Echuca Bowls Club
Tomorrow (Saturday) is the 2025-26 season opening day.
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Members are asked to arrive at 12.30pm for a 1pm start, wear club uniform and bring a plate to share for afternoon tea.
Please enter your names on the list provided in the clubrooms.
Last week’s Thursday jackpot pairs were played in cool conditions with threatening showers.
Two games of ten ends were played straight through by the 14 teams competing.
Three teams won both games, beginning with Kevin Bursill/Steve Campion (+8), runners-up John Dinsdale/Bill Cook (+12) and the winners Robert Taylor/John Hart (+28).
Friday Scroungers, sponsored by Echuca Workers, were slightly down on numbers due to the weather, but were again very competitive, with Alan Hopson the winner from Joan Moss.
Tuesday's second round of the Essen 5-a-Side competition saw Eagles, comprising Ivan Hicks, John Clegg, Heather Trotter, Kevin Bursill and Linda Ormando, come out on top after the singles, pairs, triples and fours competitions.
Next week will be Rosellas v Kookaburras, Emus v Eagles, and Kingfishers v Magpies.
The Joyce Thorn Memorial ladies pairs, to be played next weekend (September 13 and 14 ) has maximum entries and a quality field.
Members are reminded that pennant practice is being held every Wednesday at 4pm with our club coaches.
The next tournament is the men’s (sponsored by Murray Hearing) and ladies (sponsored by Peter Mayes Tyrepower, Echuca Podiatry, and Hip Pocket) consistency fours events set down for Friday, October 10, with breakfast at 8.30am followed by bowls at 9am.
Entries to Rhonda Gallagher on 0448 400 051 or on the lists.
The club is holding a practice match against Cohuna Golf Bowls at Echuca on Sunday, September 21.
This is always a highly competitive game, so please make sure you place your name on the list ASAP.
Mini Bingo did not go off last week, and jackpots to $3912 tonight (Friday) at drinks and nibbles between 4 and 6pm.
The members' draw went to George Thornley, who was not present, so it jackpots to $60.
Moama Bowling Club
Social Bowls
Tuesday, August 26 – Men’s Triples
Winners: Col Struthers, Darren Yates.
Runner-up: Phil Bell, Marty Weston, Barry Brennan.
1st game winners: Ray Sangster, Joe Murphy.
2nd game winners: Tom Porter, Clyde Hiller, Kevin Connolly.
Ladies Social
Winners: Mary Kaine, Pam Limbrick.
Runner-Up: Sandra Connolly, Ann Vanderklay.
1st Game Winners: Shirley Riters, Robyn Thomassen.
2nd Game Winners: Wilma Curnow, Sue Holmes.
Thursday, August 28- Ladies Scroungers
Winner: Liz Doidge.
Runner-Up: Wilma Curnow.
Rink Winners: Pam Kerr, Rhonda Dunbar, Marilyn Stephenson, Sandra Connolly, Shirley Riters, Rhonda Soloman, Beryl Bell.
Ditch: Pam Limbrick, Mary Kuypers.
Men’s Pairs
Winners: Chris Preddy, Noel Reddrop.
Runners-up: Laurie Campbell, Joe Murphy.
Best 1st Game Winner: Arch Bailey, Ian McGregor.
Best 2nd Game Winners: Barry Cuttriss, Col Hayes.
Indoor Bowls- Tuesday, August 26 - Open
Winners: Bill Musgrove, Faye Smith.
Runners-up: Ron Hooper, Maurie Jones, Shirley McKinnon.
Thursday, August 28 - Open
Winners: Roland Matchett, Denise Lee, Fay Smith, Ron Hooper/Bill Musgrove.
Runners-up: Audrey Matchett, John Zealley, Shirley McKinnon, Joy Hooper.
Moama RSL
Indoor Bowls Results- Monday, September 1
20 players played three games of nine ends.
The winners on 47 points were Janine Wolf (Skip), Shirley McKinnon (3rd), and Lyn Prott (Lead).
