Echuca Bowls Club
Thursday’s men’s Christmas fours, sponsored by Echuca Mitsubishi, saw 48 teams take to the greens in warm, blustery conditions.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
At the completion of four games of ten ends the overall winners were the Cohuna team of Bluey Fletcher, Gary Easton, Col Barton and Mick Carmody.
Runners-up were Echuca’s Jim Ferrier, Toby Egan, John Dinsdale and Eddie Blampied with third place going to the Tongala contingent Peter, Barry and Geoff Tinning ably assisted by Peter Kesson.
Best last game went to the Moama team of Rob Young, Dennis O’Bryan, David Lonnie and Tony Hawley.
Friday was the Moama Bowling Club sponsored ladies Christmas fours, with 24 teams playing for turkeys and hams.
Winners were the Moama/Echuca team of Wilma Curnow, Pam Lewis, Kelly Norris and Kerry Height from the Golden Square team of Judy Chapman, Deb Hendy, Roslyn Fyffe and Lynne Watt.
Third place went to Jan MacFadyen, Jill Barrett, Marg Cox and Dossie Grills from Kyabram, while best last game was filled by a composite team of Pat Schram, Michelle Cunnington, Chris Taylor and Di Payne (Echuca/ Deniliquin).
A double header of barefoot bowls also took place after the ladies’ fours with Shine Bright Opportunity Shop volunteers, and Echuca Regional Health personnel overlapping between 5 and 8pm, with Paul Leach, Steve Morgan and Daniel Vella organising the friendly match play.
Weekend Pennant saw wins to Divisions 1, 2, 3 and 4, with both 5 sides losing.
Division one had a 12-shot victory (57-45) over Tongala at home thanks mainly to a 22-9 win by Steve Cunnington (s), Jim Ferrier, John Dinsdale and George Thornley.
The top four stands as Moama 122, Echuca 114, Kyabram 109, Stanhope 93.
Division two defeated Rich River 63-54, winning all three rinks, with the best being Lee Beattie (s), Rhonda Gallagher, Trevor Liddell and Ashley French (22-16).
The top four going into the Christmas break is Moama 135, Stanhope 120, Kyabram 99, Echuca 97.
Division three had a comfortable 43-shot win at home over Tongala (73-30) winning all rinks with the best being Tony Deenen (s), John Blair, Lal Whyte and Chris Campbell (28-11).
The ladder currently stands as Kyabram 142, Moama 138, Echuca 99, Lockington 96, Rich River 87.
Division four travelled to Tongala and returned with a 33-shot win, thanks to a huge 36-9 win by Paul Leach (s), Tim Fraser, Steve Campion and June Clifford.
The ladder standings are Moama 156, Kyabram 105, Echuca 98, Rich River 93.
In Division five, White lost at home to Lockington by two shots with Mike Redapple (s), Steve Nolan, Cheryl Campion and Sue Edwards winning 24-17.
Blue lost to Deniliquin Blue away 26-47 with Graeme Johnston (s), Daniel Vella, Bluey Charman and Col Delamere managing a draw.
Both sides are just outside the top four.
Monday’s social bowls were closely fought in rather cool conditions with the winners Michele Love, Rob Height and Daniel Vella from Helen Quinn, Sue Edwards and Laurie Quinn.
The scroungers winner was Tony Wagner.
The final round of midweek prior to the Christmas break saw wins to three of the four teams.
Division one defeated Deniliquin at home 78-47 thanks entirely to Kerryn Evans (s), Philip Thorn, Michelle Cunnington and Di Payne who won 46-8!
The team sits second behind Moama, with Kyabram in third place.
Division two had a comfortable 72-51 win at Rich River with Trevor Nagorcka (s), Neil Dovaston, Sue Proctor and Peter Cecil winning 25-16.
The ladder going into the new year is Moama 131, Kyabram 118, Echuca 103, Deniliquin RSL 81.
In Division three, Max Clifford (s), Bernie Johns, Andy Humphrys and John Clegg had a comfortable 26-8 win to lead them to a solid win 48-24 overall.
The ladder currently stands at Deniliquin 122, Tongala 104, Moama 93, Echuca 91, Lockington 82.
