Echuca Moama and District Sports Notes

Thanks to June Clifford and Bernie Johns for filling in at short notice.

Friday’s Scroungers were well attended, with Cec Moss the winner of the Intersport voucher from Erica Mostert, who took home the Workers voucher.

Saturday social bowls were well attended in cool but calm conditions.

Winners of the Pastoral Hotel vouchers were Max Clifford and Mike Redapple from Max Bennett/Bill Cook (Workers vouchers).

Two Echuca teams travelled to Euston last weekend for a ladies triples tournament, with Kristy Gillingham, Jill Young and Anna Meyer winning the event and Michelle Cunnington, Joan Dovaston and Di Payne the runners-up.

From all reports a great weekend from a bowls and social perspective was had by all.

Well done ladies.

The Joyce Thorn Memorial Ladies Pairs, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14, is in need of two teams.

If you would like to enter this popular event, please contact Rhonda Gallagher on 0448 400 051 as soon as possible.

Entries are open for the Men’s and Ladies consistency breakfast fours, to be held on Friday, October 10, with breakfast at 8.30 followed by bowls at 9am.

Contact Rhonda on the above number or enter on the sheets in the clubhouse.

Mini Bingo again failed to go off last week and is $3761 tomorrow night at drinks and nibbles from 4 to 6pm.

The members' draw went to Pat Davies, who was not present so it jackpots to ($50) tomorrow night.

5-a-side commenced last Tuesday for five weeks in cool and cloudy conditions with a few drops of rain, which didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the 30 bowlers engaged.

Kingfishers comprising Neil Dovaston, Joan Moss, Bernie Johns, Keith Robertson and Mike Redapple were winners of the first round.

Moama Bowling Club

Social Bowls- Tuesday, August 19 – Men’s Triples

Winners: Brian Hester, Peter Whitlock, Peter Campbell.

Runner-up: Ray Sangster, Laurie Quinton, Alan Buzza.

1st game winners: Col Struthers, Steve Opie, Wayne Whitney.

2nd game winners: John Cantonese, Dennis O’Bryan, Alan Cook.

Ladies Social

Winners: Shirley Sampson, Pam Kerr.

Runner-Up: Mary Kaine, Sanday Harvey.

1st Game Winners: Pam McCloy, Judy Eastwell.

2nd Game Winners: Di O’Bryan, Peggy Bell.

Thursday, August 21 - Ladies Scroungers

Winner: Marilyn Stephenson.

Runner-up: Di O’Bryan.

Rink Winner: Mary Kaine.

Rink Winner: Denise Pappin.

Rink Winner: Ann Vanderklay.

Rink Winner: Shirley Sampson.

Rink Winner: Sandra Connolly.

Ditch: Judy Eastwell, Sandy Harvey.

Men's Pairs

Winners: Laurie Quinton, Ken Black.

Runners-up: Barry Cuttriss, Col Hayes.

Best 1st Game Winner: Peter Campbell, Jock Linehan.

Best 2nd Game Winners: Alex McQuarrie, Kevin Connolly.

Saturday, August 23- Open Pairs

Winners: Ian McGregor, Arch Bailey.

Runner-Up: Col Struthers, Laurie Campbell.

1st Game Winners: G. Talbot, J. Hogan.

2nd Game Winners: Sigi Pachbow, Bob Farchild.

Moama RSL

The winners on 48 points were Val Gaylor (Skip), Julie Van Lee (3rd), Mary Kaine (2nd) and Marie Hardy (lead).

The runners-up with 43 points were Denise Lee (Skip), Shirley McKinnon (3rd), and Liz Portwine (lead).

Third place with 34 points was Neil Hardy (Skip), Carol Glass (3rd), and Ann Rickard (lead).

Rich River Bowls Club

Ladies Bowls

The summer program is upon us.

Ladies, it’s time to dust off the bowls after your winter hibernation.

Thursday Ladies Social Bowls is back starting next Thursday, September 4 at 9.30 for 10am.

Lunch is often enjoyed after the game and is available to purchase in the café or bistro at the club.

It would be great to see lots of faces, old and new, for the first day of the season so bring on the fine spring weather.

The following week, Thursday, September 11, the ladies are holding a special social day.

Members are encouraged to bring a friend to join in the fun for their Giggles on the Green day.

Also, ladies, the sheets are now up at the club for entries to the Daisy Taylor pairs club matches. Entries close September 11.

Men’s Bowls

The gents will see their jackpot pairs continue each Wednesday throughout the summer period, noon for12.30pm start.

Single entries and visitors are most welcome and can be entered on the board in the club pavilion or to 03 5481 3390.

