Echuca Bowls Club
Many bowlers took advantage of the good weather this week to engage in bowls competitions at Echuca Bowls Club.
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With the sun shining and the wind reduced to a slight breeze, 32 bowlers competed in men’s Thursday pairs.
The best one game winners, ensuring vouchers from High Street South Corner Store, were Peter Cecil and Dennis Smith with a +14.
There were four two-game winners: Steve Cunnington and Ian Page 2, +7, and Chris Campbell and Kristy Gillingham 2, +10, with a percentage of 59.65.
Gratitude to Kristy for filling in.
Trev Rickard and Max Clifford, with 2, +10, but with a percentage of 61.36, saw them take out the runners-up spot.
Winners this week were Jim Ferrier and Eddie Blampied with a result of 2, +14.
Jackpot disc of +15 ensured the jackpot will increase to $80 this week.
Thanks to Bernie Johns for running the bar.
With the sun again shining on Friday, 15 bowlers participated in a game of scroungers.
Our club welcomed new members Kim and Mark, playing their first game of bowls, along with Andrew James, a visitor from Ringwood.
The event saw some quality bowling, the runner-up spot going to visitor Andrew James.
This week’s winner was Di Payne.
Congratulations to all players.
Blue sky, sunny day welcomed 24 bowlers to our greens on Saturday.
The competition comprised of 2x2x2, 2x4x2, and 3 bowl pairs.
Runners-up on the day were Keith Robertson and Phillip Goldberg, a visitor from Dandenong.
The winners were Ivan Hicks and Ross Young.
On Friday, ‘drinks and nibbles’ members had the opportunity to say farewell to green keeper Jade Bennett, who has served our club for 23 years.
Don Hicks gave a speech of appreciation before vice-president, John Blair, presented Jade with a card and barometer.
Our club welcomes new greenkeeper Michael Raykovski, and are confident he will continue to provide the standard of greens our members are accustomed to. Welcome, Michael.
Also on Friday, the members’ prize unfortunately failed to be claimed, with Jerome Shaw recovering at home from a recent illness. The prize next week is $100.
A reminder of chair yoga, taking place on Wednesdays at noon. All welcome.
This weekend we hold our ‘Spiers’ tournament, with a full field.
Volunteers to help are still sought, contact Anna if you can help. Happy bowling everyone.
Moama Bowling Club
Social Bowls- Tuesday, July 29 – Men’s Triples
Winners: Arch Bailey, Allan Buzza, Alan Cook.
Runner-up: Gordon Kaeser, Brian Hester, Jock Linehan.
1st game winners: Wayne Whitney, Ian Smith, Stan Limbrick.
2nd game winners: Eddie Smith, Peter Walton, Laurie Quinton.
Ladies Social
Winners: Alicia Parsons, Rhonda Solomon, Pam Limbrick.
Runner-Up: Shirley Riters, Robyn Thomassen.
1st Game Winners: Carmel Simpson, Sue Holmes.
2nd Game Winners: Lorna Jones, Marilyn Stephenson.
Thursday, July 31 - Ladies Scroungers
Winner: Marilyn Stephenson.
Runner-Up: Peggy Bell.
Rink Winner: Sandra Connolly.
Rink Winner: Carmel Simpson.
Rink Winner: Liz Doidge.
Rink Winner: Shirley Sampson.
Rink Winner: Val Cosgrove.
Rink Winner: Pam Kerr.
Ditch: Pam McCloy, Denise Pappin.
Men’s Pairs
Winners: Stuart Sutton, Ian Smith.
Runners-up: Phil Bell, Bernie Cruise.
Best 1st Game Winner: Peter Walton, Geoff Halden.
Best 2nd Game Winners: Mal Williams, John Hausler.
Saturday, August 2- Open Pairs
Winners: Alex McQuarrie, Joe Murphy.
Runner-Up: John Shaw, Denis Adams.
1st Game Winners: Col Struthers, Alex McKee.
2nd Game Winners: Richard Blain, Stuart Sutton.
Indoor Bowls- Tuesday, July 29 - Open
Winners: Ron Hooper, John Zealley, Bill Musgrove.
Runners-up: Gwen Hurst, Pam Reyment, Fay Smith, Joy Hooper.
Moama RSL
Indoor Bowls- Monday, August 4
23 players played three games of nine ends.
