Butson of Ulladulla and Flo Riseborough were pleased with their game, and enjoyed a win over Kay Craft and Carol Reed.

Valmai Westcott/Chris Cox/Merilyn Rodgers had a challenge on their hands against Frances Charlton/Di Howell/Vi West, the eventual winners by a good margin.

Kim Evans/Jan McPhee (sisters with attitude), together with Rose Mitchell and Joan Simpson were even-stevens against Eileen

Bradley/Hilda McPherson/Maureen Baillie, 20-all after 21 ends!

To play social bowls, call the club between 9 – 9.30am with play to commence at 10am.

By Lea Orr

Men’s Bowls

Minor Triples Championship
Rob Irving and Jo and Mike Simpson had a bit of trouble shaking off Greg Huggins, Jim Blake and Mal Porter. After 16 ends Team Huggins lead 14-13 but then Team Irving took control and won all of the remaining ends to win 25-14.

Mixed Pairs Championship
Only one match of Mixed Pairs was played last week, and what a close game it was. The team of Brett and Cherrie Frame were up against Dave Johnson and Lorraine Baker. The scores were locked at 21 all with one end to play. Both teams were holding shot but eventually Brett and Cherrie scored two shots to advance to the semi-final.

By George Bradley