Entries are now open for the annual men’s five-a-side championships.

The event is being held over two days on Wednesday, October 22, and Thursday, October 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 enquiries and entry forms, please contact Bill Prendergast 0438 298 777 or email richriverbowls@gmail.com

Season Opening Day

The Rich River Bowls Club season opening is to be held this year on Sunday, September 14.

Players and their families are invited to join us for lunch in the bistro at noon prior to bowls at 1.30pm.

Afternoon tea will also be provided.

Non-players are most welcome to join us for what is usually an enjoyable social afternoon.

Pennant News

Pennant preparations are well underway, and selectors will have a very busy season ahead.

Rich River will be representing four divisions this year in the midweek competition and five divisions for weekend.

If players are aware that they will be unavailable on any competition day during the busy season, please be sure to let selectors know to help make their job easier.

Lists are up on the club board.

An in-house pennant practice match has been arranged for Saturday, September 13 for weekend players.

The game will be preceded by a sausage in bread at 12.30pm with play to start at 1pm.

Midweek players have a pennant practice match against Mathoura scheduled at Rich River on Saturday, September 20 at 1pm.

Any weekend players are also welcome to attend.

A BBQ will be supplied prior to the game for $5 each at noon and bowls will start at 1pm – 1.30pm.

Please register on the list in the clubhouse if you are available to play.

Uniform is to be worn for both days please.

Other News

Club Championship matches will be starting very shortly, and members are reminded to keep an eye on the boards at the club for information and entries so that you don’t miss out.

Our Grand Final eve open fours tournament is on again on Friday, September 26.

Arrive by 12.30pm for a 1pm start for three games of eight ends.

Show your footy spirit. Wear any team gear—socks, shirt, cap, scarf or jumper.

$80 per team which includes an afternoon tea.

It would be great to see members get on board and support this day and enter your teams.

Single entries are also welcome if you do not have a team.

Enquiries to Bill Prendergast 0438 298 777.

Thank you to all players who have supported Rich River over the winter months.

We are fortunate to be able to provide winter bowls and hope to be able to continue doing so in the years to come.

Results

Open Mixed 3 bowl Pairs – Saturday, August 23

1st – Ron Bently, Frank Ross; 3 wins +72.

2nd- Barry Brown, Ian Craigie; 2 wins +52.

3rd- Keith Hewitt, Chris Simpson; 2 wins, 51+10.

Mixed Social Bowls – Tuesday, August 26 – cancelled.

Men’s Jackpot Pairs – Wednesday, August 27 – cancelled.

Rochester Bowls Club

Friday Bowls

The sky was a bit grey but this certainly didn’t deter the 32 bowlers who keenly took to A Green for the drawn pairs competition on Friday, August 22.

The overall winners for the day were Leigh Milgate and Kyle Williams, winning both of their games.

Close behind, with two wins also, were the runners-up Ros Keech and Tim Quinlan, and Glenda Bancell and Yvonne Smolenaars.

Once again, thanks to Judy Murray, who made sure that afternoon tea was ready when the bowlers came in for some refreshments.

Next week, bowlers will play drawn pairs, 2-4-2.

Brian Kinnane encourages all bowlers to get along to Friday social bowls as the pennant season is drawing close and this is good preparation.

Indoor Bowls

On Monday, August 18, Anton Gusak and Yvonne Smolenaars won both their games and came away as the overall winners.

It was great to see Geoff Warden enjoying his first game of indoor bowls, taking up the necessary skills with ease.

There will be two more Monday nights of indoor bowls, and then our focus will shift to outdoor bowls.

Coaching/Skills Session

Thursday mornings beginning at 10 am.

Marg Knight welcomed three prospective bowlers last week, and Leigh Milgate was assisted by Kaye Barker, who took quite a few more experienced bowlers through some skill training activities, in preparation for the upcoming season.

Once again, all bowlers are encouraged to participate and make use of these talented coaches.

Kitchen Roster

The new roster for the upcoming season of tournaments has been prepared by Judy Murray and is available for distribution.

Hard copies available in the dining area.

Tournament Shirts

Bowlers have another month to indicate their preference of shirts and mark down if they wish to purchase a shirt.

Trading Table

Items are being sought for a trading table and raffle for the upcoming Ladies Fours Tournament, October 23.

Please consider how you can help.

Inquiries can be directed to the Ladies Tournament Committee.

Season Opening

The opening of the 2025-26 bowls season will take place on Friday, September 5, beginning at 4pm.

A representative from both the men and women of the club will launch the season by each rolling a bowl.

Members are also invited to bring their bowls and have a roll afterwards.

