By Peter Brennan
The flags at Yarra Junction Bowling Club were flying at half mast over the Christmas break in memory of Stan Anderson, who died at home on Christmas day, aged 90. A highly talented bowler, he was runner-up in the club championship just a few years ago. He was a gentleman in the true sense of the word, and a thoroughly good bloke. He will be missed.
Stan would have been useful on Saturday, though he would have probably invoked a heat policy and given it a miss. The Pennant season resumed after the Christmas break, and Yarra Junction Bowling Club travelled to Cockatoo to play a combined Cockatoo-Monbulk team. With three consecutive losses before Christmas, a win was imperative, but it was not to be. Owing to a weather forecast in the high thirties the match was moved to a morning start, and the lunch break was abandoned. It was very hot, and some players struggled. Of the four rinks two were very close, with Junction ultimately losing one by two points, the other ending in a hard-fought draw. Unfortunately, the other two rinks were substantial losses for Junction, and Cockatoo-Monbulk registered a comprehensive win overall. This enhances their finals prospects, but unfortunately for Yarra Junction finals are now slipping away. However it is still mathematically possible, even if the mathematics required is becoming increasingly adventurous and far-fetched, and the possibility of playing finals is more and more improbable. But time will tell, and there is no giving up.
The Midweek competition resumes this week, with Yarra Junction currently in third position.
Barefoot Bowls began on Friday evening, with a large turnout of people who seemed to enjoy themselves immensely. Every rink was occupied, the bar was popular, and it looks like being a very successful event for the remainder of summer, starting at 6.30pm every Friday evening. Highly recommended, come on down! Equipment and instruction are available, music and a sausage sizzle on a warm summer evening, and a good time will be had by all. Information on the club website and Facebook page, or just turn up.
R.I.P Stanley Joseph Anderson “Stan”
13.10.32 – 25.12.22.
