Big final round to come in Lower Great Southern Bowling League’s men’s pennant season

Passionate Albany bowler TIM SCOTT is writing a fortnightly column for The Extra, keeping our readers up to date with the local bowls scene.

Lower Great Southern Bowling League reigning men’s first division pennant holders Emu Point Red kept the pressure on ladder leaders Albany Gold in round 13.

They recorded a strong 5 (79) to 1 (49) victory over Denmark and are now four points behind with one round remaining.

Albany Gold, were also impressive as they recorded an away win against Middleton Beach Black 6 (78) to 0 (31).

They will now host Emu Point in the standout match of the final round to decide who will host the finals.

Denmark are clinging to fourth position as rivals for the last spot in the finals Middleton Beach Green were upset by bottom-placed Albany Green, who recorded a 5 (60) to 1 (43) win.

This leaves Middleton Beach Black only 2.5 points ahead in the battle to avoid demotion.

Middleton Beach Gold easily accounted for Mt Barker 6 (77) to 0 (40) to remain in third position.

In the final round, Albany Gold will play Emu Point Red, Middleton Beach Gold clash with Albany Green, Middleton Beach Green face off against Middleton Beach Black, and Denmark tackle Mt Barker.

In the men’s second division ladder-leaders Emu Point Purple suffered their first defeat of the season with a 4.5 (66) to 1.5 (60) upset loss to fourth-placed Mt Barker Golf White as second-placed Albany Brown were impressive and far too strong at home for Mt Barker Golf Red 6 (70) to 0 (44).

Bottom-placed Mt Barker shook off the disappointment of their impending demotion to fight out a thrilling draw with Walpole 3.5 (52) to 2.5 (52), while Albany Grey accounted for the travelling Cranbrook 5 (65) to 1 (59).

In round 14, Emu Point Purple meet Albany Brown, Mt Barker Golf Red play Mt Barker, Walpole face off against Albany Grey, and Cranbrook clash with Mt Barker Golf White.

In the men’s third division Emu Point White confirmed their promotion for next season with a commanding performance against Albany White 6 (73) to 0 (44) to ensure they will finish the home-and- away season atop the ladder.

The second-placed Middleton Beach White travelled to Mt Barker to take on Mt Barker Golf Blue and won 5 (71) to 1 (53), while Denmark were far too good for Emu Point Black 5 (76) to 1 (47).

Green Range hosted Frankland and came away with a strong 6 (73) to 0 (42) to be just 1.5 points outside the four heading into the final round.

In the final round Middleton Beach White do battle with Albany White, Mt Barker Golf Blue play Frankland, Green Range are up against Denmark, and Middleton Beach Lime take on Emu Point White.

The final round in all divisions will be keenly watched and contested in the lead-up to what promises to be an exciting final series.

The annual AFRGI men’s country week tournament has concluded, as Wagin’s Warren Holt capped off a stellar month.

Holt recently claimed the State pairs and has now added the country week men’s single title to his impressive bowls resume with victory over Ongerup’s Maurice O’Neill in the final. Former Middleton Beach multiple pennant winner Dominic Milbourne teamed with Pinjarra clubmate Brad Ball to claim the pairs title.

Albany’s Jon Davidson and Craig Hitchcock also had a successful week, making the semifinals of the pairs, as the Emu Point quartet of Alan Spence, Kelvin Crosby, Andy McFarlane and John Stone also made the semifinals of the fours.

Club championship results

Middleton Beach Ladies Championship Singles

Winner: Beryl Cooper, runner-up: Elaine Cooper