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Reigning division one ladies pennant champions start new season with resounding victory

Tim ScottAlbany Advertiser
The Extra’s bowls correspondent Tim Scott.
Camera IconThe Extra’s bowls correspondent Tim Scott. Credit: Laurie Benson

Passionate Albany bowler Tim Scott is writing a fortnightly column for The Extra, keeping our readers up to date with the local bowls scene.

Ladies’ pennants officially kicked off the Lower Great Southern Bowling League season, with reigning division one pennant holders Mt Barker Golf having a resounding victory over Denmark Orange 4 (52) to 0 (32) to send an early statement to the rest of the competition.

In two local derbies, Middleton Beach White convincingly beat Middleton Beach Green 4 (54) to 0 (21), and Albany Green handled the challenge from Albany Gold to win 4 (45) to 0 (32).

The closest game of the round was between Emu Point and Denmark Aqua, resulting in a win to the Point ladies 3 (41) to 1 (40).

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In the ladies’ second division, Cranbrook came away with an important win over Albany White 3.5 (38) to 0.5 (29), Middleton Beach Red overcame Emu Point Blue 4 (43) to 0 (32), and Emu Point Purple enjoyed the home greens to record a win over Mt Barker 4 (43) to 0 (33).

Albany Bowling Club recently hosted the ever-popular Dollar Shot Men’s Triples, with windy and cold conditions combining for a challenging two days.

The trio from Denmark (Ashley Cooper, Ross Hogben, Richard Handcock) handled the greens the best, running away with first place.

Regular attendees Alan Gordin, Owen Rafferty and Gary Dial from Augusta finished second and local Albany combination Roy Sharpe, Bill O’Meara and Milan Sasic filled third spot.

Albany Ladies have completed the championship fours, with the team of Sue Franey, Sandra Hitsert, Diane Bevilaqua and Nancy Sharpe being crowned champions.

Diane Becroft, Yai Herron, Leanne Hitchcock and Anne DeJager were runners-up.

The Albany men’s 100-up singles final was a classic, with Don King defeating Richard Plant in a wonderfully high-standard game before an enthusiastic crowd. Dave Kempin and Steve Harris contested the plate final, with Kempin emerging victorious.

Middleton Beach also completed their men’s 100-up singles tournament recently, with new recruit Keith Manton being successful in the final, beating the wily veteran the always consistent Jack Higgins.

Manton, formerly of Bassendean and more recently of Denmark, will be an important inclusion for the beachsiders this season.

Jim Robertson defeated Terry Wright in the plate final.

Ladies’ pennants officially kicked off the Lower Great Southern Bowling League season.
Camera IconLadies’ pennants officially kicked off the Lower Great Southern Bowling League season. Credit: Laurie Benson

THE 8 Badge — with Middleton Beach’s Merv “Doc” Hulland

1. Where were you born? Tambellup.

2. Sports/interests growing up? All sports.

3. How/Who got you into bowls? My father.

4. Clubs played for? Tambellup, Middleton Beach.

5. Favourite format of bowls? Pairs.

6. Most cherished moment on greens? Playing against Geoff Ellis from Wonthella at 1984 country week singles after he had won it the previous year. Played at Manning, the game didn’t start until 7pm. Continuing under lights, a power cut happened with me leading 16-13. We were then advised we had to come back the next day where I got 2, 2 and 2 shots, game over.

7. Best bowler ever seen/played against? Keith Doncon.

8. Why would you recommend bowls as a sport to play? Good fun and enjoyment.

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