I was a little premature with the announcement that the North rink was back in play last Wednesday 20th January.  Apparently the contractor had advised that it not open until work completed so there were 17 bowlers who played on the back green.  As you would expect it was slow and narrow but at least the bowlers got out into the open and stretched their muscles after the Christmas break.  The North green was available for social bowls on Saturday, though most Club bowlers were at Picton, and will be available for social on Wednesday 27th January.

As mentioned a trial Pennant game was organized for Saturday 23rd January with all three Bowral teams taking on their counterparts at Picton. Unfortunately this day coincided with the latest heatwave and conditions were sweltering.  Grade 2 and 6 braved it out and played the full 21 ends while grade 7 pulled the plug after 15 ends.  Score wise the honours were with Picton.  They won two of the three grades and should you wish to count the big big board won 166 shots to 154.  Bowral won the Grade 2 match 2 sets to 1.  Mick Armstrong and team won 25-18, Josh Woodcock also won 21-18 and Mick Spong  lost 15-18.  The Bowral Grade 6 lost two rinks and tied the third which is the same result as the grade 7 teams lost to Picton.  Both Nathan Boyers and David Coltman lost narrowly with the same score of 20-21.  Games were a little different with David being behind all game but catching up fast at the end while Nathan had a comfortable lead and saw it dwindle away.  The Staples team lead for most of the game, were overtaken late in the game but came back to squeeze out a draw.  Grade 7 were short a player which does not help and results were a 15 all tie to Bob Edwards and a loss for Clive Neutze 11-13 and also to Don Chapman 4-22. Despite the heat a good practice game .  For those who like statistics all of Picton Grade 2 sides were on 18 shots and all of Bowral Grade 6 teams were on 20 shots.  So normal social bowls on Wednesday and on Saturday a mixed side of Grade 2 and 6 will travel to Asquith for another trial game (team shown below for information).  Note also Minor Singles entries are on the board as is the Bernie Michael Trophy entries form for which you will require a team of four players.