Echuca Bowls Club
Weekly Roundup- Welcome to Spring
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Thursday, September 3
Men’s Jackpot Pairs attracted 24 teams and resulted in five two-game winners:
Ashley French/Peter Cecil (+6).
Norm Hodge/Eddie smith (+9).
John Clegg/Barry Milne (+15).
Runners up: John Dinsdale/Bill Cook (+16).
Winners: Lal Whyte/John Blair (+18).
The best one game went to Bruce O’Neale/Trevor Nagorcka (+19).
Great to see Peter Cecil back on the green, dubbed as Lazarus by the organisers of the day.
Jackpot next week is $160.
Friday, September 4
Scroungers had 15 bowlers compete.
Runner-up: Jim Ferrier.
Winner: Cec Moss.
Saturday, September 5
Social Bowls attracted 12 bowlers.
Runner-up: Keith Robertson/Linda Ormando.
Winner: Max Clifford/Col Berryman.
Monday, September 7
Social Bowls had an attendance of 12 bowlers playing Triples.
Runners-up: Barry Milne/June Clifford/Ross Young.
Winners: Max Bennett/Erica Mostert/Kerry Height (+56).
Tuesday, September 8 saw the third week of the five week program of 5-a-side bowls on a magnificent spring day, with 30 participants.
The Wombats took out the day, the team comprising Kristy Gillingham (standing in for John Dinsdale), Neil Dovaston, Gayle Kerr, June Clifford and John (Buster) Battye with a score of 6 +11, narrowly edging out The Crocodiles.
It’s apparently debatable whether John Dinsdale will get a guernsey next week.
Well done to all our winners, and many thanks to everyone who participated during the week, and also to the visitors who continue to support our club, with a special shout out to all of our event sponsors.
Dates for your calendar
Joyce Thorn Memorial Pairs – 12th and 13th September, it’s not too late, get your entries in to Rhonda Gallagher on 0448 400 051.
Weekend Pennant practice match at Cohuna Golf scheduled for September 20.
Names on list in clubhouse asap.
Event sheet is up for all club games in the clubhouse.
Please register your interest.
Another great turnout for our friendly Friday night social gathering at the club.
The member draw was again unclaimed as Neil Orchard was not in the house.
It has now jackpotted to $180.00 this Friday, September 13.
There were no winners in Mini Bingo, so this week’s jackpot is $1394, get those bingo entries in.
See you this Friday — friends and visitors are always most welcome.
Rochester Bowls Club
Friday afternoon bowls
Our Friday afternoon bowls took on a different format on Friday, September 4.
40 bowlers enjoyed playing one game of 10 ends with a drawn pair.
The game was played in a very social and enjoyable atmosphere.
Two pairs came away with the highest margin of 10 shots up.
Overall winners were Leigh Milgate and Glenda Bancell, who won the most ends.
Alan Williams and Bert Smolenaars came in second.
Congratulations to both pairs on some wonderful bowling.
This is the culmination of Friday afternoon bowls – many thanks to the four organisers who always had the popular event well organised for members each Friday: Dave Murray, Alan Williams, Kaye Barker and Janis Tamburini.
Friday social/jackpot bowls
Friday social/jackpot bowls is set to commence on Friday, September 11.
Each Friday, this event will be organised by the ladies match committee consisting of Joan Limbrick, Kathy Williams, Bev Hetherington, Glenda Bancell and Roz Keech.
Bowlers wishing to play are reminded to ring the club from 8.45 – 9.15am to enter their name.
Play will commence at 10am, with entrants asked to be in attendance by 9.45am, ready for announcements and instructions.
A $10 entry fee covers both play and the jackpot draw.
Indoor bowls
Indoor bowls for the season has concluded.
Last Monday, August 31 was the last session.
Winners, with a win in both their games, were Joan Limbrick, Greg Machar, David Burdett, and Betty Gusak – congratulations.
The evening concluded with a little extra frivolity, with members bringing a plate to share over some socialising.
Once again, thanks to Judy Murray for her unwavering support of the club, as she organised indoor bowls each Monday evening.
Pennant training
Training for all pennant players has begun for the season, each Thursday at 10am.
If you plan to play pennant, you are encouraged to attend.
If you are unable to attend the morning session, some bowlers have chosen to train on Thursdays at 5.30pm.
Coaching
Marg Knight is offering coaching for new bowlers each Thursday at 10am.
If you know someone that might benefit from some coaching, please encourage them to contact Marg on 0407 093 848.
Season opening and footy tipping presentation night
The opening of the 2026-27 season kicked off with 40 bowlers playing a game of 10 ends, with a drawn partner.
At the conclusion of play, our two current club champions, Jane McCallum and Rob Clayton, each rolled the first official bowl of the season.
The presentation of footy tipping competition winners then took place in the club rooms, which was packed with members and friends.
