EUROA BOWLS CLUB

By GREG BLATCHFORD

AS the home and away rounds come to a close, the club is gearing up for finals with three sides in the mix.

Midweek Division four, Weekend Division four, and Weekend Division six have all secured the double chance – a strong result for the club.

Midweek Division five came close, while Division one sides put in admirable performances against some of the toughest competition.

Weekend Division Results

The Weekend Division one side had a hard-fought draw against Mooroopna, finishing 67-67 with nine points.

In the game, Shane Drysdale, Jeremy Boruch, Charmaine Reid, and John Groat secured a narrow 16-15 victory in one rink, while Tony Kingma, Bill Sargood, Sam Barkly, and Keith Kruse dominated their rink with a 26-10 result.

However, other rinks didn’t go in the club’s favour, with Marc Stevens, David Cerini, Kev Milner, and Margaretha Cerini suffering a significant loss, 07-23.

Weekend Division four faced top-ranked Alexandra and went down by a mere three shots, losing 74-77 but securing four valuable points by winning two rinks.

Division six played strongly to defeat Alexandra 77-42, securing 14 points.

Ladder Positions:

Division one: Sixth with 89 points.

Division four: Second with 159 points (one point ahead of third-placed Dookie).

Division six: First with 133 points (ahead of Nagambie on percentage).

Midweek Division Results:

In Midweek Pennant Division one, the side put in a strong showing against Shepp Golf, though they went down 49-57, earning three points.

Division four had a narrow two-point victory over East Shepp, while Division five was unable to match Violet Town, losing 46-70.

Midweek Ladder Positions:

Division one: Seventh with 72 points.

Division four: Second with 164 points.

Division five: Sixth with 104 points.

Upcoming Finals Action:

Midweek Pennant Division four will face Shepp Park at East Shepp, with a 9:45am roll-up for a 10 am start.

Unfortunately, the club won’t be hosting any Midweek finals, but supporters are encouraged to show up and cheer the team on.

In Weekend Pennant finals, Division four plays Alexandra at Nagambie,

Division six tackles Nagambie at East Shepp, and the club will host four matches from other divisions.

With resources stretched, the club is confident that its players and volunteers will rise to the challenge.

Rodwell’s Business House Bowls:

In the Rodwell’s Business House bowls competition, the Lions Club currently sits in first place, two points clear of seven other teams.

With just two rounds remaining, competition will heat up on the green this Wednesday night.

Nifty 50 Draws:

Lastly, the last two Nifty 50 draws will take place on Friday night.

All members and supporters are invited to join in the fun.

The finals season promises to be an exciting time for the club.

With players giving their best on and off the green, the club looks set for an action-packed conclusion to the season.

Bowl well, and best of luck to all teams.

AVENEL BOWLS CLUB

By KATE DONOVAN

AS the home and away season concludes, Avenel Bowls Club is gearing up for an exciting finals campaign, with three of its four Pennant teams qualifying for the post-season.

The Midweek Pennant Division three team will face Nagambie at East Shepparton in the first semi-final.

Midweek Pennant Division six will also play Nagambie at East Shepparton in the second semi-final.

The Weekend Pennant Division three team will compete against Shepparton Golf at Tatura Hill Top in the second semi-final.

Midweek Pennant – Division three:

Avenel’s Midweek Division three team faced a tough challenge in their final home-and-away round, suffering their first loss of the new year to Numurkah, zero – 38 to 16 – 67.

Despite the loss, Avenel remains focused on next week’s first semi-final against Nagambie.

In a low-scoring contest, Pam Pedder, Grace Kenworthy, Glen Bell, and Dennis McGregor (s) were up six to three after nine ends.

However, Numurkah’s strong second half saw them take the lead by the fifteenth end.

Avenel fought back to even the score at 14 all on the second-last end, but Numurkah managed to edge out a win with a 17 – 14 result.

Jenny Furletti, Moiann Papageorgiou, Fay Hateley, and Noel Slater (s) struggled initially, losing the first eight ends as they adjusted to the pace of the green.

However, they won eight of the next ten ends, but Numurkah held on for a 24 – 11 victory.

James Wall, Kate Donovan, Geoff Hateley, and Spud Furletti (s) won only seven ends, outclassed by the Numurkah side, who claimed a 26 – 13 victory.

Midweek Pennant – Division six:

Avenel’s Midweek Division six side produced an inspiring victory at home against ladder-leaders Colbinabbin, securing their spot in the finals.

Avenel won 12 – 43 to Colbinabbin two – 37.

With scores level on the 17th end, Robyn Hyland, Ron Harrison, Nyoli Bell, and Rusty Schwab (s) took control, finishing strong with eight shots over the final four ends to win 25 – 18.

Mark Morse, Marion Gittus, Marg Harrison, and Bill O’Connor (s) were narrowly defeated by one shot, 19 – 18, in a thrilling finish, with Colbinabbin emerging victorious.

Weekend Pennant – Division three:

Avenel’s four-game winning streak in Weekend Pennant Division three was brought to an end during a challenging road trip to Eildon.

Avenel lost narrowly by one shot, 74 – 75.

Pam Pedder, Donna Rowley, Josh McDonald, and Jake Wall (s) enjoyed a strong start, leading by eleven shots by the sixth end.

They maintained their dominance throughout the game, winning 30 – 15.

James Wall, Grace Kenworthy, Geoff Hateley, and Spud Furletti (s) bounced back after losing the lead on the 12th end, scoring five shots on the 13th end to regain the lead and win 23 – 16.

In a tight contest, Jenny Furletti, Graham Lewis, Fay Hateley, and Noel Slater (s) were neck and neck with their opponents, drawing even five times before Eildon sealed a 17 – 14 victory over the final three ends.

However, Howard Geldard, Glen Bell, Brett McDonald, and Dennis McGregor (s) struggled against Eildon, losing 27 – seven after a promising start.

Weekend Pennant – Division seven:

Avenel’s final game of the home-and-away season took place at Murchison, with the home side securing a victory based on overall shots.

The match ended in a two – 34 to Avenel two – 47 scoreline.

Walter Pedder, Marion Gittus, Kate Donovan, and Rusty Schwab (s) had a slow start, losing the first four ends.

However, they won seven consecutive ends mid-game, securing a 24 – 18 victory.

Kyle Pedder, Mark Morse, Nyoli Bell, and Ross Sinclair (s) had a strong start, leading eight to one after six ends.

After a brief rain delay, Murchison won twelve consecutive ends to take the match 29 – 10.

Looking Ahead to Finals:

With three out of four Pennant teams advancing to the finals, Avenel Bowls Club is poised for an exciting finish to the season.

The Midweek Pennant Division three and six teams will play Nagambie in their respective semi-finals, while Weekend Pennant Division three faces Shepparton Golf at Tatura Hill Top.

With the finals just around the corner, Avenel’s players are ready to give their best effort in pursuit of a championship.

All members and supporters are encouraged to come along and cheer on the teams during the finals series.

Best of luck to everyone involved.