CARDINIA WATERS BOWLS
A lovely sunny day greeted the Cardinia Waters bowlers as they celebrated season opening day at their retirement village in Pakenham.
Club President Michele Bondfield was at the helm, and conducted the opening ceremony with aplomb, even adding her own rendition of ‘Advance Australia Fair’.
A part of the ceremony held every year is the minutes silence for bowlers who have died.
It was a poignant moment with Michele announcing that club stalwart Bryan Stevens had passed away on the previous day.
Bryan was a past Club President and a stellar bowler for Cardinia Waters and Berwick.
Such was his love of bowls that he had added his name to the Pennant list for the upcoming season. His wife Marion is also a loved and respected bowler at Cardinia Waters and is currently a club selector.
Another tradition is the rolling of the first jack and bowl.
These were aptly handled by reigning club champions Ray Naylor and Marie Stephenson.
Forty bowlers then took to the green for a game of fours, with a lot of laughs and the usual good-natured banter.
When the bell rang all the bowlers and supporters adjourned to the club house for some hospitality and a scrumptious afternoon tea, prepared by the club and volunteers.
Also attending were representatives of Centennial Living, who spoke to the group and mingled with the guests.
The club’s committee and selectors have recently made a brave decision to add a second Saturday side to the Metropolitan competition.
Last year they fielded one side of 16 players in division four.
This year a twelve-a-side team has also been added in division eight.
Several new players have arrived in the village, as well as players returning after illness, and six obtaining clearances from other clubs.
The weekend season starts on Saturday 19 October, and the mid-week season commenced four days later.
On Saturday, the club hosted players from Lang Lang for their annual Pennant practice match with 20 players travelling up for the game.
The game started early so the players wouldn’t miss the AFL Grand Final in the afternoon.
In beautiful sunshine the two teams played until 1pm, then everyone headed home to watch the footy.
The bowls were closer than the game at MCG, with the result close enough to call it a draw.
Cardinia Waters now have practice matches against Pakenham and Kooweerup to wrap up its pre-season.
-John Moore-
