By Garry Lewis
Two wins from three Pennant games highlighted this week of bowls for the Warburton Bowls Club with both Weekend Pennant teams holding on to their positions on the ladder and remaining in their respective Divisions for next season.
The Weekend Warburton 1 side held onto to finish the season sixth place on the ladder, despite going down to Mitcham 2 away on their grass green, 75 shots to 80. Mitcham led overall for most of the game, but the Burras gave themselves a chance towards the finish to snatch victory. The home side steadied to hold on in the last few ends in a game played in great spirit from both sides. Rink scores were as follows: S. Lord 27/ 11, C. Neale 15/ 25, P. McConachy 16/ 26 and T. Appleton 17/ 18.
Warburton 2 finished the season in fifth place on the ladder after a tight contest against Mooroolbark 5 at home. Trailing at the break with only one rink up, the home side fought back determinedly. With a few ends to go, overall scores were level. The Burras finished strongly to record a great victory, 84 shots to 72, with three rinks up. Rink scores were as follows: M. Stoessiger 20/ 16, P. Summers 12/ 30, R. McKail 21/ 14 and S. Lee-Tet 31/ 12.
Warburton’s Midweek team hosted Croydon 2 on Tuesday and came away with a solid win, 68 shots to 42, to ensure they finish second on the ladder. Despite Croydon missing players due to a funeral, they bowled very competitively, and the standard was very high. Rink scores were as follows: G. Walsh 15/ 15, C. Boland 33/ 10 and R. McKail 20/ 17. They play top side Heathmont 2 away this week in the last game before the finals.
The Wednesday Night Barefoot Bowls Jack Attack Competition continued with a Double Header for Rounds 12 and 13. Games of 8 ends each resulted in several close and exciting contests throughout the warm evening. There are now two rounds to go before the Finals’ Evening. Mick Griffin from the ‘Gunners’ Team won the prize for the first bowler to touch the jack.
The Annual Pink Ribbon Two Bowl Triples Tournament Day was held on Sunday. Despite the early cool and damp conditions, all 16 teams eagerly participated in the Barefoot Bowls Competition over three games of 10 ends and helped raise over $1200 for Breast Cancer Research. Special thanks to Chris Lord from Professionals Yarra Valley Real Estate for his enthusiastic organisation of the day and sponsorship of the event. Thanks, also, to all the businesses, including a Club Member, Michelle Foord, who donated the Raffle Prizes. The winning team was Jason, Melanie and Oliver Rush. The club looks forward to continuing this wonderful event next year.
The Club’s Greenlow Vote Counting Night was held on Saturday night at the clubrooms. Chris Neale won his fourth Pennant Player of the Season Award after winning the Warburton 1 Most Valuable Player with 93 votes. He was closely followed by Terry Heyward and Rhys Doughty-Cowell both on 91 votes and Steve Freestone on 90 votes. Peter Summers won his fourth Warburton 2 Most Valuable Player with 83 votes. Matt Van Meurs was runner-up with 76 votes closely followed by Max Reynolds and Darren Nisbet both on 75 votes.
Intra Club Competitions have continued resulting in several exciting contests. Congratulations to the father/ son combination of Steven and Chris Lord for winning their fourth Club Pairs’ Championship by one shot over a gallant Steve Freestone and Greg Walsh in a very high-standard contest.
Congratulations to Aimee Dostie for winning the President’s Handicap with Rhys Doughty-Cowell Runner-Up and Steve Freestone for winning the 100 Up Competition with David Fahy Runner-Up.
The Men’s and Ladies’ Singles Championships will be decided on Friday 28 February.