The runners-up with 44 points were Pamela Reyment (Skip), Carol Class (3rd), and Liz Portwine (Lead).
Third place with 39.5 points were Denise Leey (Skip), Julie Van Lee (3rd), Mary Kuypers (2nd) and Sandy Roadnight (Lead).
New members are welcome.
Rich River Bowls Club
Wednesday was a big day for the men’s jackpot pairs to see 36 bowlers take to the greens and five three-game winners.
Ron Ritchie paired with John Langley to take the win with 83 points.
Keith Hewit and Paul Kearney scraped into second place with 78 points, +15, over third placegetters Graeme Moffat and Brian Wilson with 78 points, +13.
The greens are really starting to take shape, ready for the summer season thanks to the dedicated work of our new greenskeeper Jade Bennett. Thanks Jade.
Ladies are reminded that next Thursday, September 11 is their Giggles on the Green social day.
Members are encouraged to bring a friend to join in the fun.
It is a terrific opportunity for new bowlers to come and try lawn bowls.
Coaching will be available on the day. Enquiries to Barb on 0419 513 650.
Also, ladies, entries are open for the Daisy Taylor Pairs club matches.
Rounds one and two matches are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday, September 16 and 18 respectively.
Entries close this Thursday, September 11.
Bowlers are reminded of the busy schedule ahead in the next few weeks. Don’t forget to get your names on the list for our club opening day and upcoming pennant practice matches to help organisers with planning please.
Dates for the diary
Thursday, September 11– Ladies Day ‘Giggles on the Green”’ – 10am start.
Saturday 13 – Weekend Pennant Practice Match (12pm BBQ, 1pm start).
Sunday 14 – Club Opening Day (Lunch 11.30am, Bowls 1pm).
Tuesday 16 – Daisy Taylor Matches – Round 1.
Thursday 18 - Daisy Taylor Matches – Round 2.
Saturday 20 – Midweek Pennant Practice Match (1pm start).
Thursday 25 – Goodwill Tours Practice Match (12pm Lunch + Bowls 1pm for 1.30pm).
Friday 26 – Grand Final Eve – Open Fours Tournament – 12.30pm start.
Summer Program: September through May.
Wednesday Men’s Jackpot Pairs – 12pm for 12.30 start.
Thursday Ladies Social Bowls – 9.30am for 10am start.
Names to be submitted by 11am on day of play.
Entry sheet on noticeboard in Bowls pavilion or phone Bowls Office 03 5481 3390 and leave a message.
Rochester Bowls Club
Now that we are officially saying goodbye to winter, we welcome spring and the beginning of a brand-new bowls season.
Please take note that there are a few dates that need to be popped into the diary.
Season Opening
The opening of the 2025-26 bowls season will take place this coming 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.
A massive thank you to the ladies who have run the competition, your efforts are very much appreciated.
Indoor Bowls
On Monday, August 25, Bert Smolenaars and Graham Prince came away with the prize – good job fellas.
This Monday, September 1, will be our last session of indoor bowls for the year.
Bowlers are invited to bring a plate of nibbles to share as we enjoy some extra socialising after our bowls.
Thanks to Judy Murray and Kathy Williams who have organised the bowls each week.
Besides the great bowling, there’s always a lot of laughter and good banter among the members.
Friday Bowls
Unfortunately, last week’s bowls was cancelled due to the inclement weather.
Winter Drawn Pairs will not go ahead next Friday, September 5 due to the Official Opening event being held at the club.
Coaching/Skills Session
Each Thursday morning from 10am.
Marg Knight welcomes new bowlers and Leigh Milgate is there to assist all other bowlers with a solid training session.
An excellent opportunity to get in some pre-pennant practice.
Lucky Lotto
If you haven’t secured your number yet, get in before Saturday’s Tattlsotto draw.
Who knows, you could be $150 richer.
For the sum of $40, you get four chances at the Lucky Lotto number throughout the month of September.
Pop your money in a marked envelope in the foyer, or let Brooke know the number you want.