Those attending the opening are requested to bring a plate of nibbles to be shared over a drink and a bit of socialising.

The winner of the footy tipping competition will also be announced on this afternoon.

Another reason to get on down to the club.

Now that Collingwood has gotten back into winning form, it makes the leaderboard a bit more interesting.

Three of the leading tipsters are ‘Flagpie’ supporters.

Lucky Lotto

Have you seen the new Lucky Lotto whiteboard in the clubrooms yet?

The club is running four separate Lucky Lotto competitions for the months of September, October, November and December.

To enter, all you need to do is select a number between 1 and 45, pay $10 per week, ie $40 for the month and hope that your number is the first supplementary number drawn in Saturday Tattslotto.

If your number is drawn, you score $150.

If you wish to enter, choose a number that’s not already selected, mark it on the board and pop your money in the money slot, with name on an envelope.

If you need more information, contact Brooke.

Please note that November will be $50 as there are five Saturdays in the month.

Pennant

A hard copy of the draw for both weekend and mid-week pennant is available in the foyer to have a look at.

This is also available on the BCGB website.

Weekend Pennant begins on Saturday, October 4 and Midweek Pennant on Tuesday, October 7.

There’s a sheet in the foyer for interested bowlers to enter their name for a practice match against White Hills on September, 21.

Potentially, this looks to be a wonderful season with lots of fresh faces, eager bowlers and enthusiasm around the Rochy Bowls Club.

Let’s enjoy a wonderful season on and off the greens. Good Bowling!

Bar Duty

Monday – Friday: 5 – 6.30pm

25 – 29 August: G. Willis and G. Houlihan.

1 – 5 September: B. Coghill and B. Smolenaars.

8 – 12 September: G. Willis and J. Boyd.

Lockington Bowls Club

The weather just keeps on improving, offering bowlers the best of conditions for the weekly games of scrounge.

On Wednesday, a quality field played scrounge and the scoring was next to brilliant.

On rink one, Pos Andrea led the field with a day high tally of 76 points while Neil Haines, 32 and Rod Fiedler, 29 watched on in awe.

Ray Hanson went back-to-back on the rink next door, reeling off a regulation 58 points to claim the chocolates ahead of Peter Egan, 43 and Frank Chugg, a solid 38 points.

Lorraine Appleby eventually got recognition for her early pre-season form after scoring 50 points and winning the rink by one point from a fast-finishing Russell Shawcross, 49 and John Andrea, a healthy 38.

The final rink provided a frantic finish as Steve Peter was leading by seven points from Owen McPhee and Bruce Haines before McPhee grabbed six points on the final end while Haines scored the other four points.

Peter was able to survive the onslaught with a final total of 51 points to win while McPhee missed by one point on 50.

Haines displayed some talent to finish third on 38.

Saturday provided another day of sunshine and quick greens.

A couple of games of three-bowl triples and a game of Scrounge satisfied the numbers in attendance.

The game of triples between Steve Peter and Pos Andrea was a real see-sawing match with close heads the order of the day.

The team of Graham Turner, Russell Shawcross and Peter (s) won the final end after scores were level with one to play, winning 10-7 from Andrea (s), Erin Gumbleton and Rod Fiedler.

The other match was a bit of a blowout, with the Kym Ray skipped team comprising John Andrea and Ray Hanson gaining the early lead and holding on to win 12-6 from Rochester visitor Ken Burns, Denise Gilmore and Ashley Dobell (s).

Bowlers enjoyed the wonderful array of hot food after bowls.

Thanks to Pos and John Andrea for their support.

The game of scrounge was a well-fought battle with Steve Pavone amassing a fine tally of 54 points to head off John Whiteside, 41 and Brian Kinnane, 36 in a fine display of draw bowling from all three bowlers.

Past and present club members were saddened to learn of the sad passing of past member Nellie McAsey.

Nellie was a prominent pennant player and supported the club by serving on the committee for several years.

A competent bowler, Nellie was a member of the 1994-95 C.V.L.B.A. Triples championship team alongside Merle Smith and Irene Kauffman (s).

Sincere condolences to Kevin McAsey and family from all bowlers.

The club will hold the opening day on Sunday, September 14 in conjunction with the first tournament of the season, the Annual Memorial 2- bowl Mixed Triples starting at 12.30pm.

Entries to Ray Hanson and Cindy Felmingham.

Rich River Golf Club

Weekly Highlights

The tricky American Ambrose tested some friendships on Thursday with John Smith and David Morgan combining best to take the win.

Gerard Flynn and Debra Thompson came out on top in the 18-hole and 9-hole Friday competitions respectively.

