Plenty of action in Lower Great Southern Bowling League in final round of fixtures before Christmas break

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

Upsets, ladder leaders beaten, travelling teams winning and favourites losing led to an eventful weekend action in the Lower Great Southern Bowling League in the lead-up to the final round of fixtures before the Christmas break.

In round eight of ladies’ first division pennants, both Emu Point and Mt Barker Golf travelled to Denmark to face Aqua and Orange.

Both games were close margins as Aqua beat Emu Point 3 (44) to 1 (42) while Orange won 3 (42) to 1 (41) in a thriller.

As a result, Emu Point hold a half-point lead over Golf at the top of the ladder.

Middleton Beach White easily accounted for Middleton Beach Green in the derby, 4 (59) to 0 (26).

Albany Gold prevailed in another close derby contest over Albany Green 3 (36) to 1 (34).

In the ladies’ second division, Cranbrook gained maximum points and maintained their lead at the top of the ladder with a walkover against Albany White.

Middleton Beach Red had an impressive away win at Emu Point against Blue 4 (47) to 0 (28), as Mt Barker Bowls were beaten at home by the visitors Emu Point Purple 3 (36) to 1 (32).

In round seven of the men’s first division, both Albany Gold and Emu Point suffered losses.

Mt Barker Golf proved too strong, on their new green, as they easily accounted for Albany Gold 6 (60) to 0 (42), to hand the visitors their first loss of the season.

With some wide margins on the three rinks, (24-12, 12-24 & 29-11) Middleton Beach Green upset the highly fancied Emu Point Red 5 (65) to 1 (47).

Middleton Beach Gold travelled to Denmark and came away with a valuable and convincing win 5 (72) to 1 (46).

In the battle of the cellar-dwellers Albany Green lost to Middleton Beach Black at home 4 (70) to 2 (62).

All teams have now played each other once at the halfway stage of the season.

In the men’s second division, Mt Barker maintained their unbeaten streak with a massive home win against Middleton Beach White 6 (88) to 0(44).

Emu Point Purple also had a strong home win over Albany Grey 6 (68) to 0 (37) as Albany Brown easily accounted for Mt Barker Golf White 6 (68) to 0 (46).

The closest game of the round was Cranbrook hosting Walpole and come away with a narrow victory 4 (57) to 2 (54).

The men’s third division was highlighted by a one-shot win from Denmark as they travelled to meet Emu Point Black and came away with a win 5 (56) to 1 (55).

Green Range continued their recent good form with a strong 5 (65) to 1 (55) home win over Middleton Beach Lime.

Emu Point White had a huge win against Frankland 6 (79) to 0 (38). Mt Barker also had a big win over a tenacious Albany White 5 (74) to 1 (46).

After a prolonged wait and with some wonderful work from members, Middleton Beach are proud to announce the replacement of two of their greens.

This will be welcomed not only by locals but also visiting bowlers.

Middleton Beach will get a good run of home games after the new year with most games, so far having to be switched and forcing them to play a raft of away games while these improvements went ahead.

This could prove to be very advantageous for the beach-siders.

The 8 Badge with Cranbrook’s Neva Morgan

1. Where were you born? Armadale WA.

2. Sports/interests growing up? Hockey and tennis.

3. How/who got you into bowls? I graduated from tennis to bowls after I contracted Ross River Virus. Bowls was a lot easier.

4. Favourite format? Pennants.

6. Most cherished moment on greens? Winning my first league singles in 2001.

7. Best bowler ever seen/played against? Keith Doncon & Bill Gallaway from Scotland.

8. Why would you recommend bowls as a sport to play? It’s a great sport that allows you to play with family, children or grandchildren.