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 BCGBR 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.
The 60 and Over Bowls comp is back.
The first game will be hosted by Lockington on Wednesday, September 10, starting at 11am.
Teams need to be entered to Neil Haines 0457 056 591 by Sunday, September 7 at 6pm.
Here’s to a successful season of good bowls.
Rochester will be hosting the 60 and over competition on Wednesday, September 24.
We will require the help of some ladies to prepare the sandwiches for the men’s lunch on this particular day.
If you are able to assist, please contact Judy Murray.
Men’s Championship
Entry forms are in the foyer.
All men are encouraged to enter their name.
The more bowlers we have, the more enjoyable and successful the competition is.
You have until Sunday, October 19 to enter the competition, with the entry fee being $5.
Tournament Shirts
Bowlers have another month to indicate their preference of shirts and mark down if they wish to purchase a shirt.
Bar Duty
Monday – Friday 5 – 6.30pm
1 – 5 September: B. Coghill and B. Smolenaars.
8 – 12 September: G. Willis and J. Boyd.
15 – 19 September: K. Barker and D. Hocking.
Lockington Bowls Club
Once again, after several days of brilliant sunshine and less windy weather, the elusive fine days disappeared and returned to the average normal of true winter conditions.
The Wednesday edition of the popular game of Scrounge was shirt-fronted by some rain and windy conditions that forced the small field to abandon play after a few ends.
On Saturday, the weather improved, albeit for a bit of a strong South-westerly breeze, but offered the bowlers excellent greens and hot food afterwards.
The game on the day was to be a fours event under pennant conditions; however, most bowlers preferred to skip.
Following earnest consultation, all players decided on a game of 2x4x2 Pairs which provided plenty of action-packed bowling.
On rink one the pairing of Ray Hanson and Poss Andrea survived a close battle against Owen ‘Smiley’ McPhee and Graeme Wood to run out winners 14-11.
Scores being 11-10 in favour of the Hanson - Andrea combination with two ends to play.
On the next-door rink, all bowlers were in tremendous form to keep the small crowd of spectators enthralled.
John Fisher and John Andrea were under early pressure applied by the opposition of Alan Sharp (Elmore) and our latest recruit, Ashley Dobell.
After trailing 3-10 at the halfway mark, the local duo of Fisher and Andrea made up some ground to be only two shots behind on the penultimate end.
However, Sharp and Dobell were equal to the task and won the game 16-12.
The overall winners on the day proved to be the combination of Alan Sharp and Ashley Dobell with a +4 shot advantage compared to Ray Hanson and Pos Andrea plus three.
An enjoyable day on the green.
The club will hold the official opening day on Sunday, September 14 in conjunction with the scheduled Memorial 2-bowl Mixed Triples commencing at 12.30pm.
Contact Cindy Felmingham or Ray Hanson for entries.
A change of date has been placed for the Sixty and Over competition Opening Day to now be played at Lockington on Wednesday, September 10 - a week later.
Contact Neil Haines for entries.
Rich River Golf Club
Weekly Highlights
Wind, cold, and some rain confronted the Thursday golfers, with Don Curnow having the score of the day.
Gary Bennett and Xavier Phillips were also on the winner's list.
Mick Lizza won A-grade with a +3 score in the par event.
Peter Northfield won C-grade with the best score of the day, and Marcus Kenna edged out Steve McCoomb for the B-grade win.
Perfect conditions met the Sunday field, with Brett Sampson and Michael Howell both getting to 40 stableford points to be on the winners' list.
Liam Fleming bowled them over in B-grade for a win as well.
Bernie Smith shot the lights out to win the Monday 18-hole event, and the consistent Barb Sands took the 9-hole honours.
Darren Burr held off the two David’s to win A-grade on Tuesday and Morts had the score of the day, 42 stableford points, to win B-grade.
A three-way countback decided C-grade with Terry Cargill getting the chocolates.
BJ supported the theory that ‘even a blind squirrel finds a nut occasionally’ when he won the super-pin.
