Bowling on, or washed out?

FOLLOWING recent heavy downpours and two cancelled rounds, it’s still uncertain whether Saturday Pennant bowls can return this weekend.

The Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region took the position to cancel last round to ensure no clubs or divisions within the competition were disadvantaged, as the district doesn’t have sufficient synthetic greens.

Multiple clubs with grass greens organised to shift home matches to venues with available synthetic greens.

“Last Saturday we had made arrangements for our two home games to be played away on other clubs’ synthetic surfaces, including one in Beaufort, before the news came through that the round was cancelled,” City Oval’s Ian Robinson said.

“This week, we have three sides due to play at home and depending on the rains it may be necessary to source an alternative venue for at least one of these sides.”

Webbcona’s Tom Clarke said without Friday rainfall, their grass greens are playable, while City Oval’s Wayne Roberts said their Bennett green was holding up reasonably well.

BMS president Kevin McLean said more pennant matches could be played at their two Alfredton synthetic greens, where recently installed lighting makes it possible to bowl during the evening.

The competition’s Tuesday Pennant has been more fortunate, with the first three rounds played.

BMS is the host of the BHBR State championship Mixed Pairs, and organiser Tom Clarke has said there has been 40 team entries.

This coming Sunday’s Mixed Pairs semi-final will be played in the morning at BMS with City Oval’s Gary Hamilton and Lyn Kelson playing off against Webbcona’s Leah and Ben McArthur, and Clunes’ Eileen Spong and Alan Carnegie playing off against City Oval’s Liz Kierce and Webbcona’s Gary Johnson. The final will be played in the afternoon.