Father and son take out bowls minor pairs title

Banter from the sideline was as good as the bowls with many a comment from the well supporting spectators questioning as to why Joe, rated perhaps the better player on the day, wasn't skip instead of 'father' Jeff.

It did little to deter the form of the Nicholson's who took it in the stride to dominate after the earlier score had it at 7-all after seven ends.

It quickly became 20-9 after 13 helped by a six on end eight prior to Cliff and John answering with a six on end 16 but by then the 'horse had bolter' with the score 23-16 after 17 of the 21 end game.

Three games were played in A and B Pairs with the favoured combination of Shane 'Booza' Bolam and Robert 'Bert' Bayley just getting home over Lyell Strudwick and Bob Grant 16-14.

There was little between the pairing with the score 9-6 to Lyell and Bob after 11 ends then 9-all after 14. 'Booza' and 'Bert' got on a roll to win the run home to 21 ends winning 7-5 despite losing the last two ends 3-0.

Another fancied pairing is Denny Byrnes and Glenn Kearney had a convincing 28-13 win over Phil Moran and Robert 'Pooch' Dukes. They always looked in command leading 15-5 after eight then 24-9 after 16.

Support continues as Paul Baker and Christian West showed with a 19-12 win over Rob Priest and Russell Hodge leading 10-3 after seven ends before it became interesting at 13-12 after 16. To finish Paul and Christian won the last four ends 6-0.

Draw for the semi finals of the A and B Pairs has Bolam and Bayley up against Sid Morris and Lindsay Willding while Baker and West await the winner of the clash between Byrnes/Kearney and John Cutler and Jeff Nicholson.

It also approaching semi time in Minor Triples with Ray Dunstan, Mick Kelly and 'Booza' Bolam to play David Williams, Rob Priest and Robert 'Pooch' Dukes while at the other end Laurie Spackman, Bob Grant and Sid Morris await the winner of the match between Cliff Nelson, John 'Slippery' Ward and Bill O'Connell who take on Paul Baker, Trevor Currey and Kerry Dunstan.

Results of the Bentick Trophy which is keenly sought as it is played on handicap has Russell Hodge advancing to the next round winning 21-16 over Scott McKeller, Christian West toppling Michael Coles 32-11 and John Cutler comfortable with a 22-12 victory over 'Booza' Bolam.

While club championship games attract most interest if looking for a game of bowls there is plenty on offer. Social competition bowls every Wednesday morning, Thursday afternoon, Friday evening and Sunday morning.

Come and enjoy the best of friendship in a game suited to all. For more on what's on at the 'Bowlie' phone 6852 1499.

On Wednesday the 17th there was only six ladies for social bowls but there was a game of 4s played also.

This game was played between Kay Toohey, Lesley Dunstan, Hayley Sharpe, and Lyn Simmonds verse Jill Taylor, Robyn Mattiske, Loris Stewart, and Mell Wilson; Lyn's side being the winner.

Margaret Irwin, Cheryle Hodges and Sue White were drawn out for the winners of the day.

Social selectors for December are Jill Taylor and Mell Wilson Mell will also do morning tea.

With the year coming to an end there are not many social games left so hopefully the weather is kind and we can enjoy the ones we have left.

December the 15th will be our Christmas party / presentation.

There is a list for those attending so we have numbers for the catering; we are also doing a secret Santa so if you are attending this day could you please organise to bring a gift to the value of $10.

Overcast conditions last Wednesday did not stop five games of social bowls being played where card draw winners were John Baass and Tony Bratton winning 20-17 over the hot combination of Scott McKellar and Lindsay Willding.

A game of interest had the winners slightly in front 9-8 at the half way mark of 20 ends before leading 18-8 after 15 to then hold on for a memorable win.

In a game of triples Geoff Coles, Rob Priest and Grant Lambert finished with a two on the last of 14 ends to win 13-12 over Jim Moloy, Fred Vogelsang and Paul Doust. They led 8-4 at 'oranges' before falling in for the win.

Trevor Currey had no problems with the Wambat Street flood threat to lead for Laurie Crouch winning 31-12 over David Williams and Sid Morris over 18 ends. Were they ever in doubt? No, leading 15-1 after six and 22-6 after 12.

Equally impressive were Kerry Dunstan and Don Craft with a 26-9 win playing Barry White and Lyall Strudwick over 22 ends. They led 15-4 at 'half time'.

In the last game Ray Dunstan and Glen Kearney won 18-12 against Geoff West and Cliff Nelson in a game lasting 20 ends after it was 7-all after 10. As it shows they finished strong, 13-6.

In the in-house raffle winners were David Williams and Laurie Crouch. Wednesday social bowls for everyone, nominate before 9.30am for a 10am start. Phone the club on 68521499 for all bowls information.