Details

2024-2025 Board

President:  Colin Lockett

Secretary: Howard Crothers

Senior Vice President: Steve Simmonds

Junior Vice president: Noelene Crow

Assistant Secretary: Jennifer Wakefield

Treasurer: Raelene Winslow

Immediate Past President Robert Gloster

Additional Board members: Alan Stone, Colleen Gloster, Les Stone, Jen Stone

Match Committee Men  Ray Gloster, Robert Gloster, Colin Lockett, Alan Stone

Match Committee Ladies  Jen Stone, Jennifer Wakefield

Greens & Maintenance Committee Robert Gloster, Steve Simmonds, John Cummings, Alan Stone,

Stephen Lynch, Col Aikman, Les Stone, Jen Stone, Rhonda Lockett, Robert Pole, John Stone

Press Corres.         Robert Gloster

Bowls Sunraysia Delegates   Robert Gloster, Jennifer Wakefield

Pennant Selectors -- -Saturday:  Les Stone, Alan Stone, Robert Gloster, Jennifer Wakefield, Jen Stone

                                    Midweek:   Jennifer Wakefield, Noelene Crow, Jen Stone.

National Umpires     Robert Gloster, Scott Brammer.

Coach  Steve Simmonds

Catering Committee    Wendy Stone, Noelene Crow, Rhonda Lockett

Bar Managers   H Crothers, Colleen Gloster, Ray Gloster, Rob Gloster.

Club Fees:

 Membership $100, 1^st Year Membership $50, Social Membership $50

 All Green Fees $5, BBQ $10, Twilights $10 plus Green Fees.

 No green fees when we play pennant away

Non Playing Visitors Meal $10 (includes Bus driver)

 Club Car Travel – All Pennant and Ladies Star days each player to pay driver $10, car to be paid $10 even if traveling in a different car. Ouyen, Murrayville – Nil

 Club Room Hire for Meetings $30

Casual Clothes may be worn except for pennant, tournaments, and special occasions

If forecast temperature for Mildura is 37 degrees or above Saturday Social Bowls to be played in the evening, play to commence at 7.30 pm, unless otherwise advised

Sat play – names in by 1.15 pm for 1.30 pm start

Sat Pennant roll up at 12.45pm start at 1pm

BBQ on Saturdays when pennant is at home.

 

March 2026

Sunday the 14^th  March, 6 of our Members travelled to Bendigo for their annual pilgrimage to the Bendigo Country Week Carnival. Although they were not very successful, it was as usual a great experience against some top bowlers and some superb greens. This event has been going for 56 years and Ray  Gloster has attended 55 of them. It was also the first Bendigo Country Week for Les Stone.  

On Thursday 18th evening, Jennifer Wakefield and Robert Gloster represented the Club at a Delegates meeting in Red Cliffs to address a vast number of issues prior to the next season. As one of those representatives and our Club's press correspondent, can I say our Bowls Sunraysia playing area needs to stand up to our so called Murray Mallee Bowls Region and listen to what the majority of Sunraysia Clubs want. Clubs need to attend the Annual meeting of Murray Mallee Bowls Region in May to voice their opinion and push for what we want for Bowls Sunraysia NOT what the Region wants for us. The meeting was very unprofessional !!  

Saturday the 21^st March, was the Clubs Presidents and Awards presentation day. Club President Colin Lockett and his wife Rhonda sponsored the day with a magnificent array of trophies, raffles and even some special cuts for the BBQ. A very good field of bowlers played 5 games of 2 bowl triples, even though the weather was rather Queenslanderish without the palm trees.

winners with 4 gamesWinners of roll to the ditch were:  Leaders – Merle Pole, 2nds – Jack Winslow and Skippers- Colin Lockett.  The day's winners with 4 games were John Cummings, Ray Gloster & Jenny Stone.

runners upRunners up were Alan Stone, Robert Pole & Jennifer Wakefield. Col then proceeded to present the seasons various Club Champions Trophies and Awards to the individuals and teams winners for 2025/26. He made special mention of the success the Dot Jenkinson Ladies Comp. had in being Runners up.  