Division four travelled over the river to Moama and went down on both rinks to lose 32-41 to Moama Green who are third on the ladder while our team sits in sixth position.
The club Christmas party is being held this afternoon (Friday, December 19).
There was again no winner of mini bingo last week and the jackpot moves to $3609 when it recommences on Friday, January 16.
Ivan Hicks was the lucky member, winning $80 and that will also recommence in January.
The Caledonian Open 2 bowl triples is the next tournament on Sunday, January 11 with a 9.30am start.
Entries to Rhonda Gallagher on 0448 400 051 or rgags2@bigpond.com.
The Chemist Warehouse drawn triples follow on Wednesday, January 21 at 5.30 pm.
Entries to Rhonda or names on the list.
Three games of eight ends and bowls uniform required.
Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and above all a happy and healthy new year.
Moama Bowling Club
Social bowls- Tuesday, December 9 - Men’s Triples
Winners: Norm Hodge, Brian Davie, Peter Walton.
Runner-up: Bernie Cruise, Alan Watson, Phil Bell.
1st Game Winners: Dennis O’Bryan, Alan Clement, Laurie Campbell.
2nd Game Winners: Alan Jones, Eddie Smith, Peter Broom.
Thursday, December 11 - Ladies Scroungers
Winner: Rhonda Soloman.
Runner-up: Carmel Simpson.
Rink Winners: Mary Kaine, Lorna Jones, Shirley Sampson.
Ditch: Pam Kerr, Pam Reyment.
Men’s Pairs
Winners: Ian McGregor, Arch Bailey.
Runner-up: Col Hughes, Barry Cuttriss.
1st Game Winners: Kevin Brennan, Brian Davie.
2nd Game Winners: Garth Wiffen, Ian Smith, Laurie Campbell.
Indoor bowls- Tuesday, December 9 - Open
Winners: Audrey Matchett, Gwen Hurst, Ron Hooper (Score 35.5).
Runners-up: Roland Matchett, Shirley McKinnan, Bill Musgrove (Score 35).
Thursday, December 11 - Open
Winners: Bill Musgrave, Ron Hooper (Score 45).
Runners-up: Audrey Matchett, Bob McKinnon, Joy Hooper (Score 37).
Rich River Bowls Club
Men’s and ladies’ club championship finals and minor singles finals were played last weekend in trying conditions, but a very good contest was held in all four matches.
Congratulations to each of our winners; Tim Noar claimed the title of 2025 men’s club champion and Elizabeth Easther claimed the 2025 ladies club champion.
John Langley and Carol Guille each claimed victory in the men’s and ladies minor singles respectively.
A reminder that the club will hold their annual Christmas fun night tonight, Friday, December 19 starting at 5.30pm.
Members are encouraged to bring their family and friends for a night of fun at Rich River rinks, a barbecue dinner, drinks and fun bowling activities.
$10 per person and bring some loose change also to enter the activities.
Rich River will be holding an open 3 bowl pairs tournament on New Year's Eve morning, starting at 9.30am and expecting to be finished around midday.
Entries close December 24 so get your names down quickly if you wish to join.
$20 per player, three games of eight ends and morning tea provided.
Entries and enquiries to Barry Brown, 0419 336 687. Single entries welcome.
Midweek Pennant
Tuesday, December 16 – Round 10
Div 1: Rich River 58/16 defeated Rochester 42/0.
Div 2: Rich River 51/0 lost to Echuca 72/16.
Div 3: Rich River 21/0 lost to Deniliquin 64/14.
Div 5: Rich River 42/14 defeated Tongala 28/0.
Weekend Pennant
Saturday, December 13 – Round 10
Div 1: Rich River 54/2 lost to Kyabram 66/14.
Div 2: Rich River 54/0 lost to Echuca 63/16.
Div 3: Rich River 27/0 lost to Kyabram 97/16.
Div 4: Rich River 73/16 defeated Kyabram 50/0.
Div 5: Rich River 32/0 lost to Kyabram 42/14.
Men’s Jackpot Pairs
Wednesday, December 17
Winners: B. Trengove, F. Millar; 3 wins, 78.
2nd Place: B. Brown, B. McEwan; 2 wins 38.
Ladies Social
Thursday, December 11
Winners: C. Cargill, D. Whalley, M. Love; 2 wins 14.
