Tallygaroopna continues to build on its Allan Matheson Shield runner-up squad in search of the ultimate success this summer.
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The Redlegs — or Broccoli as the players dub themselves — have added familiar face Brett Wright to an already stellar off-season of recruiting.
Playing bowls mostly at Barooga, Wright joins David Daws and Liam Crapper as marquee additions to Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve for the 2021-22 Goulburn Valley Playing Area season.
“We've surprised ourselves a bit really,” Tally skipper Mark Ryan said.
“One has led to another and another, it's been really good. Liam came on board through Mitch Sidebottom, Dawsy was looking for a new challenge and he's got a good relationship with Brett.”
Wright was skipping with metropolitan club Aberfeldie last summer, but has played most of his bowls in the Murray region.
“He played at Kyabram for a year or two, but has mostly been at Barooga,” Ryan said.
“Plenty of us have played with or against him in regional sides or events.
“He'll be another really good asset out on the green for us.
“Hopefully we'll be stronger in division one after almost getting there last year and that will filter down to division three and five.
“We're just looking forward to getting back out there and having a roll and seeing everyone again.”
● Benalla bowling products are taking the next step in their careers this summer.
Tyson and Koby Cromie are joining Deer Park, with father Tim also heading down to the metro club.
“We are over the moon,” Deer Park head of bowls operations Mark Casey said.
“Tyson and Koby are simply outstanding. They have so much natural talent, but they are also prepared to put in the hard work to keep improving.
“We can't wait to help these boys and look forward to seeing how far they can go.”
● Deniliquin and Deniliquin RSL bowls clubs were effectively left to their own devices last summer when it came to pennant action.
The duo did not compete in the Campaspe Valley Bowls Division — now Campaspe Playing Area — season, instead facing off in a summer series between themselves.
But even that set-up is under threat this time around as NSW and Victoria battle huge COVID-19 outbreaks.
“The draw has been made up, but we’re still waiting to see if we are even allowed to play,” Deniliquin president Ray Anderson told the Pastoral Times.
“The latest border bubble burst (which saw Edward River removed from bubble locations last week) has made things more difficult again.
“We won’t be allowed to go across the border to play if that’s still in place when the season starts.”
Players remain unable to have a social roll-up, although both clubs have floated approaching Bowls NSW for an exemption similar to that which allows small groups of golfers to play despite regional NSW still being in lockdown.
“Our own bowlers can’t even have a roll at our own club, because the bowling greens are seen as an extension of a licensed venue and are therefore in lockdown,” RSL secretary Wayne Bradley said.
“Any options that can be explored, will be.
“As for the pennant season, until there is a bit more clarity we don’t know what may happen.
“There could perhaps be an opportunity for the NSW clubs to have their own competitions, but we will have to sit and wait.
“I just hope there’s a bit of sanity soon, but in the meantime we have to do the right thing.”
● There was an upset of sorts in last month's Goulburn Valley Indoor Bias Bowls Association finals series.
Top of the table Mooroopna and Kyabram were knocked out in the elimination finals, leaving Rodney-Shepp Park and Rodney to do battle in the August 4 decider.
Moira Smith, Ray Hindmarsh and Bob Smith (skipper) of the combine defeated Rodney's Maree Formica, Evelyn Harper and Jim Tweddle (s) 31-24 to spearhead a Rodney-Shepp Park triumph.
The combine held on for an eventual 47-45 win, despite Rodney's Marg Tweddle, Val Patterson and Glenn Edwards (s) defeating Rodney-Shepp Park's Brian Nisbet, Chris O'Halloran and Frank O'Meara (s) 21-16.
Rodney-Shepp Park had snuck into the finals in fourth spot.
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