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Parkes Phoenix

Women’s Social Bowls

February 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Image credit: Shutterstock

The weatherman is certainly doing the right thing for our bowls days. What a spectacular morning on Tuesday, for beginners and state players alike, enjoying the sunshine! A total of 25 keen ladies hit the green, in its usual perfect condition – thank you guys!

Over on Rink 9, fresh back from state playoffs, Maree Grant led her team of Merilyn Rodgers/Di Howell/Fran Dixon to victory over the very able line-up of Jan McPhee/Betsy Johnstone/Brenda Davies/Joan Simpson.

On Rink 11, a closer matchup between Marja Iffland/Carol Reed/Lynn Ryan/Heather Harvey versus Rosemary Mitchell/Chris Cox/Lorraine Baker/Robyn Morgan saw the lead see-saw back and forth, with Team Harvey taking the win after their initial slow start.

In a game of low-scoring pairs on Rink 12, Kerrie Nutley and Valmai Westcott were too strong for Jean Kennedy and June Burgess.

Anne Wright/Kay Craft/Chris Curteis were no match for a fresh Eileen Bradley, playing for two and playing a blinder of a game, and Maureen Baillie on Rink 10.

Good to see our new member, Kerrie, taking the winner’s purse, along with partner, Valmai. Chris Curteis, Carol and Lorraine departed the club smiling after cashing out in the 100’s club.

Apparently, there’s a young chickie in the club who is now placing a “6” in front of her age! And about time too! I didn’t know bowlers could be that young! Wish I was there for the celebrations, no doubt quiet and low-key – like yourself! Happy new decade, Maree! What a week it’s been!

Congratulations to both our state playoff teams for doing our club proud during the week at Malua Bay. Congratulations Ma-ree Grant/Tom Casey and Cherie Frame/Gwenda Carty/Liz Byrne/Rhona Went for achieving what the rest of us only dream of – fantastic effort!

To play social bowls next Tuesday, 16th Feb, please ring Gwenda or Rhona on 6862 1446, between 8:30 – 9am, with play to commence at 9:30am. Social Roster: June Burgess.

A Run Or Walk In The Park

February 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Emily Collett and Alesha Ward took part in the trial run of parkrun last Saturday completing the 5km course.

It is the launch of parkrun in Parkes tomorrow (Saturday, 6th February). Called the Northparkes Oval parkrun, as it starts at the concrete pathway just north of the oval. Parkrun is a weekly 5km event for runners and walkers with no time limit for all ages, demographics and levels of fitness.

It is important to register before the event to get a barcode and print it out as you will need it for every run to have it scanned for your time. Go to www.parkrun.com.au and register for free. Look for the Northparkes Oval parkrun.

Be there at 7:50am for a start at 8am. Bring your phone to scan the COVID QR code.

The Bogan Gate Renaissance

January 29, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Alex McKeowen bowled by Blake Smith. (See more photos of the historic match on The Parkes Phoenix facebook page.) Photo: Les Finn

Sunday’s remarkable match was exactly what the future of the Grin-sted Cup needed according to Michael Greenwood, who wrote a book about the cup’s history.

“I believe the Cinderella win by Bogan Gate will provide the necessary shot in the arm for the longevity of the famous Grinsted Cup, arguably the longest running sporting challenge competition in regional Australia,” said Michael.

“The past few seasons leading up the cup centenary in 2019 had been plagued by regular forfeits from some of the larger centres and there were genuine concerns that the cup could go by the wayside. Those fears were effectively erased on Sunday, not only for the manner in which the match was played but also by the brilliant atmosphere generated by the largest cup crowd for years.”

Michael said the Bogan Gate Renaissance has drawn amazing parallels to their first win a mere 85 seasons ago. “Interest in the challenge from Grenfell on Sunday week is already generating keen public interest from around the region.” He congratulated all involved.

Grinsted Cup Back To Bogan Gate After 85 Years

January 29, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The victorious Bogan Gate Rabbits are the back (L-R) Craig O’Shannessy, Lachlan Britt, Phil Dunford, Peter Thomas, Ryan Dunford and Joseph Tanswell. In front are Vince Umbers, Andrew Britt, Israel Symington, Alex McKeowen and Alex Umbers. Absent: Paul Dunford. Photo: Les Finn

The 101st year of the prestigious Grinsted Cup delivered another amazing chronicle on Sunday when Bogan Gate produced a Cinderella win in their first appearance in 85 years!

The Bogan Gate Rabbits last held the Cup in February 1936 when they defeated arch-rivals Forbes in a thrilling contest, while Parkes was aiming for their 14th consecutive challenge victory.

The Woodward Oval provided the ideal setting as spectators came from across the state to witness the history-making clash.

Parkes won the toss and elected to bat. They immediately faced some excellent bowling from former Western Zone representative players Phill Dunford and Andrew Britt. Parkes soon reeled at 2/13 after 6 overs with Phil claiming the prized scalp of Parkes captain Myles Smith, who departed without troubling the scorers.

The introduction of Craig O’Shannessy and Ryan Dunford delivered immediate re-ward for Bogan Gate. Craig captured 2/19 off 5 overs, while Ryan finished with 2/16 off 7 overs. Parkes struggled to gain any momentum as the score stood at 7/37 before a valuable late order partnership between Jock Yelland (17) and Blake Smith (16) helped boost the Parkes total to 80 runs off 37.4 overs.

Andrew Britt turned in a superb spell of bowling to finish with 3/31 off 17.4 overs including six maidens, while Phil Dunford collected 3/13 off 8 overs.