Runner-up: B. Dashwood, C. Hannah, S. Edwards 1 win, even.
Rochester Bowls Club
Social Bowls
There was no play on Friday, December 12 due to ladies being busy catering for a funeral and playing in a bowls tournament.
Those wishing to play jackpot bowls next Friday, December 19, are invited to ring the club office 8.45-9.15 am to enter their names.
Play commences at 10am.
Match committee
Draws for the ladies 100 up and 21 up are displayed in the dining room.
Training
Leigh and Marg will have a well earnt break over the new year.
We thank them both for their commitment in assisting club members to learn and improve their skills in the last few months.
They will begin training for newer bowlers and training for everyone who wants to improve their skills, early next year.
60 and Over
Lockington, 10am start, Wednesday December 17
Midweek pennant
Round nine
Div One: Rochester 47 shots, 1 point def by Kyabram 70 shots, 15 points.
Team One: Don Gillies 20 shots drew Mary-Anne Spizer 20 shots.
Team Two: Kevin Hall 16 shots def by Mary Greco 20 shots.
Team Three: Kaye Barker 11 shots def by Joe Greco 30 shots.
Div Two: Rochester 42 shots, 0 points def by Deni RSL 77 shots, 16 points.
Team One: Lyn Moon 6 shots def by Niels Hilton 29 shots.
Team Two: Marg Knight 20 shots def by Rod Reid.
Team Three: Heather Curnick 16 shots def by Peter Thommers 22 shots.
Div Three: Rochester 24 shots, 0 points def by Echuca 54 shots, 14 points.
Team One: Herb Wilson 11 shots def by Max Clifford 28 shots.
Team Two: Fay Wolfe 13 shots def by Max Bennett 26 shots.
Weekend pennant
Round 10
Div One: Rochester 41 shots, 0 points def by Moama 88 shots, 16 points.
Team One: Dick Feuk 9 shots def by Michael Linehan 34 shots.
Team Two: Tim Quinlan 15 shots def by Geoff Beattie 23 shots.
Team Three: Les Walles 17 shots def by Rob Young 31 shots.
Div Three: Rochester 41 shots, 2 points def by Moama 68 shots, 14 points.
Team One: John Weeks 12 shots def by David Lonnie 31 shots.
Team Two: Graeme Chambers 17 shots def Sue Holmes 16 shots.
Team Three: Kevin Hall 12 shots def by Russell Kelly 21 shots.
Div Four: Rochester 44 shots, 0 points def by Moama 75 shots, 16 points.
Team One: Joan Limbrick 13 shots def by Peter Whitlock 23 shots.
Team Two: Mick Ellis 13 shots def by Wilma Curnow 18 shots.
Team Three: Jenny Major 18 shots def by Peter Walton 34 shots.
Div Five: Rochester 16 shots, 0 points def by Moama 54 shots, 14 points.
Team One: Elaine Hall 9 shots def by Mark Daly 26 shots.
Team Two: Fay Wolfe 7 shots def by Walter Wadge 28 shots.
Hamper
The raffle was drawn on Saturday, December 13 after pennant.
Thank you to Janis Tamburini who coordinated the raffle, along with several helpers.
Special thanks to those who took a book of tickets to sell, those who purchased tickets and all members who donated goods for the hampers.
A grand total of $1240 was raised for the club.
1st prize winner – Tanya Kesson from the Tongala Bowling Club
2nd prize – Leigh Milgate
3rd prize – Mick Ellis
Lucky Lotto will begin again in the new year.
Thank you
Many of our members have given much of their time over the last week, with two wakes being catered for.
Thank you to those who baked, helped in the kitchen and behind the bar.
In a relatively small club, all offers of help are very much appreciated.
Bar Duty
Monday – Thursday 5 – 6.30 pm
15 – 18: H. Wilson and M. McCraild.
22 – 25: M. McArdle and B. Smolenaars.
29 – 1 January: B. Godden and J. Boyd.
Lockington Bowls Club
With the festive season looming largely, the club is gearing up for some significant celebrations in order to be ready for the pennant break till January 9.
The club finished up on the credit side in the tenth round of the Campaspe weekend pennant with all divisions enjoying success.
Division Three trekked down the road to Elmore to do battle and returned home with two rinks in front and 62-46 victory.
