Top five teams in men’s first division separated by only four points

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

Logjams at the top of the ladder, more upsets and teams affected by COVID-19 means the festive season break will be welcomed by players and supporters of the Lower Great Southern Bowling League.

In ladies first division there was a forfeit by Albany Green to award Mt Barker Golf the win as Emu Point Red consolidated second position on the ladder with a resounding 4 (51) to 0 (35) win over Middleton Beach White.

Denmark Aqua had a massive home win over Albany Gold 4 (56) to 0 (17) while Middleton Beach Green easily accounted for a struggling Cranbrook side 4 (60) to 0 (27).

Cranbrook will need a remarkable turnaround in their form if they are to avoid relegation this season.

In ladies second division action, Denmark Orange thumped Emu Point Blue 4 (61) to 0 (26), as ladder leaders Emu Point Purple were made to work for the points before overcoming Mt Barker Golf 3 (45) to 1 (38).

The top five sides in men’s first division are separated by only four points as Middleton Beach Gold go into the break on top after a valuable derby win over local rivals Middleton Beach Black 5 (58) to 1 (51).

Emu Point Red were beaten for the second time this season by Mid Beach Green in a thriller 4.5 (50) to 1.5 (49).

Albany Gold showed resolve and a return to form, to get the maximum points with a valuable away win over Denmark 6 (62) to 0 (47) as Mt Barker added to Albany Green’s woes to win 6 (63) to 0 (41).

Emu Point Purple continued their winning ways in men’s second division with an away triumph over Mt Barker 5 (58) to 1 (43) while Albany Brown kept pace with them after winning 5 (69) to 1 (56) against Mt Barker Golf White.

Mt Barker Golf Red travelled to Albany to meet Grey and came away with the victory 5 (81) to 1 (50) as Cranbrook overcame the challenge from Walpole to win 5.5 (71) to 0.5 (55).

In men’s third division, Frankland recorded a strong win at home over Albany White 6 (67) to 0 (59) as Middleton Beach White had the biggest win of the season over Emu Point Black 6 (93) to 0 (37).

Middleton Beach Lime proved too strong at home to beat Mt Barker Golf Blue 6 (66) to 0 (46) while reigning pennant holders Green Range were beaten by ladder leaders Emu Point White 5(64) to 1(53).

The LGSBL men’s Inter League Round Robin side has been selected to compete in the annual inter league challenge at Katanning on January 6-8.

Teams: Jim Robertson (skip), Keith Manton, Andy McFarlane and Dean Offer; Jon Davidson (skip), Paul Garbellini, Graham Bain and Kelvin Crosby; Clive Bahr (skip), Alan Spence, Richard Plant and Barry Holt; Kevin McGregor (skip), Doug Wright, Lindsay McGill and Craig Hitchcock.

LADDERS

Ladies 1st Division Round 9: Emu Point Red 24.5, Mt Barker Golf 23, Denmark Aqua 20.5, Middleton Beach Green 17, Albany Gold 17, Middleton Beach White 17, Albany Green 13, Cranbrook 4.

Ladies 2nd Division Round 9: Emu Point Purple 20, Denmark Orange 17, Middleton Beach Red 16, Emu Point Blue 9, Mt Barker Golf 6.

Men’s 1st Division Round 8: Middleton Beach Gold 30, Emu Point Red 27, Albany Gold 27, Middleton Beach Black 26.5, Mt Barker 26, Middleton Beach Green 21.5, Denmark 20, Albany Green 14.

Men’s 2nd Division Round 8: Emu Point Purple 42.5, Albany Brown 33, Mt Barker Golf Red 32, Mt Barker Golf White 25.5, Albany Grey 19.5, Walpole 17, Cranbrook 14.5, Mt Barker 2.

Men’s 3rd Division Round 9: Emu Point White 41, Middleton Beach White 37, Denmark 31, Albany White 23, Middleton Beach Lime 19.5, Frankland 17.5, Green Range 17.5, Mt Barker Golf Blue 13.