Pete James had the score of the day on Saturday to take the C-grade honours with Jack O’Callaghan and Bill Bayles in the winners list as well.

The lights were shot out in the 4-person Ambrose on Sunday in glorious golfing conditions.

Team Bird set the mark in the morning and were run down by Ian Sleep, Barry Gallagher, David Morgan and Peter Leonard late in the day.

Dean Costello had the best score by a big margin in Monday’s 18-hole nett event with Felicity Douglas providing a highlight when her second shot on seven West found the cup for a rare eagle.

The 9-hole event had four players finish on nett thirty-four, with Maureen Berg winning on a countback.

The wintry conditions didn’t stop Alan Peach and Steve Edwards from having great scores in the Thursday Stableford event.

It was a four-way countback to decide the winner of the ladies’ 18 18-hole event on Wednesday, with Chris Fleming taking the chocolates.

Thursday August 21

A-grade: John Smith and David Morgan (nett 66.375), 1. Shayne Trigwell and David Watt (67), 2. Mick de Jager and Stojko Kresojevic (68.25), 3. Geoff Connally and Stephen Harris (68.375), 4.

Friday, August 22

18-Hole: Gerard Flynn (plus 3), 1. Susanne Riddington (-1), 2. Nigel Pearson (-3), 3.

9-Hole: Debra Thompson (plus 2), 1. Lorna Alchin (+1), 2. Moira Thomas (square), 3.

Saturday, August 23

Men A-grade: Jack O’Callaghan (nett 69), 1. Mark White (70), 2. Mark Scholes (71), 3.

B-grade: Bill Bayles (nett 68), 1. Nick Ferrari (70), 2. Paul Elliott (70), 3.

C-grade: Pete James (nett 67), 1. Kieran Dullard (69), 2. Glenn Fear (69), 3.

Women: Liz McKinlay (nett 69), 1. Maree Ciavarella (71), 2. Felicity Douglas (72), 3.

Sunday, August 24

A-grade: Ian Sleep, Barry Gallagher, David Morgan and Peter Leonard (nett 52.25), 1. Simon McCarty, Jackson Groves, Leigh Haw and Kobe Atkinson (52.5), 2. Tristan Nevin and Liam Fleming, Steve Bird and Belinda Jones-Bird. (53.125), 3.

Monday, August 25

18 Hole A-grade: Dean Costello (nett 67), 1. Gary McDorman (71), 2. Kobe Atkinson(71), 3.

9 Hole: Maureen Berg (nett 34), 1. Julie Charlton (34), 2. Wendy Williams (34), 3.

Tuesday, August 26

A-grade: Steve Edwards (40 points), 1. Eric Grumont (38), 2. Brian O’Neill (37), 3.

B-grade: Alan Peach (41 points), 1. Daryl Brown (39), 2. Rodney Kreymborg (38), 3.

Wednesday, August 27

18 Hole: Chris Fleming (nett 70), 1. Sharon Hepworth (70), 2. Maxine Aitken (70), 3.

Rochester Golf Club

While 59 is that magical number pro golfers try to achieve, breaking 100, is the number new golfers aim for.

Young Will Coghill achieved both last Saturday, shooting 99 off the stick for the first time and having a net 59 to blitz the field and win his first Monthly Medal, congratulations Will.

New golfer David Harris also had a good day out to run second on a countback from up-and-coming golfer Zac McInness, both with net 67s.

Andy Purdy was next on 69, followed by Brent Sweney (71), Chris Trewin and Neil Coghill, both with 72 net.

David Gebbie was nearest to the pin on 5, and Purdy for his 2nd shot on to the 9th scrape.

Schier was closest to the 8th, just pipping Trewin, and Tim Quinlan and Les Headington shared the Campaspe News Eagles Nest for their great shots to the 12th hole.

Teams were drawn before last Wednesday's 9-hole 4bbb event over the back nine.

Kevin McCormack and Laurie Radley combined to win with a score of 27 Stableford points, closely followed by Murray Schier and Wayne Williams (26), then by Rob Ralph and Bruce Bryant, and Shane Bywaters and Brendan McCarty (23), and three other teams on 22 Stableford points.

Bywaters was closest to the short 12th hole.

Rochester Golf Club will be hosting popular Ambrose events over the next month.

Father's Day, September 7, (Inquiries to Cory Windridge) and the MND/ Charity Day, Friday, September 26.

Lockington Golf Club

August 23 – Stableford

A really pleasing day, with the field size up again, as golfers enjoyed the good weather.

The day’s best score of 36 points was returned by Bowden Stone in a solid performance.

The best score returned by a Locky member was 35 points from the in-form Jeff Carnie, which won him both the Wedgie Trophy and the Privilege Cup.