Marg O’Brien had one of the scores of the year to win the September monthly medal on Wednesday.
The consistent Marcia Spiers won A-grade and Rita Freestone took the B-grade win over Deb Bawden.
Thursday, August 28
A-grade: Gary Bennett (38 points), 1. Jiddy Dixon (36), 2. Mick de Jager (36), 3.
B-grade: Don Curnow (39 points), 1. Stephen Harris (38), 2. Ian Maddison (37), 3.
C-grade: Xavier Phillips (38 points), 1. Ted Fordham (35), 2. Alan Peach (35), 3.
Saturday, August 30
Men A-grade: Mick Lizza (plus 3), 1. Mick de Jager (+2), 2. Matt Bell (+1), 3.
B-grade: Marcus Kenna (plus 2), 1. Steve McCoomb (+2), 2. Andrew Jacobs (+1), 3.
C-grade: Peter Northfield (plus 4), 1. Dave Cockroft (+2), 2. Dean Noelker (+2), 3.
Women: Clodagh Jeffreys (minus 2), 1.
Sunday, August 31
A-grade: Michael Howell (40 points), 1. Matthew Sutton (38), 2. Brad Smith (38), 3.
B-grade: Liam Fleming (38 points), 1. Troy O’Brien (37), 2. Nathan Barker (35), 3.
C-grade: Brett Sampson (42 points), 1. Peter Leonard (40), 2. Ian Sleep (39), 3.
Monday, September 1
18-Hole: Bernie Smith (40 points), 1. Pam Brennan (36), 2. Di Stewart (34), 3.
9-Hole: Barb Sands (22 points), 1. Diane Phillips (19), 2. Shirlie Jackson (19), 3.
Tuesday, September 2
A-grade: Darren Burr (39 points), 1. David Pearson (38), 2. David McMahon (37), 3.
B-grade: Brett Morton (42 points), 1. John Paterson (39), 2. Ian Young (38), 3.
C-grade: Terry Cargill (39 points), 1. Robbie George (39), 2. John Foyster (39), 3.
Wednesday, September 3
A-grade: Marcia Spiers (nett 72), 1. Michelle Craigie (72), 2. Nacole Horneman (74), 3.
B-grade: Rita Freestone (nett 69), 1. Deb Bawden (72), 2. Pam Heywood (72), 3.
C-grade: Marg O’Brien (nett 63), 1. Vicki Shipp (68), 2. Lorna Alchin (72), 3.
Order Of Merit 2025
We are getting to the business end of the Order of Merit, with the following leading the event prior to its conclusion at the end of October.
Monday 9-hole: Lynne McGrath.
Wednesday: Josie Kirkman.
Thursday: Stephen Plumridge.
Saturday Men: Mick de Jager.
Sunday Medley: Brendan Clymo.
Rochester Golf Club
Wayne Williams is wondering when his bad luck will finish, as once again he ran 2nd in last Wednesday's Stableford event on the front nine.
Alex MacQuibban played good golf to win with a great score of 26 points, Williams, and Chris Eeles both had 23 points, while Laurie Radley was closest to the 3rd hole.
Due to the windy weather last Friday, the Ladies played a 9-hole Stableford event.
Karen Taylor had a handy 20 points to win from Lauren Coghill on 19 points.
After the rough weather on Friday, a quick clean-up was required before the Saturday's men's par event, where many flags, rubbish bins and branches were scattered around the course.
New member Peter Mulcahy handled the conditions better to win with +3, from the unlucky David Gebbie (+2).
Young Zac McInnes was the only other player to finish better than par on (+1).
Brent Sweeney and Murrray Schier were next best, square to Par.
Nearest-the-pin winners were (5th) Will Coghill, (8th) Troy McInnes, (16th) David Harris, (9th) Andy Purdy and (18th) Shane Bywaters.
Volunteers are the backbone of many country sports clubs.