This win places them in fourth position on the Premiership ladder leading into the Christmas - New Year break (John Fisher d. K Wills 23-17; Steve Pavone l.t. N Dobell 15-18; Kim Ray d. Raymond "Charlie" Williams 24-11).
In Division Four, the teams held off a determined challenge from their Mathoura opponents to collect the points, winning 69-53.
At a later stage of proceedings there were only three points separating the two clubs before a couple of rinks lifted the club to victory (Cindy Felmingham d. G Hulm 34-16; Shane Felmingham d. G Goodwin 20-16; Rod Fiedler l.t. G Kerr 15-21).
Division Five journeyed to Echuca and played Echuca White and scored a thrilling two shot victory and shared the rinks (Denise Gilmore d. K Bursill 26-17; Kalvin Stout l.t. M Redapple 17-24).
In the midweek pennant the overall result was one Division up and one Division down.
Division Three lowered their colors to the visiting Deniliquin squad in a 37-56 shot loss (Denise Gilmore l.t. B Clancy 17-23; John Fisher l.t. A Hardcastle 20-33).
Division Four continued on their winning way in defeating Echuca 48-37 and both rinks in front (Cindy Felmingham d. D Vella 24-15; Steve Peter d. S Morgan 24-22).
The team is currently in second position on the ladder.
Last Tuesday evening, the barefoot bowls attracted a star-studded field with standing room only.
The name of the game was 2 bowl triples and there were three two-game winners to fight for the chocolates.
The winning trio was Rod Fiedler, David Winchcombe, and Steve McKee (s) 2 wins +6 and 10 ends won.
Second place went to Graeme Wood, Jason King, and Ashley Dobell (s) 2 wins +6 shots and 9 ends.
Third place to Peter Eade, John Dowie, Terrill Westwood (s) 2 wins + 6 and 8 ends won.
Great to have John Dowie back on the green after extensive medical treatment.
Christmas party is this Tuesday evening for all Barefoot bowlers and club members. Starting time at 6pm.All are welcome.
In the club championships, Dave Thomas packed too many good bowls to defeat Ray Hanson and win a place in the semi-finals.
The women are up to the semi-final stage where Kathi Maddison will play Sue Harris and defending champion Leanne McInnes will meet Kim Ray in a replay of last year’s final.
The president and the committee of the Lockington Bowls Club wish to extend Christmas greetings and a Happy New Year to all members, supporters and the generous band of club sponsors.
The support for this season so far has been overwhelming.
Keep safe and see you in the new year.
Rich River Golf Club
Weekly Highlights
John Main had the score of the day on Thursday to take the A-grade honours.
The Privilege Cup on Saturday was a high scoring affair, with Des Carey being pipped at the post by Steven Taylor with a great score of 45 stableford points.
Sharon Hepworth won the ladies’ event with 38 points.
Danile Larkin had easily the best score on Sunday, with the Azzopardi’s also in fine form.
Jodie Armstrong edged out Cheryl Finn for the win in Monday's 18-hole event, and Jennifer Heinrich won the Ladies 9 Hole stableford.
Ray Burgman won for the second Tuesday in a row, with Denzl Atkinson taking C-grade with the score of the day.
It was a keenly contested monthly medal for the ladies on Wednesday, with Anita Speight defeating Michelle Craigie and Pam Talbot for the honour.
Thursday, December 11
A-grade: John Main (41 points), 1. Doug Pratt (40), 2. Ray Carr (40), 3.
B-grade: Terry Goninon (40 points), 1. Darryn Jones (40), 2. Allan McLeish (39), 3.
C-grade: Ken Aitken (39 points), 1. Landyn Maher (39), 2. Brian Winterton (38), 3.
Saturday, December 13
Men A-grade: Des Carey (43 points), 1. Glenn Rogers (40), 2. Ian Raglus (40), 3.
B-grade: Ash Bronsgeest (41 points), 1. Chris Boxtel (39), 2. John Main (39), 3.
C-grade: Steven Taylor (45 points), 1. Glenn Douglas (40), 2. Pete James (39), 3.
Women A-grade: Sharon Hepworth (38 points), 1. Jodi Spence (36), 2. Tracey Wilson (36), 3.