The winners on 50 points were Val Gaylor (Skip), Fay Smith (3rd), and Sue Underwood (Lead).
The runners-up with 37 points were Pam Reyment (Skip), Janine Wolfe (3rd), Julie Van Lees (2nd) and Pam Kerr (Lead).
Third place with 35.5 points were Neil hardy (Skip), Mary Kaine (3rd), Judy Vise (2nd) and Lyn Prott (Lead).
New members are welcome.
Rich River Bowls Club
It has been wonderful to be out on the greens this week in the beautiful winter sunshine.
Considering many of our members are away, there have been some great numbers attending and some very close competition.
It has also been great to welcome some playing visitors and new members.
Results- Open Mixed Social Scroungers– Tuesday, July 29
Winner: Carol Guille; 50 +11.
2nd Place: Cheryl Cargill; 37 +4.
3rd Place: Barb Dashwood; 32 +3.
Men’s Jackpot Pairs – Wednesday, July 30
Winners: Keith Hewitt and Adrian Daly; 2 wins +58.
2nd Place: Brian Guille and Roger Teasdale; 2 wins +57.
3rd Place: Peter Hill and John McGowan; 2 wins +56.
Open Mixed 3 bowl Triples- Saturday, August 2
Winners: K Hewitt, D Wood, B. Dashwood; 3 wins +78.
2nd Place: B Brown, C Tucker, D Brown; 3 wins +77.
3rd Place: L Sharp, C Simpson, B Stevens; 2 wins and 1 Draw +63.
Open Mixed 3 bowl Triples – Tuesday, August 5
Winners: N King, J Millar, D Brown; 2 wins +13.
2nd Place: L Easther, K Sparks, C Guille; 2 wins +12.
Men’s Jackpot Pairs – Wednesday, August 6
Winners: Max Sanders, Les Fitzgerald; 3 wins +80.
2nd Place: Barry Brown; John Armstrong; 2 wins +58.
3rd Place: Bill Prendergast; Bill Stevens; 2 wins +57.
Ladies Day - Giggles on the Green
Ladies, you are invited to spend a fun morning playing bowls on Thursday, September 11 at 9.30am.
All are welcome to attend, and no experience is necessary.
Coaching and bowls will be provided.
Wear casual attire but please wear flat-soled shoes.
This event is free to attend, and lunch is available to purchase in the bistro or café after bowls.
If you have been thinking about playing bowls at Rich River Bowls Club, then this is a fantastic opportunity to give it a try.
Enquiries to Barb on 0419 513 650.
Men’s 5-A-Side Championships
Entries are now open for the annual men’s 5-a-side championships.
The event is being held over two days on Wednesday and Thursday October 22-23 at Rich River Bowls Club with a 9.30am start on both days.
The total prize pool is $5000.
Spaces are limited so book your teams early to avoid disappointment.
For further enquires and entry forms, please contact Bill Prendergast 0438 298 777 or email richriverbowls@gmail.com
Dates for the diary
Thursday, September 4 – Ladies Social Summer Season Opening – 10am start.
Thursday, September 11 – Ladies Day “Giggles on the Green” – 10am start.
Sunday, September 14 – Rich River Bowls Club Season Opening Day – noon start.
Friday, September 26 – grand final eve – Open Fours Tournament – 12.30pm start.
Saturday, October 4 – Round 1 Weekend Pennant.
Tuesday, October 7 – Round 1 Midweek Pennant.
Thursdays – starting October 9 – twilight social bowls for five weeks – 5.30pm start.
Wednesday and Thursday October 22-23 – Men’s 5-a-side – 9.30am start.
August Social Bowls – Noon for 12.30pm start
Tuesday- Social Bowls – Open mixed
Wednesday- Men’s Jackpot Pairs
Saturday- Social Bowls – Open mixed
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Rochester Bowls Club
Friday Bowls – August 1
The winners were Anton Gusak and Denise Gilmore, with runners-up Kaye Barker and Allan Benson.
Drawn Triples to be played on Friday, August 8 at 1pm.
Cost is $7 per player, names on the list by noon.
Indoor Bowls
On Monday, July 28, once again, two teams managed to win both of their games.
The winners, by one point, were Anton Gusak, Alan Williams and Helen Moroney.