Medallions were also presented to our Saturday 4^th Division players who were Runners up in their first year of being in the competition. Realistically, Our small club has had another very successful season. The day concluded with a beautiful meal which was highlighted with some magnificent desserts. Thankyou to our President and his wife and all the volunteers that contributed to a very successful day. Bowls will continue however, as the synthetic green allows us to play all year round and there are plenty of tournaments to attend.   

We continue to thank and commend the publishers of the North West Express for printing our notes and complementing them with our photos, well done and thank you.

 

 

With so much happening over the Labour Day long weekend, bowls took a back seat at the Club and everyone took a little respite from the sport. However, on Wednesday the 11^th 4 of our ladies ventured to Wentworth for the “ Steamers A/C fours event.

It was a very excited Jennifer Wakefield ( S ), Noelene Crow, Lyn Pryse and Jenny Stone that returned home the winners of the day. What a great effort by our ladies which is just reward for all the travelling they do.  

runners upThe Mallee Ag Services representatives were very impressed with the events popularity and we thank them for their commitment to our rural communities.

Grace-winner of 'corner to corner' with Mallee Ag reps These events do require some work by the same token and our Club volunteers do an amazing job of catering for meals, cooking BBQ’s and many other chores required to make it all successful.  

36 players took to the green and played 3 games of 2 bowl triples. The winners were Jack Pryse, Simon Brown and Kylie Aikman. Runners up were Scott Brammer, Garth Aikman and Cheree Donnellan.  The much sought after Major prize, where everyone present had a roll to the kitty from corner to corner, was taken out by a very jubilant Grace Donnellan. With a combination of sport, a beautiful meal, raffles and a general catch up for all ages, it was a tremendous social event, thanks to the organizers and sponsors. 

 This week we have 6 bowlers playing at Bendigo Country Week and representatives at the Ouyen Triples Tournament on Sunday 15^th March. This Saturday afternoon the 21^st is our Club Wind up/Presidents Day and presentation of season trophy winners. However, there are plenty of Tournaments ongoing and our green is always open.

 

 

February 2026 

3rd Division Pennant teamThe pennant season is at last done and dusted, with the after Xmas schedules becoming a nightmare with so many Saturdays being abandoned due to the excessive heat. However, despite the fact that our 3^rd Division were bundled out in the Semi Final, our 4^th Division were able to play off in the Grand Final on Saturday 28^th Feb. against Mildura under the canopy at Coomealla Bowls Club. 

This was the first year our Club has been able to submit 2 teams in Saturday Pennant and it proved a raging success. The overlap of Members would mean they were only playing social bowls against one another week after week. By playing pennant they were able to play in a more competitive environment, travel to different clubs, meet and socialise with other bowlers and importantly improve their bowling skills.

4th Division Pennant teamDespite just going down to Mildura in a thrilling and very competitive Grand Final at Coomealla, their season and the venture on a Club perspective, has been a huge success. Congratulations 4^th Division a sound stepping stone for next season. President Col and Wife Rhonda organised a nice gathering of Members back at the Club rooms after the game to reminisce and celebrate the pennant season.

We congratulate neighbouring club Ouyen on their 1^st and 3^rd Divisions gallantly making the Pennant Grand Final also on Saturday. It wasn’t to be their day either but a fantastic effort by their Club.

On Sunday 22^nd Jennifer Wakefield ( S ), Noelene Crow, Lyn Pryse and Jenny Stone played Workers in the C of C’s Fours Semi Final at Coomealla, but after a very close match succumbed to the eventual Championship winners. It’s a credit to our Members to not only consistently represent at Bowls Sunraysia events, but also be competitive. When you consider the travelling our outlying Clubs from the Central Sunraysia hub do ( including our neighbours Ouyen ), our results are even more commendable. 

No doubt there will be Club events to finalise now and Tournaments to attend, and so bowls rolls on.

 

 

 On Sunday the 8^th of February our Ladies Club Pairs Champions Jenny Stone and Raelene Winslow played the Ouyen pairing of Janet Vallance and Karen Crook in the Semi Final of the Sunraysia Champion of Champions competition at Coomealla. Although bowling very well the Ouyen ladies were to prevail and then went on to win the Championship. Our local girls acquitted themselves extremely well and enjoyed the experience.  

The same day 3 teams represented at the Ouyen 4’s Tournament where a number of our newer bowlers experienced bowling against teams from a vast cross section of Clubs from a broad surrounding area.  