Organisers of the tipping competition, Kaye Barker and Jane McCallum, announced the winners: 1st – Sue McGill, 2nd – Alan Williams, 3rd – Ryan Williams, and winning the wooden spoon for the second successive year – Mal MacRaild.
Well done to everyone who entered the competition and especially to the winners.
Many thanks to Kaye and Jane for running the very popular and successful competition, and to those who organised the refreshments and raffle.
The fact that the event was very well attended and had an air of excitement and joy is an indication that the club is in good stead for a fantastic season.
60 and over
The 60 and over competition began last Wednesday at Elmore.
This coming Wednesday, September 9, the action is at Echuca Bowls Club – 11am start.
Dave Murray reported that all rinks were full at Elmore, with play on well-prepared greens and in cool and cloudy conditions.
In second position with three wins was Noel West’s team from Tongala, and the winners were Geoff Crilly’s team from Stanhope.
Skippers are reminded to enter their teams to Phil Mace on 0428 290 351 or Alan Gerrish on 0427 461 448 by 6pm on Sunday.
Anyone who would like a game but is not currently in a team is invited to contact our delegates – Francis Keech on 0477 949 700 or Dave Murray on 0477 520 385.
Pennant practice match
On Saturday, September 19, there will be a pennant practice match against White Hills Bowls Club at Rochester.
The day will commence with a BBQ lunch at 12pm.
Cost of entry is $10 and pennant uniform is required.
Please enter your name on the sheet in the foyer.
Pennant
The Campaspe region weekend pennant competition commences on Saturday, October 3 and the midweek pennant competition on Tuesday, October 6.
There is an ‘unavailable to play’ list for both competitions in the foyer.
If you are unable to play on any particular date, please enter your name on the applicable date.
Bar duty
Monday – Thursday 5 – 6.30pm
7 – 10 September - K. Barker and G. Chambers.
14 – 17 - A. Williams and D. Hocking.
21 – 24 - P. Stack and G. Willis.
28 – 1 October - R. Dennis and Octavia.
Lockington Bowls Club
Only the one game of scrounge this week due to the 60 and over competition beginning their new season at Elmore Bowling Club on Wednesday.
The opening day was well-attended by most clubs in the district.
Unfortunately the local Lockington bowlers won the odd two games on the day but failed to flatter in the ‘chook’ prizes. Early days.
On Saturday, members and visitors arrived to play the popular game of scrounge, with four rinks in operation and pleasant conditions after the morning showers. The greens are rolling well.
On the T.V. rink, Jim Harris starred after a brilliant display of bowling to amass a winning total of 55 points.
Next best was the evergreen Ray Hanson, 47 points, and Graeme Wood, a patient 38 points.
Next door, Pos Andrea scored heavily to total a vibrant 62 points to take the chocolates ahead of Terrill Westwood, 49, and Natalie McLaughlin, a solid 29 points.
The cream rose to the top in an earnest battle on rink three, as Rod Fiedler continued his rise to fame, scoring 41 points to narrowly defeat Ashley Dobell, 39, with John Andrea not far away on 34 points. Anthony Westwood was 26 not out.
The final rink belonged to Steve Peter, as he was in absolute form in scoring a neat 50 points to head Owen McPhee, 35 points, followed by Peter "Eggsy" Egan, 33, and new member Geoff Pilgrim, 19. Welcome aboard Geoff.
With the pennant season fast approaching, members are requested to make sure all pennant clothing is up to date and bowls are rolling well.
The first round of weekend pennant is scheduled to begin on Saturday, October 3, while the midweek pennant is to start on Tuesday, October 6.
The club will hold the opening day for the season next Sunday, September 13. Check for the format.
On Sunday, September 20, the club will travel to Gunbower Bowling Club for a practice match against Gunbower.
The list to play is on display in the clubrooms and has attracted quite a few names.
The club has also been invited to a practice match against Kerang on Friday, September 25 (grand final eve). Names to be listed.
60 and Over
The Campaspe and District 60 and over bowls group held their day at Echuca on a cool south wind and cloudy day.
There were 28 teams of four competing for a chook.
That’s 112 players, approximately, as some teams had a player short.
There were two three-game winners in the blustery conditions.
Jerome Shaw’s team from Echuca of Ashley French lead, Jerome Shaw second, Tim Fraser third and skipper George Thornley came second with four shots near the jack.
The winners from Rich River were John Lanley’s team that consisted of George Clarence lead, John Armstrong second, Barry Brown third, and John Langley as their skipper, also with four shots.
They had a closer bowl near the jack.
Both teams won a chook each.
Next week is at Rochester on Wednesday, September 16 at 11am.
The contacts for next week are David Murray on 0477 520 385 or Francis Keech on 0477 949 700.
Good bowling to all.
Rochester Golf Club
Wednesday 9-hole social golf was played on the front nine, and with the course in excellent condition, above-average Stableford scores were expected.
Veteran Alec McQuibban showed all the younger ones how easy the game is by having a magnificent 26 points.