The close runners-up were Graham Prince and Bert Smolenaars.
Coaching/Skills Session
Marg Knight is offering weekly bowls coaching 10am – noon, commencing this Thursday, August 7.
Bowls are not necessary, with club bowls available for use.
Contact Marg – 0407 093 848.
Leigh Milgate will continue to offer skills sessions at the same time
Season Opening
The opening of the 2025-26 bowls season will take place on September 5, beginning at 4pm.
Hot Water Unit
After much investigation by electricians, the board decided to replace the faulty unit with a new one.
Thanks to Alan Williams for obtaining and installing a suitable replacement.
Bar Roster
A new roster has been drawn up for the 2025-26 season.
Thank you to the many members who said, ‘yes’ when asked if they would like to be included on the roster.
Due to the generosity of many of our club members, this means that each volunteer is only rostered on three times throughout the year.
Hard copies are available in the club foyer.
Tournaments
Please note that the club has several tournaments planned within the coming months.
Tournaments require much organisation and the participation of all club members to make them successful.
If you are able to assist in any way, reach out to members of the tournament committees.
Bar Duty
Monday – Friday 5 – 6.30pm
4 – 8 August: T. Quinlan and R. Feuk.
11 – 15 August: P. Stack and B. Godden.
18 – 22 August: A. Williams and A. Gusak.
Lockington Bowls Club
The club members have been displaying promising pre-season pennant form as they enjoy the excellent conditions on offer, good greens and fine weather.
At Wednesday Scrounge, Steve Peter showed the way on rink one, winning with a majestic 51 points to narrowly beat John van den Bosch on 48 points.
Leon Laffy was next best on 24 while John Andrea tried out the new arm to tally 16 points.
Rink two belonged to Owen ‘Smiley’ McPhee, amassing 42 points to edge out Pos Andrea on 39 points.
Saturday Scrounge brought out the sunshine and the stars to shine.
Five rinks were in operation to accommodate the large number in attendance.
The top score on the day was a magnificent 65 points contributed by Neil Haines to cover the prowess of Pos Andrea 41 and Anthony Westwood on 33 points.
Runnymede visitor Ashley Dobell earned back-to-back victories after a tally of 53 points to lead Steve Pavone on 45 and Steve Peter 44 points.
Left-handed Frank Chugg delighted the crowd with some awesome bowling to score 58 points and keep Anthony Westwood 47 and Rod Fiedler 34 at bay.
Next door, club secretary Leanne McInnes scored a victory with 38 points, closely challenged by Owen McPhee 36, Russell Shawcross 35 and Natlie McLaughlin on 28 points.
Club president John van den Bosch chalked up another win with a tally of 55 points, with Lorraine Appleby showing fine form to score 46 points while Pat Duffy tallied 38.
On the final rink, Peter Egan was in brilliant touch to take home the chocolates after making a return to the green with 53 points, while Terrill Westwood managed 39 points and Elmore visitor Alan Black a lazy 35 points.
Bowlers feasted on the reliable Sausage Rolls and Party Pies kindly supplied by John and Pos Andrea. Thanks all round.
The club ladies had all hands on deck in the wonderful effort catering for the wake of past member Brian Watts on Tuesday.
The service and wake were well attended by family, friends and bowling mates. Condolences to the Watts family.
The club is gearing up for the forthcoming Pennant season and club tournaments.
The first tournament is scheduled for Sunday, September 14, with the Memorial 2 bowl Triples commencing at 1pm.
Rich River Golf Club
Weekly Highlights
Alan Williams broke his age for the umpteenth time when he had 41 stableford points on Thursday.
Axyl Lewis had a blinder shooting forty-three points off a 9 handicap.
Greg Cadd had a blistering finish to take the August privilege cup with Dave Whytcross, Grant Scott and Anthony Devitt in hot pursuit.
Felicity Douglas edged out Club Champion Kacey Heywood for the ladies' win with a fine 39 stableford points.
Fraser Buchanan, John Finn and Rex Hodge all were well under their handicap in the stroke round on Sunday to be in the winners list.
Marg Morgan had a great 9-hole score on Monday with Cheryl Finn and Jenny Townrow on top in the 18-hole par event.
Demon Ray Carr had a good win on Tuesday.