Saturday the 14^th was the elimination final for our Division3 team against neighbouring club Ouyen. The previous week we lost to top side Wentworth and were catapulted from 2^nd position on the ladder to 4^th, thus forcing a cut throat final. This was played at Ouyen and what an enthralling battle it was. However, with 1 draw and the other 2 rinks just going down, Ouyen were able to progress with a 61/55 shot victory.

Season over for Underbool 3^rd Division, but we hope our neighbours can defeat Wentworth next week and progress to the final against Irymple.  

But, the great news is that our underdog 4^th Division team had a fantastic victory over top side Coomealla on their home carpet 39 shots to 32.  The win sees them in the Grand Final on 28^th February, and some free time this week end. Congratulations 4^th Division - this is certainly a great bonus for committing to the exercise of forming another pennant team rather than just playing social bowls every weekend. Regardless of the final outcome it has benefited our bowlers immensely.  

Sunday the 15^th both our Men’s and Ladies Club 4’s Champions ventured to Coomealla to contest the Sunraysia Champion of Champions 4’s playoffs. In the Men’s 1^st round our Club Champions “The Torrita Titans”, comprising Alan Stone, John Stone, Les Stone and Jack Pryse had a very convincing win over a strong Red Cliffs team, progressing to the second round only to have their colours lowered by a strong Mildura quartet. However, the experience was invaluable, well represented fellas.  

Our ladies comprising Jennifer Wakefield, Noelene Crow, Lyn Pryse and Jenny Stone compiled a great victory over a strong Mildura team in the quarter finals and now play Workers in the Semi Final next Sunday at Coomealla. All the very best ladies, our small club is very proud of how we represent against the stronger Sunraysia teams and prove to be very competitive. 

 

January 2026

On Wednesday 28^th, to avoid the excessive heat we are experiencing, our Ladies Club 4’s Championship was played off early in the morning. In a very tight, hard fought match, scores were all tied up after the allocated 15 ends.runners up

An additional end was required to determine a winner, with Jennifer Wakefield(S), Noelene Crow, Lyn Pryse & Jenny Stone prevailing by 1 shot over Marie Cummings (S), Wendy Stone, Colleen Gloster & Raelene Winslow.

winnersCongratulations to the winning team, they will now play in the Sunraysia C of C’s at Coomealla on the 15^th Feb. 

 

Once again Saturday pennant was abandoned due to the heat, so quite a number of our 100 up handicap matches were played off early on Saturday morning. 

 

Sunday morning the 1^st of February, both our Mens and Ladies Club pairs Champions played off at Coomealla in the Sunraysia C of C’s event. Col and Murray Lockett played a great 1^st round match just going down by 2 shots to a very formidable Merbein Pair in David Maud and “ Jumbo” Greenhill.  In the Ladies draw, Jenny Stone and Raelene Winslow had a very good win over Wentworth and now play the Ouyen team comprising Karen Crook and Janet Vallance in the Semi Final next Sunday the 8^th Feb. Well done to the ladies and all the best for the Semi.

Our 4^th division Saturday pennant home and away matches are now complete and we finished in 2^nd position on the Ladder. So, after a week off they will play Coomealla at Coomealla in the qualifying final on 14^th Feb. 3rd Division have one more match to play before the finals where we travel to top side Wentworth this Saturday.

 

At last some of our Club Championship match varieties are starting to be finalised, On Sunday afternoon the 17^th January our Ladies pairs final was played off before a good number of members, who witnessed a very good contest. Jenny Stone and Raelene Winslow were able to hold off a challenging opponent pair of Marie Cummings and Wendy Stone, to claim the Club pairs Championship for 2025/26. Congratulations to Jenny and Raelene.

On Wednesday morning the 21^st January, the Mens pairs final was played off between Howard Crothers & Robert Pole and Colin Lockett and Murray Lockett. Howard and Robert were in control of the match for most of the time but were swamped in the last couple of ends by Col and Murray who eventually won by 1 shot, Murray is a relatively new bowler, so it is a great boost for him.

Both the Ladies and Mens pairs Champions will play off in the Sunraysia playing area C of C’s at Coomealla on Sunday 1^st February. 

