Three wins, two make finals

Graham Nisbet, Chris Taylor, Peter Chadderton and Mark Quor (s) were in a tight contest early, but assumed control late to run out winners, 24 shots to 12.

Similarly, Carly Crothers, John Flisher, Steve O’Brien and Jamie Shields (s) saved their best work till late before recording a 21-16 victory.

The final combination of Rob Morris, Dallas Kitchin, Bryan Kemnitz and Shane Laing (s) was seemingly in control when leading 19-14 after 15 ends, but was outplayed late to go down narrowly, 20 shots to 22.

The 65-50 result was a great reward for a Deniliquin side which had to win to stay alive for finals.

Division 2 found themselves in similar territory needing to win against Rich River, who were above them on the ladder.

It came down to the last bowl of the match to decide a one shot victory, and keep them in contention.

Andrew Holloway, Terry Taylor, Steve King and Paul Snare (s) were right in it throughout until they dropped a five on end 18, and eventually were defeated 14 shots to 21.

In a similar story, Glenn Thomson called the shots for Mark Tasker, Jill Grimshaw and David Hessel to lead for most of their contest, before conceding six shots on the final three ends before succumbing by a solitary shot, 15 shots to 16.

Stuart Treble’s rink including Terry Boyer, Joanne Bovell and Craig Hillier led for most of their match, and a five on the third last end certainly helped.

They still needed to win the final end however for the overall victory, and skipper Treble stood up with the final bowl of the match to secure the win, 53 shots to 52.

This side plays second placed Echuca next week, so if you keep on winning, you make the finals.

Division 3 went to Mathoura for an early 10am start, and despite not being able to feature in finals, came home with a very solid 75-43 victory.

Tony King, Craig Murray, Mike Donohue and Keith Hay (s) found themselves down by four shots late in the contest, but a six not long thereafter helped to propel them to a 23-21 win.

Lee Pattinson’s side, with the evergreen contingent of Lloyd Ritchie, Col Knuckey and Tom Todd, took control early and never looked back in cruising to a comfortable victory, 24 shots to 14.

The team of Tony Danckert, John Murray, Ken Salter and Mark Law (s) was even more convincing in powering to a 28-8 victory, after leading 14-1 after nine ends.

•••

The Deniliquin Bowling Club sent three teams to the Bannockburn Annual Fours tournament last week, to continue the reciprocal support for that club which has been bringing sides to Deniliquin for more than a decade.

Despite an early hiccup, when the absent-minded driver of the bus (that’s me) drove off leaving the club president’s bowls bag on the ground in the car park, a great time was had by all.

The hospitality of the Bannockburn hosts was second to none.

While Steve O’Brien (s), Ken Salter, Steve King and Tony Danckert couldn’t replicate their form from last year when they finished runners-up, they still played quality bowls.

Tony Tonta (s), Tom Todd, Wayne Bradley and Mark Law also had their moments, as did Bryan Kemnitz’s crew including Kevin Keane, John (is the bar open yet?) Croker and Mick Atley.

The club is looking forward to repaying the hospitality when the Bannockburn boys and girls return in August.

•••

The Clear Lifestyle Support Jackpot Bowls at the Deniliquin Bowling Club last week attracted a big field of 30 participants.

There were three two-game winners with Tyler Howarth, Mike Donohue and Hayley Jose claiming bragging rights by a solitary shot over Louise Bashford, Lyn Hardcastle and Carly Crothers.

It was then that Jack Allsopp - the main man behind the Allsopp Social Bowls Cohort - had his opportunity at the $1900 jackpot.

Unfortunately his shot at the joker was similar to his bowls in that he failed miserably, leaving $1950 in the offing after play tomorrow.

Those intending to play are encouraged to ring the club on 5881 1348 prior to 5pm to register.

Play is to start at 6pm.

~ contributed by Rob Daly