‘Mr Integrity’ Gerard Ryan had the score of the day to win B-grade and the Wright ‘brothers’ flew home in C-grade but could not get past John Gasper for the win.
Judi Lawler won the August Clarice Cheatley Brooch with a +4 score in the par event. Amanda Simmons was her closest competitor and won B-grade, with Deb Quittner taking the C-grade honours.
Thursday, July 31
A-grade: Axyl Lewis (43 points), 1. David Morgan (37), 2. James Brown (37), 3.
B-grade: Ray Carr (37 points), 1. Darren Yates (37), 2. Darren Kulbars (36), 3.
C-grade: Alan Williams (41 points), 1. Ian Hutton (36), 2. Jim Thomas (35), 3.
Saturday, August 2
Men: A-grade: Greg Cadd (41 points), 1. Warwick Newman (39), 2. Craig Trethowan (39), 3.
B-grade: David Whytcross (40 points), 1. Jeff Ridge (39), 2. Morrell Lake (37), 3.
C-grade: Grant Scott (40 points), 1. Anthony Devitt (40), 2. Ash Bronsgeest (39), 3.
Women: Felicity Douglas (39 points), 1. Kacey Heywood (39), 2. Bernie Smith (34), 3.
Sunday, August 3
A-grade: Fraser Buchanan (nett 69), 1. Rex Hodge (69), 2. Eric Grumont (72), 3.
B-grade: John Finn (nett 69), 1. Mahir Ozdilek (70), 2. Simon McCarty (71), 3.
C-grade: Oliver Wallis (nett 70), 1. Jim Thomas (71), 2. Ron Macleod (72), 3.
Monday, August 4
18-Hole
A-grade: Cheryl Finn (plus 1), 1. Jenny Townrow (+1), 2. Jodie Armstrong (square), 3.
9 Hole: Marg Morgan (plus 3), 1. Helen Taylor (+2), 2. Marg O’Brien (+1), 3.
Tuesday, August 5
A-grade: Ray Carr (40 points), 1. Marcus Kenna (38), 2. David Pearson (38), 3.
B-grade: Gerard Ryan (42 points), 1. Adam Unmack (36), 2. Merv Smith (36), 3.
C-grade: John Gasper (38 points), 1. Peter Wright (36), 2. Rob Wright (33), 3.
Wednesday, August 6
A-grade: Judi Lawler (plus 4), 1. Sue Jenkinson (+1), 2. Liz Easther (+1), 3.
B-grade: Amanda Simmons (plus 3), 1. Di Paterson (+2), 2. Kerry McLaughlan (+2), 3.
C-grade: Deb Quittner (square), 1. Ellen Banko (-1), 2. Pam Brennan (-1), 3.
WRDGA Pennant
The Rich River Division 2 handicap team had a great 5-2 win on Sunday at Kerang, which has put them into the grand final at Murray Downs on Sunday, August 17.
Sean Burns, Sue Byrne, Nicole Mitchell, Dave Whytcross and Jules Roulston all had good wins.
Unfortunately, the Rich River 1 team lost to Deniliquin 3-2 and missed out narrowly on making the final.
Aaron Loader and Warwick Newman won their matches.
Wade Jeffreys was the only winner in the Rich River 2 team who played Murray Downs.
Ladies Charity Golf Day
Loads of fun, sunshine and good spirit was enjoyed at Rich River Golf Club on Wednesday, July 30 with the Ladies Charity Golf Day held to support Foodbank with a field of 93 women.
The 4-person Ambrose event was very successful, a very different format from a typical Wednesday competition.
Great scores were achieved even with the restriction of five clubs on the day (including a putter).
Many “mulligans” and “free passes” were purchased by players, but surprisingly few were utilized.
The charity event was held to support Foodbank, a charity which supports many of our local charities.
With the generous contribution from the lady golfers and sponsors, around $2,600 was raised.
Supporting local businesses provided an exciting collection of prizes and items for the raffle.
These included Rich River Golf Club, Rich Glen, Trak Ioriannis Hair and Beauty, Mary’s Massage Echuca, Box Grove (Avenel) and St Anne’s Winery.
Winners of the day were Kathryn Sinnett, Sharyan Scott, Christine Ross and Susan Hull.
Rochester Golf Club
Jake Wright didn't look back at his disappointing second championship round and stormed home to shoot a wonderful 68 off the stick to easily win the Men's Championship with a final total of 216.