Once again, this was shown on Sunday and Monday, as over a dozen of our members rallied to clean up after Friday's wild storm, during which five fully grown trees and numerous large branches fell.
The Rochester Golf Club sends its condolences to the Rasmussen family and the members of the Elmore Golf Club on the very sad news of the sudden passing of Bruce Rasmussen.
Bruce was a regular visitor and much-loved character in and around local golf courses; he will be missed by many.
Lockington Golf Club
August 30 – Par Plus
There was a good turnout of players, despite the inclement weather.
Brad Wakefield blitzed the field with a brilliant score of +6 to win the Player of the Day voucher, as well as Division 2 honours.
Division 1 was competitive, with Neil Maddison’s fine round of +1 the best, ahead of Ash Portwine (square) and Stuart Newton (-1).
Nearest-the-pins: 3rd – Tom Scurrah; 2nd shot 9th – Kevin Humbert (A), Stuart Newton (B), Brad Wakefield (C); 2nd shot 18th for the 6-pack smack – Ash Portwine (for the 3rd time in the month of August).
Spike’s Longest Drive on the 10th, – Ash Portwine (A), Stuart Newton (B), Brad Wakefield (C).
Tom Scurrah won the 12 balls in the O’Connors Case Eagles Nest on the 3rd, with his very first shot of the day, and he sunk the birdie putt for a spectacular start to his round – but it was all downhill from then…
Upcoming events
Friday, September 5 – Stableford – Mary Robins Perpetual Trophy. Duty: Phyll Macfarlane, Helen Hayes.
Saturday, September 6 – Stroke – Gartside Cup Final – Monthly Medal. Duty: Ian Maddison, Trav Mancer.
Gartside Cup Finalists: 1st Round – Stuart Newton, Kevin Humbert, JD Wright; standby – Don Muhleisen.
2nd Round – Simon Portwine, Darren Carnie, Gary Milligan; s/b – Trav Mancer.
3rd Round – Grant Humbert, Neil Maddison, Tom Scurrah; s/b – Ash Portwine.
4th Round – Terry Thomas, Mark Lyons, Jeff Carnie; s/b – Brad Wakefield.
5th Round – Steve Holt, Tony Brooke, Ron Dixon; s/b – Jason Wakefield.
Thursday, September 11 – Joy Bickford Rose Bowl Teams Event – enquiries and entries to Pauline Humbert 0409 038 554.
Friday, September 18 – 3 person Ambrose – any combination – enquiries to Darren Carnie 0428 862 292.
Bamawm Golf Club
There was a good field of golfers enjoying a 2-person Ambrose on Sunday at Bamawm.
It was nice to see some young new faces on the course.
Scratch winners were Gary Milligan and David Winchcomb with 67.
Nett winners were Stuart and Fiona Newton with 78-13.5-64.5.
NTP 2nd shot 4/13- Steve Holt.
NTP 8/17- Jeff Carnie.
Longest Drive- Gary Milligan (0-15), Hayden King (16+).
Next week will be a stableford round, hit off from 12pm.
Reminder our annual TJ men’s 4BBB will be held on Friday, September 12.
Goulburn Valley Veteran Golfers
The morning fog had lifted by 10am to send the 50 veteran golfers on their way at Merrigum Golf Club, on Monday, September 1.
The playing conditions were perfect, with a temperature from 8-15°C and a gentle breeze not topping 13 km/hr.
Most jumpers were off before noon.
‘Preferred lies’ were implemented to compensate for the tough autumn-winter grass growing conditions on the fairways.
The ‘Young Vets’ sponsored the trophies on the day, and the Merrigum ladies again catered admirably with ham and cheese toasties, followed by hot apple crumble and ice cream.
Scores were well below par for many golfers, possibly falling victim to the tight spaces off a number of the tees, although the fairways are a generous width once through the gap.
Jim Georgiou of Shepparton GC headed A-grade on countback from John Fuller of Merrigum, both with 35 stableford points.
This winning margin was stretched in B-grade, where Laurie Radley (Rochester) with 37pts was followed by Richard Stockdale (Ky Parkland) with 30pts.
