Whilst the Saturday Pennant bowls season is still five weeks away, bowling clubs are gearing up for the new season with pennant practice, and pre-season practice games.
Cardinia Waters started their pre-season last Saturday with a game against Kooweerup at home. Resplendent in their new uniform complete with the blackfish motif, Kooweerup were no match for the village bowlers losing on all three rinks.
Bright sunshine greeted the players, but the strong nor westerly breeze across the village bowling green made winning shots difficult to find for both teams.
Utilising their fast running green, Cardinia Waters opened up a handy lead in the early part of the game, and even though the visitors staged a mid-game comeback, the home side won easily.
Ray Naylor skipped the best winning rink, winning by sixteen shots. Ray played with his wife Jill, Robert Mitchell and Jim Barrie and their final score was 27-11.
Mercurial bowler John Van Vugt fronted for another bowls season, and skipped another winning rink. He was supported by Del Dance, Len Judge and new bowler Cathy Swinkels.
Their final score was 23-14.
Bill Hite’s rink rounded off the winning afternoon with a 19-14 victory, although they made hard work of it; losing on ends, they had more multiples than the visitors, and hung on to outlast their Kooweerup opponents.
The balance of Cardinia Waters bowlers played an inter club practice game, and John Moore’s rink was the winner against John Carr’s rink.
Upcoming dates for Cardinia Waters bowlers include another practice game this Tuesday against Garfield at home, and a skills day next Saturday also at home.
Saturday 7 October has been set aside for season opening day, and names are needed on the slope under the notice board.
On Tuesday 26 September, a midweek practice game has been arranged against Narre Warren on their covered green at Fountain Gate.
Saturday 14 October sees the final practice game against Lang Lang.
Bowlers are reminded that Pennant practice is conducted on Thursday afternoons starting at 4:00pm.
Bowls Victoria released the draw for season 2023-24 this week. Cardinia Waters entered one Saturday division four side, and two midweek sides in divisions three and five.
They are fortunate to be playing against clubs in an area close by.
A new addition to its sections for this season is Mt Waverley, who will play against the village in midweek division five.
By John Moore.