The next best was Shane Bywaters on 230.
Although not a particularly strong golf performance, Murray Schier held on to win B-grade; his final round of 88 (259) was enough to beat his challengers, Peter Anderson and Shane Connelly, who both struggled to put pressure on the leader, especially over the back nine.
New member Corey Windridge battled his way to take out his first C-grade Championship with scores of 92, 92 and 95, a total of 259.
The next best was Bruce Bryant.
The overall winners of the day's event were Wright, whose 68 was only one off the current course record for a net 67, and Troy McInnes on a count-back from Les Headington, both with net 70's.
Next best were Liam Keenan, Chris Trewin and young Zac McIness, all on net 72.
Nearest-the-pin winners on the day were Troy McInnes (3), Wright (9), Chris Eeles (16) and Andrew Purdy for his nice shot on 18.
Karen Taylor won the ladies' event on Friday, her 36 Stableford points enough to beat Leisa Evans on 30 points.
Evans was also nearest on the 3rd, Louise Williams on 8, and Taylor was closest to the 16th.
Our Wednesday, Men's social 9-hole crew are not sure how this happened; however, everything appears above board and checked by the RandA officials present.
Organiser Richard Feuk once again won an extensive countback over the front nine to win from a very unlucky Les Headington, both on 24 Stableford points.
Des Hocking (22) was next best, then followed Alex McQuibban (21), Laurie Radley and Murray Schier, both with 20.
David Gebbie hit a nice shot to the 3rd hole, while Robert Vise was closest to the 8th.
Current lady champion Louise Williams continues to impress by winning the Central Victorian Ladies Sandgreen Championship at Maldon last Sunday in a playoff, defeating Axedales Joy Kennedy.
With this result and the number of her local championships and tournament victories, Williams has proved over the last 10 years that she can rightly claim to be one of the best lady golfers to come out of the Rochester Golf Club. Congratulations Louise.
A reminder that our annual tournament starts in two weeks' time with the Men's and Ladies 4BBB Stableford on Friday, August 15.
Note: Ladies hit off is from 9.30 while the men start at 10.30.
This format has proved popular, so make sure you have your partners and teams ready for the appropriate time (see advertisement in this week's Campaspe News and Riverine Herald).
Lockington Golf Club
August 1 – Stroke
Glorious weather greeted the biggest field in several weeks.
Player of the Day was Jenny Holt with a terrific round of 98-29-69, just ahead of Phyll Macfarlane (112-41-71).
Jenny Holt capped off a good day by also winning the count the putts with only 28, next best Annette Brereton and Phyll Macfarlane both with 30.
August 2 – Stableford
Wonderful weather for golfers, in stark contrast to the previous Saturday’s washout.
The Privilege Cup was up for grabs, and it went to Darren Carnie with 35 points, to make it back-to-back Privilege Cup wins for the Carnie brothers after Jeff won it in July.
Division 1 was won by Darren Carnie ahead of Kevin Humbert and Jeff Carnie, who both scored 33.
Mark Lyons won Division 2 with 32 points from JD Wright on a countback.
Handicap Matchplay Quarter Final: Jeff Carnie defeated Tom Scurrah 5 and 4.
Nearest-the-pins: 3rd – Rick Connors; 2nd shot 5th – Kevin Humbert (A), Ron Dixon (B); 2nd shot 18th for the 6-pack smack – Ash Portwine.
Spike’s Longest Drive on the 14th, sponsored by Hot ‘n’ Cold Plumbing – Stuart Newton (A), Darren Carnie (B), Tom Scurrah (C).
Ron Dixon’s radar was working a treat with another great shot to win the 12 balls in the O’Connors Case Eagles Nest on the 3rd.
It’s the second time he’s won it this year, and remarkably, he’s the only golfer in the club to have won it this season so far.
Captain Grant’s yardstick prize on the 16th continues to defy golfers, however, and has jackpotted to $128.50.
Six Locky golfers travelled to Rushworth on Friday to play in their Annual Tournament fourball.
Simon Portwine and Darren Carnie were the best with a score of 39 points to finish in 4th place.
Their round was highlighted by a fine 25 points on the outward 9 (the other 9 wasn’t quite so good).
