I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year.  With the completion of the festive season bowlers hopefully are charged up and ready for a new year of bowls.  Initial numbers have been somewhat low and most probably due to the continuing uncertainty with the Covid 19 epidemic.  With mixed messages from our Governments and a virtual removal of all restrictions it is not surprising that some bowlers are reluctant to expose themselves to possible infection.  A significant additional factor has been the lack of summer weather replaced by almost constant grey skies and frequent precipitation dropping from these offending clouds.  It is not a surprise either that we are lacking a dynamic start to the new bowls season.  Uncertainty from the Bowls NSW who have decided to realign the calendar with the financial year and what looks like a backing away from gender integration has resulted in uncertainty.  Add the fact that the Club was waiting on the return of the Bowls Coordinator to get the season started only to find that this position was suddenly vacant has meant a slow start.

The first event of the year is however approaching rapidly and it would be terrific to see a great entry.   The Chris Benton Memorial Trophy will be played on Saturday 5th February 2022.  The notice of event and copy of entry form is shown below.  Unfortunately the information it contains is minimal.  I will attempt to fill in the gaps with details obtained from Glen Giese who is our current organizer.  The notice gives start of play time as 9am but this may in fact be a 1pm start, so keep your eyes peeled.  Entries will probably close at 5pm on Wednesday 2nd February.  Trophy is for male bowlers only at the request of the Chris Benton family.  Entry fee is $15 per person or $60 per team.  All entry fees will go towards charity.  The event will consist of two games of ten ends each.  Jack out of play will be replaced on the tee.  An even number of teams is required so do not be the last team to enter if there is an odd number.  Scoring is 2 points for a win, 1 for a draw and 0 for a loss.  In the event of a tied result last year the outcome was decided by a coin toss but Glen indicated this could be changed to a single end playoff.  Finally in the event of inclement weather 7 ends completed constitutes a game.  This has always been a great event so make an effort and get those teams entered.  It is also possible that there may be an event take place on Australia Day as well of or instead of social bowls so watch the notice board for more information.

Since Christmas Saturdays have been averaging about 12 bowlers and Wednesdays up to 30 bowlers but influenced by the weather.  Last Wednesday had 29 entries but the threatening rain reduced this to 20 bowlers.  Luckily as we have a synthetic green play was able to go ahead.  Keith Edwards and Barry Werfel had a comfortable 29-11 win over Graham Denman and Neville Tanner.   A similar score of 28-13 for Viv Gear and Chris Forrester over G Madden and  Andy Connor.   The two triples games were much closer Rick Reynolds, Brian Porter and Bob Edwards 19-16 winners over Richard Denman, Glen Giese and Peter Morales.  A two shot victory for Terry Norwood, Owen Williams and Gordon Lewis over Peter Cornwall, Arnold Fyczak and Robin Staples with the score 17-15.  The rain held off long enough for the pairs games to manage 18 ends and the triples games 20 ends.

Unfortunately during the evening Gordon Lewis suffered a medical incident and is currently in Bowral Private Hospital.  We send him our best wishes and hope for a speedy recovery.  Look forward to seeing you back on the greens very soon, Gordon.  Finally keep your eyes open for notices on the notice board and find yourself a team for the Chris Benton Trophy.