THE RSL Memorial Bowling Club’s Ladies Singles Championship not only produced an intriguing game between Kim Overall and Robyn McCabe but also produced a result that was one for the record books.

Overall has now won the Ladies Singles Championship for four consecutive years, an achievement that has not been reached in the ladies’ division before at our club.

Prior to this, Myra Proudfoot, one of PRSLM’s champion bowlers in the past, had slotted in three consecutive wins.

The win gives Overall a total of 11 Champion wins during her career – two shy of Myra Proudfoot’s 13.

The challenge is there for Overall to continue on her road for championship success in the future, with the most consecutive championships won in the men’s division being five by George McCombe (who also won 13 overall).

The club passes on its heartfelt congratulations to her.

The final result of the championship game was 25 to Overall and 18 to McCabe.

It must be mentioned at this point that McCabe certainly made Overall work for the win.

Overall flew out of the blocks and left McCabe wondering when she would get a score on the board.

Once nerves settled, McCabe broke through on the fifth end scoring a multiple with all four bowls, however, Overall stepped up the pace and put the pressure back on.

At the end of the tenth end scores were Overall’s way 20 to 7.

McCabe steadied again and gradually and persistently added to her score, whilst Overall was having trouble gaining the remaining five shots needed, as she was languishing on 24 for five ends.

The game finally concluded with the scores 25 to 18. Great effort to both competitors in producing a final that kept the spectators enthralled.

Weekend Pennant

The final round prior to Christmas saw two wins and a draw marked on the board.

Division one vs Balmoral

This match was a great tussle with two rinks of the three going PRSLM’s way on the opposition’s green, and the final result was an evens of odd numbers, 53-all.

Ken Evans and his rink worked hard to take the win against his opponent, but final results written on the score card were 21 to 14 Balmoral’s way.

The other two rinks covered the disparity with Greg Hoggan piling on a score of 18 to 15, and Des Pitts leading his team to a four-point win 21 to 17.

The ladder at the Christmas break reads as follows: Hamilton, Portland, Balmoral, PRSLM, Heywood, Grangeburn, Penshurst and Casterton.

Division two vs Macarthur

The twos came away with the overall win also in a close match up. Final scores were PRSLM 60 to Macarthur 57.

Leonie Buchanan’s rink had a comfortable win, scores reading 23 to 12.

Peter Fasoli’s contingent racked up a score of 24 to 20.

Meanwhile Gerry Watt and his team had a loss 25 to 13.

The ladder reads as follows: Hamilton Gold, Portland Gold, Portland Blue, PRSLM, Macarthur and Hamilton Green.

Division three vs Grangeburn

PRSLM’s division three side won all three rinks and dominated proceedings winning 72 shots to Grangeburn 46.

Tink Imbi was involved in a close finish finally taking the points with a score of 18 to 16.

Terry Stanley took on his skippering role leading his team to a definitive win, scoring 33 to 19.

David Garnier and team also stamped their authority on the green taking the win 21 to 11.

The ladder reads Hamilton, Coleraine, Grangeburn and PRSLM.

Please note that Weekend Pennant now takes on a Christmas Break and will resume on Saturday June 21.

Other news

Thursday last week saw the bowling club greet 60 students and their staff from Portland South Primary School.

After a general initiation of bowling skills and delivery the students took part in an eight station Tabloid sports, each activity requiring different skills and application.

The students rotated through each of the stations with much cheering, fun and exhilaration all encouraging and acknowledging achievements.

It was interesting to note the improvement of skills over the duration of the event.

It was a great two-hour session and we look forward to further primary school connections in the future.

Sunday saw the Christmas Ham’s Day taking place.

It was great to see many of our members out on the green.

Congratulations to the winners on the day Kelly Mena-Banks, Chris Fleming and Marion Husson.

Runners-up were Gerry Watt, John Maher and Norm Campbell. Well played everyone.

Up and coming events

Social Bowls continues to be on the events calendar every Wednesday and Saturday. Starting time is 1pm and names must be into Graham and Norm by 12.30pm. The contact phone number is 5523 7155. These days are not just for current bowlers, with new and visiting folks more than welcome. All are welcome and warmly greeted, bowls are also available at the club for use at no charge.

Monday evenings are put aside for coaching and is held between 5-6pm. This is provided free of charge and all equipment is provided.

Currently Twilight Barefoot Bowls is on hold. Stay tuned for resumption dates and times.   

Saturday January 8: Men’s Singles Championship. Names to be registered by January 5.

Sunday January 9: Men’s Singles Championship Final.

Saturday January 14: Men’s Fours Championship Day one. Names in by January 12.

Sunday January 15: Men’s Fours Championship Final.

Wednesday January 25: Englezos Day. Afternoon tea provided.

Thursday January 26: Ladies Drawn Fours. Entries close January 23.