This week the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club are holding a farewell afternoon of social bowls and fun for their local champion volunteer Tom Furey. The Club are dedicating an afternoon to Tom, as a small token of their appreciation for his tireless work.

In just under 10 years of membership, Tom amassed quite a resume of volunteering including bowls committee member, Board member, 100 year Centenary committee, Zone delegate, match committee, selector and all-round green thumb, personally taking care of the pots of flowers and plants he has amassed scattered around the clubs

amazing surrounds, in addition to his long list of bowling achievements.

THURSDAY

The festive sounds of Christmas parties, twist tops and can openings with BBQ sausage aromas was the background for 20 social Bowlers on Thursday.

Major Rob Irving teamed up with Ian Simpson against the Committee Executive of Col Miller and Marty Tighe. The scores were always in favour of Irving and Simmo, despite a late flurry of winners from Col and Marty. Rob and Simpson ended up winning the late finishing game 17 shots to 16.

The pairing of Mike Valentine and John Corcoran was a master-stroke, however Ray Jones and Col Hayward dominated the game, Ray and Col steadied and held on to win by 20 shots to 16.

Noel Johnstone and Pete McPhee played John Carr and visitor Josh Mills, but Noel and Pete were too consistent, winning 21 shots to 14.

Al Affleck and John Ward too strong for Maureen Baille and George Boatswain, winning by 15. 

Ron Nobes and Gary McPhee had a good game against George Bradley and Steve Ryan. Gary and his new protégé were too strong all game, winning by 18 shots to 10.

MIXED PAIRS

Liz Byrne to showcase her class as she partnered with Tony Riordan, in a closely fought mixed pairs match against Elaine Miller and Marty Tighe. The 18 end format of Mixed Pairs seemed to suit Elaine and Marty, bowling well and leading after the 13 th end, by 12 shots to 8. Tony and Liz then stepped up the pressure, with Liz claiming the shot bowls, winning the match by 16 shots to 12. 

On Sunday Mick and Joanne Simpson beat Wilbur Harris and Merrilyn Rodgers in a very one-sided match. Joanne played brilliant Lead Bowls and has finished her year of Bowls in very good form.

SATURDAY

Two games of social triples and three games of pairs were played on Saturday.

Joaane Simpson, Mike Valentine and Nathan Reynolds played Rob Irving, Bob Freeman and Dave Reilly, winning by 24 shots to 16. 

Gary McPhee, Graeme Dixon and John Carr played against George Bradley, Rob Tinker and Col Hayward. Team Hayward won 26 shots to 21.

Rhona Went and Geoff Freeman beat Tony Riordan and Tom Furey, winning 21 shots to 16.

Jim Blake and Darryl McKellar played against Bernie Mitchell and Guy Ellery. Team Ellery scored a win 27 shots to 14.

Col Woods and Mick Simpson played against Elaine Miller and John Ward winning 14 shots to 23.

VALE FRANK GERSBACH

The Club was sad to hear of the passing of Bowls legend in Parkes – Frank Gersbach, and extends it’s deepest sympathy to Joy and her family. 

The Club was proud to participate in the recently completed competition for the Frank Gersbach Cup, a competition initiated by the Parkes Railway Bowling Club to rightly recognise and honour the tireless efforts of Frank to Bowls at the Railway Club over many years, and in Parkes and District. 

RIP Frank – keen bowler, a true legend and always a gentleman.

Phil Barnard and Paul Lewin were celebrating at the Parkes Railway Bowling Club on Sunday after qualifying for the Reserve President Pairs State Finals in July next year. Congratulations to you!

A friendly and competitive spirit prevailed between the two Parkes bowling clubs at the Frank Gersbach Cup and the Freeman Shield on Sunday.

The Parkes Bowling & Sports Club played the return matches against the Parkes Railway Bowling Club in both Major and Minor grades over seven rinks at the Railway Club.

