Early play a chance to beat the heat

LOCAL bowling clubs took advantage of an opportunity offered by the governing body, the Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region, to vary start times with the aim of escaping the heat of the afternoon in Saturday Pennant play.

“A number of clubs valued the initiative of the freedom of the earlier starting times which was well received by all accounts,” said BHBR secretary Wayne Morgan.

On such club was Central Wendouree with their Division 2 match played at Ballarat North, and their Division 5 home game both getting underway at 11am.

“This helped many of the players get their game of bowls in before the afternoon’s heat set in which was much appreciated,” said Central Wendouree’s Margaret Wilkins.

On their home deck, Ballarat North took a win over Central Wendouree in their Division 2 contest with the rink skipped by William Hodgett taking strong 20-shot victory over Tony Gutteridge’s foursome, and assuring the team’s overall success.

The win meant North Ballarat stayed in second spot on the ladder, just four points behind leaders City Oval.

It wasn’t a complete wash for Central Wendouree though, with Ian Batter’s rink managing a 15-shot win to give the visitors their only 2 points.

The result sees Central Wendouree hold bottom position on the table with one win so far this season.

It was a close contest in Central Wendouree’s Division 4 home match against Webbcona

The hosts wentdown by four shots although they were able to get two rinks up, however it wasn;t enough to overcome the 17-shot victory by Webbcona’s rink skipped by Shayne Hodges.

Sebastopol’s Division 5 team enjoyed their game at Central Wendouree taking out a strong victory and retaining top spot on the ladder with the home side’s rink of Peter Townsend being the only winners for the team on the day.

“We have had a few out with illness during the season so far which has had its toll on us,” said Wilkins.

“But things are nevertheless going well with both our grass greens running well and in top condition now the weather has warmed up and improvements around the club including the new barbecue facility have been well received.”

Central Wendouree will be hosting Country Week from Monday, 6 February and the club will aim to show off the quality grass greens and facilities to visiting players.

Meanwhile, the club’s Bill Messer Memorial Tournament will be played this Sunday and consist of two games of 12 ends. Play starts at 1pm with entries via Len Vincent one 0408 536 958.

Finally, Central Wendouree will hold a four-week twilight competition which is open to the public, with play rolling from 6pm on Thursday evenings starting 2 February.

Enquiries and entries for that one can be made on 0407 609 392. Team entries of three players or singles are now open.

In other local bowls news, BMS will play this coming weekend’s home Saturday Pennant Division 1 match with Linton and its Division 3 match against Bungaree on a Friday evening starting at 6.30pm with a barbecue available for visitors.

Lastly, Sunday the BHBR representative sides will travel to Belmont Bowling Club to play off against the Geelong region with the women to play for the Valerie Page and Elaine Webster Shields and the men contesting the Whykes Shield.

– BY ANTHONY McCABE