Lawn Bowls
24 October, 2025
Golf Bowls White back in top four
WARRACKNABEAL Golf White travelled to Rainbow last Saturday across the green countryside, checking the crops out in the warm sunshine, as rain is needed very badly in the coming days.
Lots of hay around this year by the looks, with promising signs in that area.
Rink one was a tight contest between the Golf four of Mick Marchment, Terry Sanders, Graeme Clarke and leader James Thomas, with the game score seesawing all day.
Rainbow's skipper Rod McLean showed his team some lovely draw bowls to save some big scores at times, whilst the consistent Elaine Fuller was the standout bowler on the day, with beautiful draw bowls in the head when needed to gain the shot.
Rainbow leader Ann Thomas got better as the match went on and finished off her day well, as did James Thomas Golf's leader, with another consistent effort. Col Drendel made his opposition battle hard for supremacy, with Golf's Clicker Clarke leading that contest.
Rainbow led at the lunch break by one shot after 13 ends, from then on it was end for end, both teams had a one shot margin till the final two ends. Twenty all after end 23, golf picked up a single on Mick's last bowl to lead the day by one.
Then the final end came, Golf held two shots with a movement of the kitty to hold a winning score of three overall, but the Rainbow skip played a beautiful last bowl draw under extreme pressure, to pick up kitty and score one shot to finish with a draw.
A proper final end to an even contest through the whole day. The onlookers commented on what a thrilling game it was to watch, which is what competition bowls is all about.
Rink Two was the making of a successful afternoon, with Golf really pouring on the pressure of a bowls contest, combining all game with numbers in the head.
Rocky Holland, after a late arrival, started the onslaught with close bowls, followed by Gary Bellis, then Russell Miller, playing his first game for this year, in a promising start, and recording his 250th pennant game for his club, didn't let his skipper down. Well done Russel on 250.
Warren Perris then cleaned up constantly when needed to be well in control at lunch 23 shots to one.
Andy Martian, Darron Cook, Jacinta Cocks and Amanda Sluggett were soundly beaten on the day, with Golf winning 19 of the 25 ends.
The only down time was the final four ends where Golf lost three of those, two shots to six for Rainbow. Golf's overall rink win 35 shots to 10 was a top victory away from home.
Rink three was another team effort by Golf, as Brian Gunn came in to skip in lui of Roger Perris, with Bruce Wilson his reliable third, Bill Russ a consistent second and Graeme Clayton a reliable leader.
They came out of the blocks to lead at lunch 16 shots to four after 12 ends, before losing the next seven of the last 11 ends to play, resulting in Rainbow getting within four shots of the lead at end 22.
A steady finish was needed to win the rink, with golf being able to hold off Rainbow and win 23 shots to 18.
Golf won 14 ends against a good comeback by Stuart Cocks, Deb Lowe, Club Manager Graham Nuske and leader Neville Sleep. A full 25 ends still a problem for golf across the three rinks, but finished the day with 15 points 79 shots to Rainbow one point 49 shots.
Golf elevating themselves from fifth to a third spot on the ladder. Rainbow dropped to sixth from third position.
Golf Blue were well beaten by Warracknabeal at the town greens in the other division one contest, with three rinks down and a big losing margin of 73 shots overall.
All rinks were well down on the day, with Wayne Gove's rink the losers at 20 shots in arrears. Jim Gibson and Co were beaten 39 to 19 by the Shalders combination, also 20 shots with John Barbetti a deficit of 24 shots by a Sinclair foursome.
The win by Warracknabeal showed they will be another contender in this seasons finals if they can keep up the form they are showing.
Golf will no doubt learn from the loss and perform at a better level as the games progress. Each week is different with Golf to bounce back next week. Golf lost the day 49 shots to 73, against a top contender in the division.
Midweek on Tuesday saw our team travel to Rupanyup who hold second position on the ladder after two rounds, and Golf without a win so far.
A draw was a surprise to Golf's opposition, but not for the golfers, as they have been improving each time they play, with their losses so far not big margins.
Alison Fischer was rewarded with her first skip win against a hardened Barry Bywaters and two other division one bowlers, winning 22 shots to 14 in a fantastic effort.
Sal McKenzie, Joan Clarke and Shirl Liersch backed her up all day to gain the points, and were overjoyed by the win.
Judy Gove, Brian Gunn, Judy Smith and Gaylene Clayton were also in a winning position during their game against Tas Matheson and Co, only going down by two shots at 20 to 22. Well done to all.
Wayne Gove, Roy Liersch, Chris Gunn and Maree Walker showed they are not far away from a win also, losing by six shots against recognized bowler in Pam Rollinson and her team, consisting of Division One bowlers.
Overall the draw was a fitting result against a stronger opposition, with the final score at 62 shots all, seven points to Golf, 9 points to Rupanyup.
Golf White have another away game at Warracknabeal tomorrow with Roger Perris back as a skipper, Bruce Wilson back with his regular skipper in Mick Marchment, whilst James Thomas, his leader is a non starter being on call duties at work.
A tough game will be the order of the day, being the grand final rematch of last year, and hopefully the same result.
Golf Blue are also away at Hopetoun, who have two wins and a loss on the ladder in third position, against Golf's three losses and bottom spot.
A couple of players are unavailable this week, so sides will be moved around a little to compensate the deficit. Tuesday Midweek and Golf have the bye.
The one 100 Up draw is on the board, so try and get your matches finished as soon as you can to keep the event flowing.
All State event sheets are on the board, with the State Mixed Pairs closing today Friday 24th. Put your name in for the experience you get out of it, win or lose.
Good bowling and good luck.
Mick Em.