No pennant was played on Saturday 24^th January as it was abandoned due to the excessive heat criteria. This along with the demand that all Clubs start their Pennant matches at 9.15 AM after the Christmas break, is yet another reason why pennant should finish before Christmas. But, I guess Bowls Sunraysia will get their heads out of the sand one day!!  

Sunday 25^th January, 3 of our Members played in the Pinnaroo “Australia Day Triples” and won all their games to claim the winners spoils. Congratulations to Steve Simmonds, Alan Stone and Jenny Stone.   

Next Saturday 31^st Jan, our 3^rd Division venture in to our neighbours Ouyen, in what is the second last home & away game for the season.

4^th Division take on Wentworth at Underbool in their last home and away game before finals. Both ladders are very close so these matches hold a lot of interest.

 

 

December 2025

Still wild and windy weather which is only good for windmills and we don’t use them anymore. Certainly doesn’t help when playing bowls  outdoors that’s for certain and it appears every Saturday of late it has to be windy. However, Thursday the 4^th of December was the final round of the “ Dot Jenkinson Memorial Ladies Bowls Competition”, which was held at Red Cliffs. It has been a great success and those that took part thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the social interaction. Well done to our Lady Members who took part in the competition, they were rewarded with the Runners up medallions to winners of the competition Coomealla. Let’s hope the enthusiasm for the competition continues next season.  

Saturday the 6^th  our 3^rd Division travelled to Mildura  where we recorded a 72 shots to 45  victory  with all rinks winning giving us maximum points.  

4^th Division received a Forfeit from Mildura.  

Saturday the 13^th December both 3^rd and 4^th division were to travel to Euston. 3^rd Division won 2 of the 3 rinks recording a 60 to 50 shots win.

We currently sit 2^nd on the ladder but very little separates the first half dozen teams.  

4^th Division received another forfeit from Euston, the second time they have forfeited to us. It is very frustrating that teams are consistently doing this and Bowls Sunraysia need to do something about it. 4th Division are currently holding onto second position on the ladder.  

Sunday the 14^th December, our Ladies Club Singles Championship was played off between Marie Cummings and Jennifer Wakefield. Typically, it was of course very windy and conditions were quite trying for both players to contend with. Marie got off to a solid start but Jennifer eventually wore her down to once again claim the Club Championship trophy. Well done to Jennifer and Marie for your ongoing commitment to contesting the title. Jennifer now advances to the Champion of Champions playoffs at Coomealla on the 3^rd of January.   

Steve Simmonds and Alan Stone completed the Men's Semi finals of the Club Championship on Sunday also, with Steve prevailing in a very good match of draw bowling.  

Steve now meets relatively new bowler Scott Brammer (who has been gathering sledging tips from his father in law ), on Monday the 22^nd December at 5.00 pm to decide the Champion.   

This Saturday December20, 3^rd Division have the Bye, while 4^th Division travel to Irymple for the last game before the Christmas break.

Don’t forget the Ouyen IGA Supermarket sponsored Xmas break up Bowls night is this Thursday the 18^th December, names in by 5.30 pm.

 

 

November 2025 

Saturday November 6^th  in 3^rd division we welcomed our neighbours -the Ouyen Bowls club -to contest round 5 of the pennant competition. Underbool were fortunate enough to collect the win 76 shots and 10 points to 46 shots 2 points, with 2 rinks winning and 1 going the way of Ouyen.

On the same day, also at Underbool, 4th division had a battle against a strong Mildura team going down in both rinks overall 27 shots to 50.

Thursday the 13^th of November our Ladies had a great win over a very strong Red Cliffs team in The “Dot Jenkinson” series, and they now sit 2^nd on the ladder. Well done ladies, great to see the competition flourishing.

At home for both divisions again for round 6 of pennant on the 15^th of November. 3^rd division couldn’t quite get the job done over the Wentworth Steamers winning 2 rinks out of 3 but going down overall 55 shots to 63, picking up 4 points to Wentworth’s 8. We now sit 4^th on the ladder.

4th division welcomed Nangiloc and were more successful winning both rinks 46 shots and 6 points to Nangiloc 31 shots 0 points. 4^th division are currently 3^rd on the ladder.

