Three games in A and B Pairs highlight bowls last week at the Sports and Recreation Club with games went as predicted except one, the win by Mick Merritt and Lyall Strudwick over the ‘hot’ combination of Sue White and Brian ‘Spro’ Asimus who were tipped to be there at the end to win this major event. The win by Mick and Lyall did not come on a silver platter, it took an extra end before the score of 24-22. Lyall drew first blood, 3-0 after two ends but they stayed there for the next five to be behind 7-3. A five and a two had then back in front 10-7 after nine and still in front 18-11 after 16. As expected the experienced pairing of Sue and ‘Spro’ hit back to level at 21-all after 23. Both scored a single for 22-all in the scheduled 25 ends forcing the extra end with Mick and Lyall claiming the game with a two. In the other two games a bit more one-sided. Favourites Billy Cowell and Robert ‘Bert’ Bayley cruised home 41-9 over Bob Grant and Kerry Roach while Cliff Nelson and Jeff Nicholson also did it easy winning 32-11 over Ron Thurlow and John Cutler. It took two singles in nine ends before Bob and Kerry got on the board trailing 20-2. Two scoring twos followed but it was all but over at 37-6 after 21. If the Nelson and Nicholson combination continue to bring their A grade game to the contest they are also a formidable pairing as shown last week. They jumped to a 13-0 lead after five ends then 13-1 after 12. The trend continued on the run home highlighted by a couple of fours, on ends 15 and 20. SOCIAL BOWLS The ladies dominated WEDNESDAY morning bowls with Ann Nixon and Irene Riley card draw winners while the ever popular in-club meat raffle went to Gail McKay and Kerry Roach. Ann and Irene had to fight hard for their win, 13-11 in 16 social ends over Ann Mackay and Gail McKay leading 8-6 after nine then 10-8 after 12. Three on the last two ends goth them home. Runners-up was a set up according to Bill Looney and Barry Shine who fought hard but lost out to a ‘champion’ from Mt Gambier SA in John Whiteley playing as lead for club president Peter Mackay. It was 14-5 after nine and 19-7 to the champ and pres before Bill and Barry stole the show home, 8-4 in the last six ends of 20. In a game of triples Bill O’Connell, Bill Scott and Don Craft stole their 17-9 win over Noel Jolliffe, Sandra Priest and Kerry Roach mid game leading 6-5 after six of 14 ends. They added 10 to zero over the next five ends for 16-5 cementing the win. Closest game of the morning had Ron Thurlow and Cherie Vincent winning 14-13 in 18 over Lesley Dunstan and Sue White coming from 6-9 down after 10. They won the last five ends 6-0 for the chocolates. Sue Smith and Cliff Nelson spoilt the home coming of Trevor Currey who skipped for Barry White winning 23-16 in 18. 11-all after 10 with the holiday maker running out of steam losing the run home 12-3. Another making a come-back after time in the spelling paddock had skip Rob Priest and led Max Vincent winning 25-11 also in 18 over Robyn Mattiske and Cheryl Hodges leading 13-5 after nine. The card players clashed again with John Browne claiming bragging rights over his card sharp mate Geoff Coles. John and Lyall Strudwick won 15-9 in 18 over Geoff and Paul Doust due to a solid finish with the score only 9-6 after 12. In the last Colleen Leibich and Alf Davies failed to raise a sweat winning 34-7 in another game over 18 ends playing Therese Davis and Laurie Crouch who were only able to score on six ends. At the time of print cards for THURSDAY and SUNDAY were not available for publication. With Spring in the air both, along with Wednesday, are expected to be well supported with increased numbers playing the game which is for all, young and old, learners and experienced. A BOWLS DAY NOT TO BE MISSED, GET YOUR TEAM IN ORDER NOW OR MISS OUT. The energetic John Cutler is leading a body of staunch members in organising a bowls day in recognition of the contribution to the Forbes Bowlie by Lindsay Willding, Clive Herbert and Greg Parslow. With $6000 prize money and fliers set out to surrounding clubs and those who had an association with the trio a capacity field is expected. Play will be Saturday and Sunday November 9 and 10. 2-bowls triples, open draw. If requiring more a flier is now on the club’s bowls notice board.