In reply, the Bogan Gate opening pair of Lachlan Britt and Paul Dunford were in great form. Paul retired hurt on 14 after suffering a nasty shoulder injury. Talented cricketer, Vince Umbers joined Lachlan to continue the impressive batting performance before Lachlan was bowled by Blake Smith (3/21 off 6.1) for 28.

Bogan Gate only needing 10 runs for victory. Blake Smith produced two more amazing deliveries in succession to achieve a remarkable hat-trick. Vince Umbers (31no) featuring three well-struck sixes and two boundaries combined with Craig O’Shannessy (5no) to hit the winning runs and record a history-making victory for Bogan Gate.

By Luke Nash

Fabulous Final Day For Women’s Bowls

December 11, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Well, that’s a wrap – and what a fabulous final day on our bowls calendar! All members enjoyed a friendly, fun day of Irish bowls, a delicious lunch, a glass or two of Christmas cheer, presentations and free entertainment in the best company! While we enjoy our break, not so for our gallant ground control. The work goes on, with top-dressing of both greens on the program. Thank you, all the team, and volunteers, for preparing perfect greens each week.

MAJOR WINNERS THIS YEAR:
• Singles: Liz Byrne
• Pairs: Heather Harvey and Maree Grant
• Triples: Maureen Miller, Joan Simpson and Heather Harvey
• Fours: Di Howell, Merilyn Rodgers, Lea Orr and Maree Grant

MINOR WINNERS:
• Singles: Jan McPhee
• Pairs: Di Howell and Maureen Miller
• Most Improved (sponsored by Parkes Newsagency): Kay Craft

We are back on 18th January 2021 for our next social bowls day. Committee members wish you a Merry Christmas and safe holidays! We all utter a hasty farewell to 2020 and look toward brighter and better things in the new year!

By Lea Orr

Catching And Fielding Equipment

December 4, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes District Cricket Association received $4,500 of funding through the 2019/20 Local Sport Grant Program to purchase training equipment for the local representative and senior teams. Member for Orange Phil Donato MP (right) was in Parkes on Wednesday to hand over the funding to Luke Nash, Daniel Gordon and Paul Dunford of the Parkes District Cricket Association.

Parkes Bowlers Zone Champs

November 13, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The fabulous four zone champions will be heading off to the state championships next year. They are Cherie Frame, Gwenda Carty, Liz Byrne and Rhona Went.

The Parkes Bowling and Sports Club cel- ebrated this week ahead of its 100th anniversary program when the women’s bowling team qualified for the state championships next year.

Gwenda Carty, Cherie Frame, Rhona Went and Liz Byrne easily won their away match in the regional fours to become zone champions! This win also meant the fabulous four move on to the state play-offs. Congratulations!

This weekend will see our huge 100th anniversary celebrations. Tomorrow, 14th November there will be social bowls, and top-level spectator bowls as seven Parkes teams will meet seven invitational teams. The final is set for 6:30pm.

On Sunday all bowlers and visitors are invited to play at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm or all day! The fee is $15 and includes fees, hopefully a bowls shirt, BBQ and raffle! Put your name down at the bar. Tom’s “100 shirts for 100 years” has almost reached its goal! Dev’s Kitchen bistro will be open for meals.

On 24th November is our social bowls in Christmas mufti dress and Christmas- themed trading table! Yet another day of fun and frivolity!

To play social bowls next Tuesday, ring Jan/Marja on 6862 1446 between 8.30am to 9am. Social roster: Rosemary Mitchell.

By Lea Orr

Jan Wins Singles

November 6, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Jan McPhee and Lorraine Baker vied for the minor singles title on Tuesday. Jan began strongly, leading by 5, but by the 13th end scores were level. Lorraine then ran with the lead for several ends. At the 27th turn, scores were even again, but Jan took the title 25-24 after a marathon of 30 ends!

Congratulations to both on a fantastic display of might and power! Umpire Liz Byrne (middle).

No ‘Cruel Summer’ For Railway Bowling

October 30, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Phil Donato MP with Railway Bowling Club President Tony Latter under the new shade structure and benches that were installed with grant money.

The Railway Bowling Club in Parkes is ready for summer with brand new shading and seats installed.

Phil Donato MP visited on Wednesday to see the result of a sports grant the club had put to good use. With volunteer labour and the grant of $7,272, new retractable, sun safe shade netting and seven new benches were installed at the bowling green replacing the old, dilapidated structure that was in place.

“The shade is beautiful,” said club president Tony Latter. “The members are loving it!”

“The new stuff is brilliant, it provides up to 95% UV blocking,” said vice-president Mick Furney. “We experience summers of over 40 degrees here, so it’s particularly important.”

Phil agreed that sun safety was very important, “particularly in these parts of Australia. As are our local sporting clubs!”

Phil Donato MP was keen to get onto the green with Mick Furney giving instructions.

Bizarre And Bright On A Beautiful Day

October 30, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Who hit the spider? All 32 bowlers tried to get to the spider at once to start the mini carnival.

A bonza day dawned on Tuesday and 32 bizarre and brightly dressed bowlers were out in force for the President’s Day Mini Carnival. The poor old spider was bowled over as we scrambled to land our bowls closest to him. June and Merilyn blitzed the field and bagged the prizes!

Start of play had us all befuddled as we had to deliver our first three bowls with our non-favoured hand. Winners on the day were Frances Charlton and Jan McPhee in those breath-taking fishnet stockings! Had us all green with envy.

Our thanks to Mick Craft for your sponsorship, and to the ground control blokes for preparing the greens so beautifully, especially after the bountiful rain!

By Lea Orr

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