Men’s club championship singles is progressing well with only 2 games to be played to decide who plays off in the semi-finals. The 2 teams representing the club at Wentworth and Geranium SA had a very enjoyable time at 2 well run tournaments.

The Club wishes one of our hard working, dedicated members, Colleen Gloster all the very best as she recovers from surgery following a fall last week that yielded a broken right hip. Colleen had a partial hip replacement, and you can bet she will be itching to get back up and mobile as soon as possible.

Both teams travel this week, 3^rd division to Merbein and 4^th division to Wentworth.

 

 

March 2025 

Despite Pennant being well and truly over, the green has been quite busy over the last few weeks with Club Championship matches and social bowls continuing to be played.  

On 22^nd March social bowls was held with the winners being John Stone and Marie Cummings in a 3 bowl pairs event. A close Runner up would have been the March flies as they searched for any bare skin.

Social bowls was held again last Saturday the 29^th March with the Winners being Les Stone and Raelene Winslow.  

The week of 17^th to 20^th March 7 players from the Club and Ex Club member and local Ken Byrne ( Now Violet Town ), made the annual pilgrimage to Bendigo Country week. As the scribe and a member of the older group of four I’m pretty sure we were more successful than the younger group. It was also Ray Gloster's 54^th year of attending the tournament out of its 55 years since inception.  

On  Sunday the 23^rd March, the Club Mens Pairs grand Final was played between Cam Gloster and John Stone Vs Colin Aikman and  Les Stone. In a quality match of draw bowling with some clever conversions, Cameron and Johnny were able to control the game and clinch the 2024/25 Pairs Championship.  

Thursday 27^th March the Club Ladies Pairs Championship final was conducted with Colleen Gloster and Marie Cummings Vs Jennifer Wakefield and Noelene Crow. Colleen and Marie bowled superbly with Marie leading exceptionally well  and Colleen drawing and converting shots consistently, not allowing their opponents many opportunities. Colleen and Marie are this seasons Pairs Champions.

Well done to both Men and Ladies for giving the Members some quality matches to watch during the journey to the finals.   

The Mens 100 Up handicap is progressing with much interest and some very close matches. We are out to the Semi Finals with Col Lockett to play Timothy Gloster and in the other Semi, Colin Aikman plays Steve Simmonds.  

 

 

 

With Pennant over for this season for our Club, it’s on with our Club matches and attending tournaments. Saturday saw a good number gracing the green for social bowls, where a pairs event was won by Col Lockett and Frankie Gloster from runners up John Cummings and Anne Stone.

At the same time the Ladies Club 4’s Grand Final was played off with Colleen Gloster ( S ), Wendy Stone, Nita Wandel and Raelene Winslow winning the Championship over Jennifer Wakefield ( S ), Jen Stone, Veronica Stone and Dorothy Brown.

The Men’s pairs Semi Final was also played off Saturday afternoon between Rob. Gloster ( S ) and Alan Stone and Cameron Gloster ( S ) and Stephen Lynch. It was a  Crackerjack game being 18 all on the last end with Rob and Alan getting home by 1 shot to move into the Grand Final.

Sunday afternoon both the Mens and Ladies Club Pairs finals were decided. Jen Stone ( S ) and Raelene Winslow played  Jennifer Wakefield ( S ) and Anne Stone in a very  competitive match, with Jen and Raelene able to open up a small margin in the latter stages of the game and maintain that margin to be crowned Club Pairs Champions.

Alongside them the Mens pairs Championship between Steve Simmonds ( S ) and Col Lockett playing Rob Gloster ( S ) and Alan Stone was also being conducted, in what  turned out to be a very difficult day at the office for Robert and Alan. Steve and Col played with extraordinary consistency and accuracy to outplay their opponents and take out the Club Pairs championship.

Last Friday night was the final night of try bowls, we hope those that participated enjoyed themselves and continue to come along to our social bowls on a Saturday.

Mens 4’s championship play off is this Thursday evening. Several tournaments are on this coming weekend of which we have Members attending.

February 2025

The final curtain on the Pennant season has come down as our 3^rd Division Saturday Pennant team couldn’t hold off a very determined Euston on Saturday Feb.15^th in the 2^nd Semi Final. Two Underbool rinks were right in contention for most of the day but couldn’t quite hang on to progress to the Preliminary final. All rinks eventually going down with Euston winning overall 87/67.

