Lawn Bowls
6 February, 2026
Early start for Golf bowlers
WARRACKNABEAL Golf Bowls Division One White defeated a competitive Hopetoun Bowls Club at the Golf Greens on Saturday morning, and with an early start, kept the game flowing before the advertised heat set in.
Starting at 9am, they had a short drinks break at 11am, before finishing off the round just after 1pm. A blessing it was because of the sticky heat that arrived around lunch time.
All three rinks had a win, but not before a couple of close calls towards the finish line with Hopetoun showing the golfers they were in for the fight.
Although with an early lead and seemingly in control, Roger Perris, Brian Gunn, Will Russ and Graham Clayton dropped a four on end 21, to find themselves one shot down with 4 ends to play, and again a shot down with two ends to play.
Golf steadied to score a three and a single over the last two ends to win the rink 23 shots to 20. As they only won 12 ends of 25, it was a good finish under the circumstances to collect the two points.
Golf selectors had changes to the sides when teams were picked, after a couple of late withdrawals, and with the ruling of six games to each player, it was then a decision to play two of our ladies, in the Division One Pennant.
Chris Gunn had her first Div One Golf White pennant side, leading for Mick Marchment, and although having a little trouble with the roll of kitty on a couple of occasions, acquitted herself well under the pressure, to show her future in bowls is promising.
This rink led all day, with Rocky Holland playing a second with his new side and played well with a damaged leg. Bruce Wilson always had at least one close bowl, all giving their skipper a chance to gain control. Golf won 15 ends of the contest to record a 25 to 19 shot win.
Shirley Liersch was the other inclusion into the Whites side as a leader for Warren Perris, and after a slow start her experience kicked in, having the kitty on a string to feature in the sides best. Russell Miller and Gary Bellis backed up the leader with Perris playing his usual reliable game, to record a nice win for the golfers at 24 shots to 12.
Seventeen ends won had Golf White in a nice position, as being the first to finish over the three rinks. Overall a 72 shot to 51 shot win to the locals leading up to the final round tomorrow.
Golf sit in second position on the ladder behind Warracknabeal, and cannot be displaced.
Golf Blue played Beulah at Beulah, and although a win by Judy Gove, Phil Gunn, Graeme Clarke and Graeme White over Ross Williams by 2 shots, they went down by 36 shots overall.
John Barbetti went close being just five shots down to Alan Edmonds, whilst Jim Gibson and his fellow bowlers suffered a big loss 41 shots to 8 by Peter Hallam and co.
Jim’s big team win last week shows bowls can be a leveller at any time. By the end of play Golf had a deficit 52 shots to 88.
It’s game on tomorrow with the Golf club rocking once again, as Golf White will show their bowling skills against teammates Golf Blue. Round seven saw the Whites with a 50 shot winning margin by the end of play, with the Blue’s hoping to turn that effort around to end the season on a winning note.
Selectors were keen to pick the best 24 players who are available to contest the final round. Shirley Liersch will play second to Mick Marchment after her effort last week, in leiu of Terry Sanders, with no other changes for the White’s. The Blue’s players are requested to bring a plate as it will be their home game.
Good luck to both teams, with a BBQ organised after the banter at the end of the day.
Golf had three represent the club in the last eight of the State Singles event last Sunday at Warracknabeal, with Warren Perris defeating Mick Marchment, and Barry Holland going down to Alan Edmonds. The final four had Warren Perris with a brilliant up shot to win by one shot on the last end and last bowl over an unlucky Alan Edmonds, and reach the final.
Josh Barry bowled extra well in the quarter final to defeat Graeme Shalders 25 shots to 9, with a big chance to finish the day off well.
Playing Warren Perris in the final, he gave his opposition no chance of victory with a demanding and emphatic bowls win, 25 shots to 2 shots against Golf’s highest bowler. His effort was the best seen from him in a while, with Warren trying to bring his skills into the game, but Josh had all the answers whether a draw or a drive.
It was an unexpected result in regards to the winning score, with the crowd hoping for a close game.
Well done Josh, and best of luck going forward.
Gaylene Clayton and Maree Walker played off in the novice bowls final on Sunday after winning their sections. Gaylene was successful over Maree in a close contest. Your first trophy Gaylene.
Frosty Gunn made it through to a final in the Men’s novice, however was beaten by Dave Mansfield from Minyip, also a close contest. Well done to all who represented the Club.
The Lex Davie Golf Bowls Clubs event will be on Sunday 15 March.
ATTENTION TRADE TRIPLES NEW START DATE.
Trade Triples official start date has been forwarded to Wednesday 18th February 7pm because of some teams unavailable until that date, a week later than expected, which will hopefully mean 14 teams to contest this popular event.
Teams and players will be advised over the next week as to the change. Any persons wanting information or want to play can still ring Mick Marchment on 0407 425 689 as soon as possible, at any time.
Sets of bowls are available to play with at the club, so get your names in to Mick if interested.
Good bowling and good luck.
Mick Em.