Incidentally, Richard achieved this position last year with 34 pts.
Ian Clarke of Kialla with 31 pts emerged victorious from a small field in C-Grade, and a surprised Ian Scurrah (Lockington) was runner-up with 29 pts.
Nearest-the-pin was contested on the 149-metre long 9th hole, where no one troubled the scorer, the trees protecting a direct flight to the green.
Ball winners in A-Grade: Dennis Prosser (Numurkah), Kevin Humbert (Lockington), Jack Dell, Numurkah), Rolf Weber (Mooroopna), Don Hughes, Murchison), John Mortimer (Shepparton) and Mick McAuliffe (Valley View).
B-Grade: Phil Steers (Shepparton), Mick Stevens (Mooroopna), Bernard O’Hare (Nathalia), Clyde Hammond (Kialla).
C-Grade: Geoff Squires (Valley View).
Our next event is at Hill Top Golf and Country Club, Tatura, on Monday, September 22, 9.30am assembly for 10am tee.
This is the first round of our championship with the championship sponsored by Goulburn Murray Credit Union.
The champion in all grades is decided on the best two scores over the three rounds at our venues in September, October and November.
We have two teams entered into the VVGA annual teams tournament at Portland GC on Monday and Tuesday, September 15 and 16, where ‘Team One’ is defending their trophy from 2024.
Echuca Moama Croquet Club
Monday, September 1.
First day of spring, but a little cool still, 17 Members today all played three games.
The winner was Sandy Alstin again, second was Jan Tracy.
Hoops in one today, Lyn Keillor, John Graham and Sharon Wolfe.
Jump shots today, Jenny van der Zande, John Graham, Jeff Pumpa, Sharon Wolfe, Johnny Tarrant and Steve Kelly.
Rich River Croquet Club
Thursday, August 28– Golf Pennant – Rich River Kangas
The first game of the pennant season was against Kyabram Blue Wrens at home.
In the opening singles, Kyabram came out of the gates early, winning three out of four games.
The second singles reversed the result with Rich River Kangas winning three games. In the doubles, the Kangas prevailed, winning three games out of the four games, resulting in a win for Rich River 7 games 73 hoops to Kyabram 5-61.
Golf Croquet- Tuesday- September 2
Seventeen people played a mixture of singles, doubles and triples croquet this morning.
Three players won all three games; Jay Grant, Steve Potter and Ruth Mole.
The winner was Ruth Mole scoring three games, +16 hoops and the runner-up, Steve Potter, scoring three games, +12 hoops.
Congratulations to both Ruth and Steve.
Well done to Russell Clark, who made a successful jump shot this morning.
Upcoming Events
Come and Try Croquet
Date: Sunday, September 14, 2pm
Venue: Rich River Croquet Club (Rich River Golf Club behind the bowling greens)
Croquet Social Afternoon for anyone interested in learning how to play.
Wear flat sole shoes, all equipment and lessons supplied.
All Welcome- cuppa to follow, bring a friend.
For more information, contact Marj Kennedy 0491 063 644.
Kyabram Pigeon Club
The feathered friends of the Kyabram Racing Pigeon Club continued to range further afield in this week’s event.
267 birds, representing 13 trainers, were released from Ouyen, off the Mallee highway, around 250km northwest of Echuca, on September 1.
When the first birds began returning to their home lofts, it was Moama’s M and P Racing that took out the event, his birds reaching an average velocity of 1518.62 metres per minute.
Echuca’s Rod Clarke was narrowly relegated to second place with 1515.90 mpm, while Kyabram’s Gary Rayner rounded out the podium with a speed of 1494.13.
Held alongside the regular event was the special Ouyen 1 raffle race.
This event allowed multiple entries per trainer, with 150 birds taking part.
Like in the main event, it was M and P racing on top, but this time the trainer filled out all three podium places on their own.
A pair of Rod Clark entries were next best, while Kyabram’s Peter White scored sixth.