Euston now play Mildura and should nearly advance to the grand final against Wentworth in a fortnight if they maintain their consistency.

Despite the defeat, our Club has enjoyed a productive season with the experience gained by a number of players being very beneficial to their bowls. Both 3^rd and 4^th division have used most of the Members at various times which has given them invaluable experience in competition pennant play. Besides, we enjoy our lunches when we play away, it’s a great social outing. What does next pennant season bring, I think it’s a 'watch this space'!! 

Social bowls was played while our pennant final was on and the winners were Noelene Crow, Raelene Winslow and Alan Willsmore. 

Pairs matches for both the Men and Ladies are still progressing slowly and the Mens 100 up matches also need to keep moving along as the season will draw to a close very quickly. 

Social bowls and tournaments will no doubt be the program for the next few week ends.

 

We have a couple of weeks bowls to catch up with this week as pennant now pushes into finals mode.  Saturday Feb. 1^st threw up another hot day projection, so it was an early start for both our 3^rd and 4^th Division players. Our 4^th division had a 6.30 am leave to travel to Coomealla, where they went down in both rinks  losing 64/34 overall.

However, their commitment to travel and represent the Club under any circumstances is to be commended. Not only has the pennant experience improved their bowls, they only missed out on 4^th position on the ladder by less than 4%. 

3^rd Division also had an early start travelling to Red Cliffs, where our position at third on the ladder wasn’t in jeopardy, but a win overall may have given a chance at 2^nd position. 

However, that wasn’t to come into the calculation as we lost overall 63/70, with 2 rinks winning and one losing. We now have a home Semi -final against Euston this Saturday, a must win if we are to continue in the finals race.  

On Monday 3^rd Feb. the Underbool Midweek team ventured to Irymple, where they had nothing to lose as they couldn’t quite make the final four, this being the last home and away game. 

But, with grit and determination they were going to make it a challenge for Irymple to sneak into the four. That they did, the Mallee girls won overall 44 shots to 36, denying Irymple a place in the four.

 

January 2025

Happy New Year to you all. We are off and running into 2025, and whilst the press had a little time off, bowls commitments did slow up over the Festive and New Year period, but not for long.

 

On Saturday the 4^th of January 2025, our 2 Club Singles Champions Ray Gloster and Jennifer Wakefield, made the long trek to Coomealla to represent us in the Sunraysia Champion of Champions play offs. Battling the high temperature and some very strong opposition, they both played excellent bowls and did themselves and our Club very proud.  

Ray's situation was probably a bit unique as far as a Championship playoff in a bowls Region is concerned, as I don’t think there would have been many 97 year olds ever competing in the likes of this competition before. Goes to show age is no barrier in bowls. Well done to you both. 

Midweek pennant resumed on Monday 13^th Jan. but Red Cliffs forfeited to Underbool so no match was played. This Monday 20^th Mildura travel to Underbool for an early start due to the heat policy. 

Saturday pennant resumed on the 18^th Jan  when we hosted Mildura’s 3^rd Division. It was another great day for the Underbool side with a 78 to 69 shot overall victory. With 2 rinks winning and one just falling short, we picked up 10 points to 2,  keeping us in 3^rd place on the ladder at the moment. 

4th division were to play Red Cliffs at Underbool, but they forfeited, so a game of social bowls was played instead. This Saturday both teams play at home and we host 2 Euston teams.

 

 

December 2024

On Wednesday 18^th of December, the Club held a very successful Jason’s IGA sponsored Christmas wind up night. 24 players took part in a triples event, with quite a few more joining in for a beautiful Christmas meal which included plum pudding and pavlova. We’re blessed with some magnificent country cooks, well done ladies on another superb spread. 

Roll to the “ Redback” was won by Colleen Gloster and Les Stone. 

winnersWinners were Colin Lockett ( S ), Ray Gloster and Merle Pole. 

runners upRunners Up were Ross Huxtable (S), Les Stone and Robert Pole. Numerous raffles were keenly sought after, to conclude a very enjoyable wind up to 2024.

We are very appreciative of the generosity and support to our Club from Gary and Jackie Jason- Ouyen IGA Super Market.