Although the scores were very close, Parkes Bowling & Sports Club prevailed in both grades and became the holders of the inaugural Bob & Geoff Freeman shield. The club thanks the Railway Club for a great day of bowls, friendship, social catchup over a few beverages and a great meal, and looks forward to hosting the event again in April next year.

A total of 24 social bowlers enjoyed six games of social pairs last Thursday. 

George Bradley and Col Mudie were too strong for Al Affleck and Marty Tighe, winning 26 shots to 17.

Maureen Baillie and George Boatswain played a great game against Col Woods and Colin Hayward. Maureen and George won by just 1 shot.

Ron Hornery and John Ward started slowly against Mike Valentine and Graham Dixon, as they were behind by 4 shots after seven ends. Ron and John picked up 5 shots on the 8th end, and they went on to win 19 shots to 10.

Picking up 9 shots over ends 6 and 7 ensured Ray Jones and Ian Simpson were never in trouble against Jim Blake and Col Miller, with team Simpson powering away to win 22 shots to 14.

The game of the day featured John Carr and Geoff Freeman playing John Niddrie and John Wright. Geoff and his wily lead partner had the game in hand, leading 15 shots to 6 after 10 ends. Niddrie and Wright found their range and consistency, winning 5 consecutive ends to lead by 3 after 15 ends, but were down by 2 shots after 18 ends. They won the last 2 ends, to win 22 shots to 20.

Dazzler McKellar and Gary McPhee tuned up for their Zone pairs match when they dished out a hiding to Graeme Barby and Rob Irving. 

By Marty Tighe

The 2022 Major Pairs Final in Parkes was played in perfect conditions on Saturday and was worthy of a live television broadcast.

John Wright and Brian Townsend were the first team into the final, while Mick Simpson and Mark Dwyer were the odds-on favourites. The scores were even with just one shot the difference until the 14th end, where John and Brian picked up 4 shots, to lead by 16 shots to 12. 

Mick and Mark won the next 4 ends, levelling the scores, and managed to claw ahead to lead by 1 on the 20th end. Skipper Brian had the last bowl of the match, needing 2 shots to win the title. Mick and Mark were holding 2 shots and had the jack covered, and it seemed they had the Championship in the bag. 

Brian and John had the best 2 back bowls. Brian bowled a pearler, prising out the jack, resting it closest to his back bowls –winning the match by 1 shot with the last bowl, final score 19 shots to 18. Congratulations to all 4 bowlers on an extraordinary and skilful Pairs Final, enjoyed by a large crowd.

The Frank Gersbach Cup match at the Parkes Railway Bowling Club on Sunday will culminate a very busy year of lawn bowls for both clubs in Parkes.

It is the Parkes Railway Bowling Club’s turn to host the return bowls match against Parkes Bowling & Sports Club in the Frank Gersbach Cup bowls competition between the two Clubs. 

The match will also determine the inaugural holder of the Bob & Geoff Freeman Shield. 

Frank Gersbach and Bob and Geoff Freeman have been honoured by both clubs in recognition of their esteemed dedication to supporting bowls in Parkes over many years. 

The Parkes Railway Bowling Club particularly acknowledges the timely vital support Frank Gersbach provided to the club for many years. The popularity and success that the club enjoys today is largely the result of his sustained support. 

Geoff Freeman has dedicated many years to umpiring at all levels, as well as training and assessing bowls umpires. He and his brother Bob, who plays weekly at both clubs, have supported, managed and played bowls at all levels in Parkes and the wider district. Frank, Geoff and Bob’s support for bowls in Parkes has been immeasurable over a long time.

The match will be a pennants match with 3 teams of major bowlers for the gold cup and 4 teams of minor bowlers for the silver cup. 

The first match in April saw 56 bowlers compete in the inaugural competition, resulting in a solid win to Parkes Bowling & Sports Club in the Majors, who have proudly displayed the gold Frank Gersbach Cup. The Railway Club narrowly won the Minors match, and have held the silver Gersbach Cup.

Both clubs, together with their large supporter groups, eagerly await the return match on Sunday, 27th November at the Railway Bowling Club, commencing at 1pm. 

By Marty Tighe