Jeff’s win means that the Carnie brothers have won the last three Privilege Cups.

First up from a spell (and northern travels), Andrew Harris won Division 1 with 34 points, just in front of Ash Portwine and Kevin Humbert (both on 33).

Best in Division 2 was Bowden Stone ahead of Jeff Carnie, with Neil Maddison and Stuart Newton next (both on 33).

Ron Dixon made a welcome return to the winner’s circle in Division 3 with 33 points. Next best was Mark Lyons with 32.

Nearest-the-pins: 17th – Ian Maddison; 2nd shot 13th – Terry Thomas (A), Ian Maddison (B), Brad Wakefield (C); 2nd shot 18th for the 6-pack smack – Terry Thomas (third win in the last 5 comps).

Spike’s Longest Drive on the 15th, sponsored by Hot ‘n’ Cold Plumbing – Andrew Harris (A), JD Wright (B), Tony Brooke (C).

Neither the O’Connors Case Eagles Nest on the 3rd, nor Captain Grant’s yardstick on the 16th was won.

Upcoming events

Friday, August 29 – Stroke, Committee Meeting. Duty: Sue Harris, Jenny Holt.

Saturday, August 30 – Par Plus. Duty: Tom Scurrah, Ron Dixon.

Thursday, September 11 – Joy Bickford Rose Bowl Teams Event. Enquiries and entries to Pauline Humbert 0409 038 554.

Bamawm Golf Club

There was a good field of golfers who came out, enjoyed the glorious weather, and competed in a Stableford round on Sunday

Winner of the day, with 35 stableford points was Jeff Carnie, from runner-up Michael Dobson on 34 points.

Ladies winner was Fiona Newton from Jenny Holt.

Michael Dobson and Neville Vicary also fought it out in their semi-final of the match play, with Dobson getting out to a 3-shot lead through the first three holes, but Vicary using all of his experience to fight back and eventually win 4 and 2.

Michael Dobson chipped in for an eagle on the par-5 second to take out the Eagles nest (15 balls).

NTP 2nd shot 4/13- Grant Fuller.

NTP 7/16- Michael Dobson.

NTP 8/17- Neville Vicary.

NTP 2nd shot 9/18- Ben Newth.

Longest Drive- Stuart Newton (0-15), Neville Vicary (16+), Jenny Holt (Ladies).

Next week will be a 2-person Ambrose, hit off from 11:30 am.

Our annual TJ Day will be on Friday, September 12.

Rich River Croquet Club

Colours for Cancer – Annual Charity Day- Thursday, August 21

It was a lovely day for the Colours for Cancer golf croquet charity event.

32 players travelled from Swan Hill, Boort, Mooroopna, Deniliquin, Echuca-Moama, and Rich River, enjoying each other’s company and playing four games apiece.

Players were asked to wear a colour that represents a type of cancer, and it was wonderful to see so many cancer colours represented.

After everyone had played three games, no one player had taken the lead and it was only after the fourth and final matches that a winner emerged.

The winner was Leon Koch from Rich River, the only person to win all four games on the day.

The raffle winner was Greg Brierley from Echuca-Moama.

It was a fun social day with everyone commenting on the great time they had.

The day raised over $1,000 for the Echuca Regional Health Cancer Wellness Centre.

Golf Croquet – Tuesday, August 26

Sixteen people played doubles croquet this morning, with a grey start to the morning and a prediction of rain to come.

Everyone got through three games each, even though it showered at times.

Three players won all three games; Russell Smyth, Jay Grant and Michael Hawken.

The winner was Jay Grant, who has been in fine form lately scoring three games +10 hoops, and the runner-up was Michael Hawken, scoring three games +9 hoops, with Russ Smyth a very close three games +8 hoops.

Steve Potter and Carmel Rice both made hoops-in-one, with Steve making a very nice jump shot.

Kyabram Pigeon Club

Echuca Moama trainers filled out the podium in the most recent Kyabram Racing Pigeon Club event.

For the third week running, birds were liberated at Sea Lake Airfield off the Calder Hwy, 12 trainers releasing a total of 158 pigeons.

Echuca’s Rod Clarke took out the event, his birds returning to their home loft at the fastest average velocity, 1193.52 metres per minute.

Moama’s M and P Racing (1188.69) took second, while Echuca’s Ray Armstrong (1180.78) picked up third.

Two more Echuca trainers, C, R and D Robb, and Andrew Williamson, were next best, and Kyabram’s Gary Beavis rounded out the top six.

The birds will be back in flight on Monday as trainers head out to Ouyen for the Ouyen Raffle Race.