Mt Barker Golf, Emu Point in terrific tussle for top spot in ladies first division

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

As the Lower Great Southern Bowling League pennant season now takes a break for the festive season, we can see that the contenders have made their moves, favourites are looking over the shoulder and cellar dwellers are hoping for survival in the new year.

In the ladies’ first division reigning pennant holders Mt Barker Golf continue to have a wonderful tussle with Emu Point for the ladder lead, with three other teams contending for finals positions.

Cranbrook have opened up a handy lead in ladies’ second division while the two Emu Point sides are entrenched in the four.

Albany Gold are having a great first half of the season in men’s division one, losing just the one game, as Emu Point Red have made their move.

Middleton Beach are handling the challenge of three sides in first division.

Albany Green have the challenge ahead.

Favourites Mt Barker are confirming their status as they hold a comfortable lead in men’s second division while Walpole continue to punch above their weight and the two Albany sides make up the top four.

In men’s third division there is a big fight for title favourites as four sides are within four points from top spot, which is currently being shared by Mt Barker and Green Range.

Meanwhile, the LGSBL have selected a strong and experienced side for the annual men’s Inter League Round Robin carnival to be held at Kulin on January 7-9.

The teams are Jon Sharpe (skipper), Jim Robertson, Andy McFarlane and Doug Wright; Jon Davidson (skipper), Clive Bahr, Graham Bain and Dean Offer; Matt Mitchell (skipper), Paul Garbellini and Tony Wright; Kevin McGregor (skipper), Harvey Waddell, Fred Holt and Craig Hitchcock.

I wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and see you all on the greens next year.

Men’s ladders round 8

Division 1: Albany Gold 38.5, Emu Point Red 31, Middleton Beach Green 28, Middleton Beach Gold 27.5, Denmark 25.5, Mt Barker Golf 21.5, Middleton Beach Black 12, Albany Green 8.

Division 2: Mt Barker 43, Emu Point Purple 29, Walpole 26, Albany Brown 25, Albany Grey 24, Cranbrook 19, Mt Barker Golf White 16, Middleton Beach White 10.

Division 3: Mt Barker 29, Green Range 29, Emu Point Black 27.5, Denmark 25, Middleton Bch Lime 23.5, Mt Barker Golf Blue 21, Emu Point White 14.5, Albany White 13, Frankland 9.5.

Ladies’ ladders round 9

Division 1: Emu Point 29.5, Mt Barker Golf 28, Denmark Aqua 19.5, Middleton Beach White 18, Albany Green 18, Middleton Beach Green 16.5, Albany Gold 10, Denmark Orange 4.5.

Division 2: Cranbrook 26.5, Emu Point Blue 18.5, Emu Point Purple 18, Middleton Beach Red 16, Mt Barker Golf 10, Mt Barker 10, Albany White 9.