Monday the 9^th December the Midweek team ventured to Workers and recorded a moral building win 45 shots to 38, with both rinks prevailing to take all 8 points.

This week was to be the last round before the Christmas break but because of the extreme heat conditions the round was cancelled.

On Saturday 14^th it was a very early start for 4^th Division as the 38 deg heat policy came into effect and Mildura insisted on a 9 am start. However, the early trip was worth while as they won both rinks with an overall 56 shots to 35 victory.

3^rd Division welcomed old foes Irymple for a 9.45 am start. In an epic battle over the 3 rinks Underbool were able to clinch full points with a 66 shots to 53 winning all 3 games.

That’s it for Pennant now until the middle of January when 3 more rounds will complete the home and away matches.

Our Ladies and Mens Club Singles Championship playoffs were scheduled for Sunday afternoon 15^th December. Because of the extreme heat conditions they were both played off at 9.00 am on Sunday morning. The ladies match between Marie Cummings and Jennifer Wakefield came right down to the wire with Jennifer winning her 3^rd Championship in a row. 5/24. What an epic battle, congratulations Jennifer.

 

 

The Mens final between Col Lockett and Ray Gloster was a great display of draw bowling by both players, with some very tight heads on most ends. In the end all the ducks aligned for Ray as he claimed the Championship 25/19. At age 97 it is quite a remarkable effort, congratulations Ray.

This evening Wednesday 18^th Dec. we are holding our IGA Sponsored Christmas bowls night, so in signing off until next years paper, Merry Christmas to you all and may your New Year be Happy, safe and kind to your bowls.

 

Wow, whoever had the brainwave of renaming the top end of our state “The Tropical North”, certainly got it right. Round 9 of Saturday pennant on 30^th of November saw both our 3^rd and 4^th Division teams travel to Workers and Mildura respectively. Not only was it humid but just before the nominated ends were completed the heavens opened up, turning the greens into swimming pools. However, in both divisions enough ends had been completed to constitute a result. Unfortunately, 3^rd Division went down 62/67 with one rink winning and 4^th  Division went down in both rinks 30/54.

Midweek pennant on the 2^nd December, Underbool hosted Wentworth going down in both rinks with a total of 43 shots to 54. This week we travel to Workers.

Saturday 7^th December both 3^rd and 4^th Division played at home and for the first time in the history of the club we won all 5 Rinks. 3rd Division played Merbein and won overall 85 shots to 57, collecting all 12 points and moving into 4^th place on the ladder. Similarly, 4^th Division playing Irymple collected all 8 points winning 61 shots to 36.

This Sunday 15^th, weather permitting, both our Club Championship Ladies and Men’s Singles Championships will be played off to determine the 2024/25 Champions.

 

Thursday evening the 5^th of December, the Club organised a very special Birthday party and Bowls night for Jack Lockett, who was celebrating his 99^th Birthday. With sponsorship from Jack’s family and beautiful salads from our Members, it was a very memorable night for Jack and his wife Elaine, both who have made enormous contributions to the Underbool Bowls Club and indeed the Underbool Community, over a very, very long time. 2 games of bowls were played for Jack’s Trophies, which were played before and after the magnificent spread presented by our ladies, followed with the traditional Birthday cake.

 

Winners were Marie Cummings ( S ), John Stone and Murray Lockett. Runners up were Alan Stone ( S ), Jennifer Wakefield and Ray Gloster. Numerous raffles were keenly vied for at the conclusion.

Jack’s 4 children and several grand and great grandchildren were in attendance to help celebrate this great milestone of a very quiet and humble achiever. Jack briefly but suitably responded and thoroughly enjoyed the evening catching up with old friends.

 

 

 

 

November 2024

A tough week for both Midweek and Saturday pennant on Monday 8^th and Saturday 23^rd November respectively. The Midweekers hosted Irymple who always prove a formidable but very jovial opposition. Underbool went down in both rinks with an overall score of 33/55. Monday 25^th they journey to Euston.

Once again due to the high temperature forecast for Saturday 23rd, the heat policy rule enforced an early start for our 3^rd and 4^th Division teams playing at home.

3^rd Div. playing ladder leaders Wentworth, kept in striking distance but couldn’t quite bridge the gap, going down in all rinks for an overall loss 56/71. Next week is Round 9 against Workers at Workers.