After a three-way countback, Kevin McCormack was runner-up with 24 points, ahead of president Lee Hicks and Chris Eeles.
Des Hocking, Robert Vise, Allan Campbell, and Peter Anderson all had 23 points, followed by Lockington’s Ray Brereton (22), Mike Austin (21), and Bruce Bryant, Steven Bubb, David Gebbie, and Les Hedington (19).
Chris Eeles was the closest to the short 12th hole.
Barbara McCarty had a good day last Friday, winning the Ladies Stableford event with 42 points and closest to the eighth and 16th scrapes.
Marg Knight was runner-up with 36 points, while Karen Niven won the nearest the pin for her shot to the fifth hole.
In very blustery westerly winds and occasional heavy squalls, and playing off the back blue markers, Saturday conditions were a far cry from earlier in the week, making good scoring difficult.
As was evident, no one broke their handicap. Brendan McCarty won with 36 points from the unlucky Steve Bubb.
Ball winners were Zac McInnes and Ap Kuiper (35 points), Lee Hicks (34), and Des Gallagher (33).
President Hicks was the only nearest-the-pin winner for his nice shot to the fifth hole.
Players are reminded to get their teams together for our very popular 4-Person Ambrose Charity Day, scheduled for Friday, September 25, with assembly from 10.30am.
Lockington Golf Club
September 3 – Challenge Bowl, Rochester
Congratulations to Angela Bacon (41), Jenny Holt (35), and Pauline Humbert (31), who combined very well to score 107 points and win the Challenge Bowl, the Ladies’ Teams Event played at Rochester against a number of teams from other clubs.
September 4 – Stableford
There was a good field of golfers enjoying the good weather.
Best on course and winner of the Lockington Foodworks Player of the Day voucher was Pauline Humbert (30), on a countback from Sally Edwards.
It was a tale of two nines for both players. Pauline scored a terrific 19 points on the first nine, and Sally had an even better 21 on that nine before their rounds went slightly pear-shaped.
There was also a nine holes event which was won by the in-form Angela Bacon with a great 20 points, just in front of Phyll Macfarlane, who played well to finish with 19 (despite failing to score on two holes).
September 5 – Stroke
Windy weather and showers made for extremely challenging conditions, but it was Steve Holt who mastered them best of all to finish with 84-12-72 and win the Privilege Cup, Monthly Medal, Division 1, and the Lockington Foodworks Player of the Day voucher.
Andy Freemantle took the honours in Division 2 with a solid 91-17-74.
Next best nett score on the day was Neil Maddison (89-14-75).
Best scratch scores: Division 1 – Grant Humbert (78); Division 2 – Andy Freemantle (91).
Nearest the pins: 17th – JD Wright (it was a ripper); 2nd shot on the 11th – Grant Humbert, Andy Freemantle; 2nd shot on the 18th for the six-pack smack – Jason Wakefield.
Spike’s Longest Drive on the 14th, sponsored by Hot ‘n’ Cold Plumbing – Jason Wakefield, Trav Mancer, and JD Wright.
Upcoming events
Friday, September 11 – Stableford.
Saturday, September 12 – Stableford.
Thursday, September 17 – Joy Bickford Rose Bowl Teams Event. Entries and enquiries to Pauline Humbert on 0409 038 554.
Friday, September 18 – 3-person ambrose, any combination. Enquiries to Darren Carnie on 0428 862 292.
Rich River Croquet Club
Golf Croquet - Thursday, September 3
Nine members played doubles croquet this morning.
Congratulations to the winner Doc Ryant, the only player to win all three games, scoring three games +7 hoops.
The runner-up was Kerri Ryant, scoring two games +3 hoops.
Russell Clarke was the only player to make two jump shots.
Kingball Croquet - Tuesday, September 8
Kingball croquet was the game played on this lovely spring morning, with 16 people enjoying the game.
Kingball is a combination of association and golf croquet, and is played individually in a group of four players.
Congratulations to the winner Carmel Rice and the runner-up Pat Rice, who both played well and were the only players to win all three games.
Carmel scored three games +16 hoops and Pat scored three games +15 hoops.
Hoops-in-one were made by Helen Smith and John Hill.
Pennant - GVCA Golf Croquet Spring Season 2026 - Thursday, September 3
Game two - Rich River Kangas (6/68) def Shepparton Kookaburras (6/64).
Kyabram Pigeon Club
Another double header of pigeon racing was held this weekend, with trainers heading to Mossgiel between Griffith and Broken Hill.
The club hosted a normal season race as well as a Breeder’s Plate.
In the traditional format, Kyabram’s Peter White took top spot, his birds averaging a velocity of 1115.35 metres per minute.
Second was Moama’s M and P Racing, logging 1101.97, while Ray and Roza Armstrong of Echuca closed out the podium with 1099.20 mpm.
In the Breeder’s plate, competitors were entitled to multiple entries each.
Well coordinated, Peter White’s groups swept the top four spots, each entry finishing within 11 seconds of each other.