AFTER a washed out round the previous week it was good for members of Alexandra Bowls Club to get back on the Greens last Saturday. Division Three and Five played away at Shepparton Park and Mooroopna respectively. Both sides were successful and Division Three are now on top of the ladder. Division Five’s win places them in sixth spot with some great bowling from all players. Midweek didn’t play due to the Melbourne Cup holiday. Division Three had a convincing win 106 to 69 against Shepparton Park. Some outstanding bowling saw Ian Harper (Skip), Graeme Matthews, Ken Argent and Mal Gill crush their opponents. They began with a six-shot win on the first end and were 11 to zero up by the third. Shepparton won the next three ends but trailed three to 11. The Alexandra rink was too strong and accurate and won seven out of the next eight ends to lead 31 to six. To Shepparton Park’s credit they mounted a challenge and won five out of the last seven ends but were soundly defeated 34 to 14. Doug Cooper (Skip), Bob Mayfield, Mike Aldenhoven and Ben Gilchrist won 13 out of 21 ends and led the game from the third. They picked up five shots on ends 11 and 13 and led 21 to 12 at the break. They increased this to be 27 to 12 at end 17. Shepparton Park won the next three to trail 16 to 27 but Alexandra topped off a great game with a win on the last to take the points 28 to 16. Tim Langmead (Skip), Scott Ferrier, Dave Nicklos, and Andy Tobias had a slow start and trailed three to six on end four. However, they did not languish for too long and led 13 to six by end eight, 18 to eight by end 12 and 21 to 10 on end 14. Shepparton Park found line and length and were 16 to 22 down on end 17. Alexandra countered with a four shot pick up on the next end and led 26 to 16. Alexandra won two of the last three ends to win 29 to 18. Great effort and great bowling. The last rink was having a challenging game. It was a game that was played in blocks of good bowls by each side. Greg Gilmore (Skip), Larry Scott, Steve Kirby and Lauren Gilchrist began well and led five to four on end four. Shepparton Park won the next four ends to lead 10 to five. Alexandra won the next three to lead 11 to 10 at end 11. Shepparton Park won the next three, including five shots on end 14 and were ahead 17 to 11. They won three out of the next four ends and Alexandra trailed 12 to 21. Not to be denied Alexandra played some excellent bowls to win the last three ends but lost 18 to 21. Alexandra (58 points) is now on top of the ladder, followed by Shepparton Golf (51), East Shepparton (50), and Rushworth (49). They play away next round at Mooroopna who are seventh on the ladder so Alexandra will be looking to consolidate their top spot. Division Five had a win across all rinks defeating Mooroopna 71 to 51. I’m light on game details as the cards were unavailable, however, the best winning rink was John Blamey (Skip), Saxon Langmead, Ian Franklin, and Sam Weisse. A successful combination of youth and the not so young, they won 27 to 14. Clive Murphy (Skip), Roselyn Livy, Christine Murphy and Helen Summerhayes had a good win 22 to 18. Roselyn was grateful to the Mooroopna folk who were able to provide her with a Bowling Arm as she had left hers at home. They may have regretted finding one for her. Warren Nelson (Skip), Pauline Gilmore, Scott Kerr and Peter Collyer topped off the day with a 22 to 19 win over their opponents. Thanks to the Mooroopna Club for their afternoon tea which was much appreciated by the Alexandra side. Alexandra now sits in sixth place behind Rushworth. They play the ladder leaders Eildon at home next week. Midweek Pennant travel to Shepparton Park this week who are on top of the ladder. Club games are well underway with some of the Round One Men’s Singles completed this week. Ian Harper defeated John Blamey, Greg Gilmore defeated Ben Gilchrist, Graeme Matthews defeated Malcolm Gill. Lauren Gilchrist defeated John Blamey in the 100 up. First round games in the Singles and the 100 Up need to be completed by 20 November. Players need to sign up for the Pairs by Saturday 14 November. Christmas lunch is 5 December, please sign up by 24 November.