Div. 4 came up against a very strong Euston outfit with 1 rink having a win but going down 33/55 overall. Next week they also travel playing Mildura at Mildura.

The Ladies Club singles championship playoffs are under way with 2 more matches being played this Thursday at 10.00am. With the damp weather slowing down harvest, it is a prime time to have some of the Club matches played off, as with a very full bowls season syllabus it will soon cramp up.

 

 

On Saturday 9^th November, twenty Pennant players made the journey to Euston where both Divisions 3 and 4 completed round 6 of Saturday Pennant.

Following lunch in the Club Bistro we were entertained during the game with the music and festivities on the river bank of the Annual “Salami” Festival.

3^rd Division had an exciting finish to the day with 2 rinks winning and 1 just going down, to win overall by 1 shot, 70/69. 4^th division weren’t so lucky going down in both rinks to lose 40/48.

Midweek pennant on the 11^th November was against Mildura at Mildura. Another tough day going down in both rinks to lose 41/58.

Whilst both our midweek and Saturday 4^th Division teams are striking some tough opposition, it is giving players the opportunity to play competitive matches and hopefully, improve their bowls with the experience.

Saturday 16^th November both Division 3 and 4 played at home giving us some respite from all the travel we have endured over the last month or so. With the heat rule policy being activated, roll up was at 9.45 am so as to avoid the predicted 38 deg. later in the afternoon. 3^rd Division recorded a great all rinks win over Red Cliffs collecting 12 points and an overall 104/50 shots up. Next week is at home again for the start of the round again, where we welcome ladder leaders in Wentworth.

4^th Division played top of the table, Coomealla, once again finding the competition too strong going down in both rinks 34/60. They also play at home again this week against Euston 2.

Ray & FrankieLast Thursday evening 14^th November, the first of our Men’s Singles Championship Semi Finals was played between Ray Gloster and his Great Grandson, Frankie Gloster. 

Frankie got off to a slow start and Ray was on the money early. Frankie pegged Ray back but, the experienced campaigner was able to regain the ascendancy and won his way into yet another Championship Final playoff. Interestingly, there is 81 years between them with Ray at 97 and Frankie 16, proving age is no barrier within the ranks of lawn bowls.

With a change in the weather and harvest being put on hold for the day on Sunday November 17^th, the opportunity was taken for the second Semi Final of the Men’s Singles Championship to be played. Col Lockett and Scott Brammer faced off in very windy conditions with Col winning his way into the Grand Final playoff against Ray Gloster, at a time yet to be decided to determine the 2024/25 Club Champion.

Couple of dates to remember, Thursday 5^th December the Jack Lockett family are sponsoring a bowls night and tea to celebrate Jacks 99^th birthday. Both Jack and Elaine have been very long, active and valued members of our Bowls club up until recent years.

Also, we are anticipating holding our “IGA“ sponsored Christmas break up night on Wednesday 18^th December.

 

 

 

 

 Saturday pennant on November 2^nd was against Mildura at the very slick Mildura Magic greens. After adjusting to the change in draw and pace, Underbool produced a very commendable 6 shot win overall with Col Lockett’s rink winning 28/18, Howard Crother’s rink drew 22/22 and Rob Gloster’s rink just going down 19/23.

 4^th Division won on a forfeit from Red Cliffs who didn’t have the numbers to field a team.

This week both 3^rd and 4^th Division play Euston at Euston. After 4 consecutive away matches 3^rd Division are certainly looking for some respite from travelling duties.

 Congratulations to Frankie Gloster who was a representative of the Sunraysia team playing in the 2024 Region Round Robin at Murray Downs last Sunday 3^rd Nov.

Frankie was lead for the team of Glen Scott ( S ), Matthew West and Anthony Kelly. What a great experience for a young bowler. Well done also to the men and women bowlers from the Ouyen Bowls Club who represented at the same event.

 Four bowlers represented at the Wentworth Murray Darling 4’s Tournament on Sunday 3^rd, with a very commendable 2 wins and missing the 3^rd by 2 shots.

 With harvest looming it is no doubt going to be a challenge to fill our pennant teams, but we will be trying our best to keep competitive teams on the green.