August 3 – Kelly Shield
Ten Locky golfers travelled to Pyramid Hill to compete for the Kelly Shield, but it was the home side that won both the men’s and ladies’ Shields.
The Locky ladies finished runners-up, while the men finished in 4th place.
Grant Humbert returned the day’s best scratch score of 76.
Upcoming events
Friday, August 8 – Stroke – Count the putts. Duty: Annette Brereton, Phyll Macfarlane.
Saturday, August 9 – Stroke – Monthly Medal – 5th Qualifying Round Gartside Cup (last chance to qualify). Duty: Trav Mancer, JD Wright.
Goulburn Valley Veterans Golfers Association
Monday, August 4 saw 72 veteran golfers contest at Valley View Golf Club, Kyabram.
There was beautiful sunshine throughout the playing period and the temperature moved from 12.5 C to 17 C as with a cooling NNE wind mostly above 20 km/hour.
The course was presented in perfect condition, with the greens playing true and rewarding those who accurately judged the speed and slope.
We really do appreciate the work of the volunteers at Valley View including the ladies who manned the bar prepared the luncheon, including sweets, and provided table service.
It was another day where the course won with no player reaching par with their handicap.
A-Grade winners registered 33 stableford points with John Boruch of Seymour edging out Adam Farell, Numurkah on countback.
B-Grade winner, on the same score and also on countback, was Alan Hausler, Valley View from Phil Steers, Shepparton.
C-Grade winner was Gavan Armstrong, Valley View with 34 points from Richard Stockdale of Parkland, with 32 pts.
Nearest the pin was contested on the 133 metre long 3rd hole with Ian Hannaford, Numurkah, closest in A-grade; Lindsay Simms, Parkland, in B-grade and Ian Scurrah, Lockington in C-grade.
Ball winners included in A-Grade: Gordon Mackay (Valley View), Michael Gallivan (Valley View) William Wright (Euroa), John Radeski (Deniliquin), Don Hughes (Murchison), Kevin Humbert (Lockington), Stephen Piggott (Cobram), Barry Barlow (Deniliquin), Ian Hannaford) and Jack Dell (Numurkah).
B-Grade: Rolf Weber (Mooroopna), Dennis Prosser (Numurkah), Bill Murphy (Mooroopna) Chris Hicks (Numurkah), John Penna (Deniliquin), Mick Stevens (Mooroopna), Bernard O’Hare (Nathalia), John Phillips (Mooroopna) Jeff Carnie (Lockington).
C-Grade: Leo Hartup (Kialla), Robert McAdam (Murchison), Ian Clarke (Kialla), Mike Prater (Kialla), Lindsay Tatterson (Parkland), Ian Scurrah (Lockington).
Our entry for the Victorian Veteran Golfers State Team event remains at two teams (of three players each).
Our next event is at Merrigum Golf Club, on Monday, September 1, with the usual 9.30am assembly for 10am tee.
Echuca Moama Croquet Club
Friday, August 1
14 Members and one guest today.
After playing three games, the winner was Greg Brierley, winning three games with a +10.
Second for the day was John Graham winning three games with a +5
One hoop-in-one for Jeff Pumpa, and jump shots today were made by Di Smyth, Sandy Alstin and Greg Brierley
Monday, August 4
14 Members today arrived to play three fun games in nice sunshine.
Most of us had spent Sunday playing against Deniliquin Croquet Club.
After some very close games, we came out the winners for the day.
A big thanks to Deniliquin for a great day.
Back to today's games and our Monday winner was Sandy Alstin, winning three games with a +10.
Rich River Croquet Club
Golf Croquet – Thursday, July 31
It was a lovely morning for Doubles Croquet with sixteen players enjoying the game.
Three players won all three games: Russell Clark, Cherie Lessing and Sandra Retallick.
The win went to Cherie Lessing, scoring three games, +9 hoops, and the runner-up was Russell Clark, scoring three games +4 hoops.
Upcoming Events
Colours for Cancer – Thursday, August 21
Rich River Croquet Club Annual Charity Day
Golf Croquet Doubles – 4 games
Entries close August 15.
“Come and Try” – Sunday, September 14, 2pm
Croquet Social Afternoon for anyone interested in learning how to play.
All welcome.
For more information contact Marg Kennedy 0491 063 644.
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