Sunday, December 14
A-grade: Daniel Larkin (41 points), 1. Chris Kadri (37), 2. John Azzopardi (37), 3.
B-grade: Georgie Azzopardi (37 points), 1. Rodney Burns (37), 2. John Smith (37), 3.
C-grade: Jodi Spence (35 points), 1. Jo Quayle (34), 2. Yvonne Douglas (33), 3.
Monday, December 15
A-grade: Jodie Armstrong (42 points), 1. Cheryl Finn (40), 2. Janine Morgan (37), 3.
9-Hole: Jennifer Heinrich (21 points), 1. Deborah Ehan-Magnay (19), 2. Susan Walker (17), 3.
Tuesday, December 16
A-grade: Eden Thomson (39 points), 1. Kobe Atkinson (39), 2. Alan Eacott (38), 3.
B-grade: Ray Burgman (40 points), 1. Brendan Clymo (38), 2. Ross Young (36), 3.
C-grade: Denzl Atkinson (42 points), 1. Robbie George (39), 2. Garry Jeffery (38), 3.
Wednesday, December 17
A-grade: Michelle Craigie (nett 68), 1. Pornpun Moss (70), 2. Colleen Armstrong (71), 3.
B-grade: Pam Talbot (nett 69), 1. Diane Watson (71), 2. Marg Young (71), 3.
C-grade: Anita Speight (nett 66 ), 1. Vicki Shipp (71), 2. Gabby Christians (72), 3.
The Riv would like to acknowledge David Pearson, who has submitted his final report after 10 years contributing notes for Rich River Golf Club.
Rochester Golf Club
The last Wednesday 9-hole social golf for this year was celebrated with a Christmas lunch after the round.
Santa’s helpers drew out mystery partners after the Stableford round.
One of the oldest regular golfers and clean up specialist Alec MacQuibban drew Lockington’s Ray Brereton to win with a combined Stableford score of 46 points.
Chris Eeles drew both Paul Pappin and Elmore’s Tom Carboon and remarkably they had the same combined score of 43 points, however King Richard determined that Eeles and Pappin were declared the runners up after an extensive countback.
Laurie Radley (26), MacQuibbin (25) and Eeles (23) won Christmas treats for the best individual scores.
A very productive working bee last Thursday assisted a professional team in removal of the large dead pine tree adjacent to the clubrooms and also continued to water and cut the front 9 fairways which will remain open over the summer months.
President Leigh Hicks and committee members wish all golfers a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.
Wednesday golf will commence again in late February.
Echuca Moama Croquet Club
Friday, December 12
16 members and guests arrived to play three games.
As the old football grandstand is being pulled down, we had a lot of noise in the background.
The work area has been safely sectioned off.
No outright winner today, as a few people won all three games.
As always, Dave Hocking was first to arrive and look after the paperwork and as always, the girls were there to organise the kitchen and arrange our morning tea.
A big thanks to Sandy Alstin and her helpers, and of course thanks to John Alstin for setting up the courts with his helpers.
Monday, December 15
24 Members and guests today played three fun games.
The winner today was Jan Tracy.
Lots of jump shots today including John Graham, Ann, Jill Graham, Jack Clee and Syd Gomes and a hoop-in-one for Marjorie.
See you all next week and don't forget Monday, December 22 is our Christmas lunch.
Rich River Croquet Club
Golf Croquet – Thursday, December 11
Ten players turned up to play a mixture of singles and doubles croquet on half courts.
Russell Clarke and Steve Potter were both in fine form and were the only players to win all three games, making the same score; 3 games +7 hoops.
On a count back, the win went to Steve Potter with Russell Clarke being declared runner-up.
Steve Potter and Jay Grant both made successful jump shots.
Golf Croquet – Tuesday, December 16
It was a good morning for doubles croquet with 16 people attending.
A warm welcome to our newest member, Christine Exton, who made a hoop-in-one on her first day playing.
Only one person won all three games.
Congratulations to this morning’s winner, Steve Potter, scoring 3 games +9 hoops.
The runner-up was closely contested, with seven players winning two of their three games.
Congratulations to Pat Rice, scoring 2 games +7 hoops.
Hoop-in-ones were also scored by Carmel Rice and Bob Barclay.