Excitement builds ahead of new Lower Great Southern Bowling League 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.
New bowls, new players, new tube of Grippo, bowlers changing clubs, it’s time for a new bowls season.
As most clubs have held their opening days and selectors face the difficult task of selecting teams, bowlers, sponsors and supporters are eager for the Lower Great Southern Bowling League pennant season to start.
Ladies’ first division starts on Saturday as reigning pennant holders Emu Point Red begin their quest for back-to-back titles with a contest at home against the recently promoted Cranbrook.
This will be an extreme early test for the Cranbrook side as Emu Point will be strengthened with the addition of former Albany singles champion Anne Hunter.
The other matches see Albany Green host Mid Beach White, while Albany Gold will make the short trip to take on Mid Beach Green, as Denmark Aqua, at home, will prove an early season challenge for last season’s runners-up Mt Barker Golf.
Ladies’ second division has unfortunately seen Mt Barker have to withdraw their side for this season while Mt Barker Golf will host Denmark Orange.
The other match will be held at Mid Beach as Red take on Emu Point Blue, who were extremely unlucky to miss promotion last season only by percentage.
Emu Point Purple will have the bye.
The strong Emu Point Red side will start their quest for a three-peat as favourites in men’s first division.
They will begin their pennant defence on Saturday, October 29 with an away clash against Mid Beach Green.
These games have proven to be close over the past few seasons as Green somehow always provide a challenge for Red, who will welcome country all star Paul Garbellini from Mt Barker Golf.
Albany Gold & Green will both play home games against Denmark and the newly promoted Mt Barker, who will be looking to consolidate their position in the top division.
The final game for the round will be the first derby as Mid Beach Gold take on Mid Beach Black.
Mid Beach Gold will welcome former State over-60s rep and Manning premier league player Fred Holt to their ranks.
Albany Brown will be against Mt Barker Golf White as Mt Barker Golf Red will play Albany Grey in the opening round of an extremely competitive men’s second division.
Emu Point Purple will host the newly promoted Mt Barker whilst Walpole will battle at home against Cranbrook.
Men’s third division begin a week earlier as Albany White welcome Mt Barker Golf Blue. The two Emu Point sides, Black & White will start with a derby, as will Mid Beach Lime and the team demoted from second division Mid Beach White.
Reigning pennant holders Green Range will begin with a bye as will Frankland & Denmark.
Meanwhile, Middleton Beach men’s recently held their 100 up singles championship with Keith Manton beating Geoff Pages in the final as Kevin Macgregor defeated Bill Collins in the plate.
Albany ladies 100 up was won by Mavis Devine who defeated Lisa Deworbies in the final as Necia Jone beat Leanne Hitchcock in the plate final.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails