Cohuna Golf Bowls Notes

Grand Final weekend for three of our teams, a great effort to reach the final game of the year, although results didn’t go our way in the Saturday games at Cohuna, nor in the Sunday game at Barham.

Division Two played Pyramid Hill, and were able to win two of the three rinks after very close games. Unfortunately our third rink was unable to close a fairly decisive margin, so the overall total showed Pyramid victors, a well deserved premiership for them after a huge drought. The Bower vouchers went to John Prout, Des Keely, Mary Rodwell and Bill Waters for their seven shot victory. Well done to everyone, a lot of players were new to pennant and sure to benefit for next season.

Division One played Wakool for the second time in three weeks, and again the result went the way of the ladder leaders. Frank Tonn won by six shots, the same amount as in the Peter Bibby loss. Could the third rink of Frank Trezise close the gap? Last to finish, they battled hard for every shot, but some tight Wakool bowling kept the game safe.

Vouchers for the game to Frank Tonn, Phil McManus, Leisha Roney and Brandon Keely.

Thank you to the social committee and their helpers who provided a wonderful meal after the game. A good crowd attended to rehash the events of the day.

Onto Sunday, with the wild weather resulting in the venue changing from Kerang to Barham. The Keely and Fletcher rinks began brightly, establishing healthy leads, with the third skipped by Jarred Hammond battling to get on the board. Slowly the matches began to even out, although Golf still held a commanding break going into the final few ends.

Two or three large scores from Murray Downs saw the lead shrink from eight, to four to one, and unbelievably to level with one end to play. Two very close Murray Downs bowls withstood all attempts to remove it, leaving that side premiers by two shots.

Heart-breaking for our players who for the second year running missed out on a flag, but one could not help but notice the continual enthusiasm and team bolstering of the Murray Downs players that was largely missing in our rinks.

Bluey Fletcher 16 all, Jarred Hammond 18-19 and Harrison Keely 16-17.

On the home front the Tuesday social bowls awards went the way of Yvonne, Margot, Kath and Deanne, good to see numbers are holding up well as we get deep into the season.

Wednesday night bowlers played their last round before finals, with all teams well represented. Top side on the night consisted of Winko McLoughlan, Alan Cooke, Wayne Dehne and new chum Jack Keegan. Welcome to the club Jack, and we’re sure there are more trophies down the track. The finals draw sees the top four matches between Helen Hall and Ruff Farrant, and Jason Hall and Joe Distefano.

The second four clashes are Alan Cooke and Dave McNamara, with the battle of the Hentys, Steven and Margot rounding out the program. All other bowlers turning up will be slotted into a game somewhere.

Thursday pairs saw Phil McManus and Bert Dunn taking first prize ahead of Linda McManus and John Prout. Best second game was that of Peter Coates and Greg Atkins. Corrie and Noelene scored the coffee vouchers. Two weeks to go for this popular event, with the pie and soup series to follow.

Tournaments this week are at Barham and Wakool, with several teams attending at both venues. The covered Barham greens are a blessing with the persistent, although welcome, rain we’ve had this week.