Sundy morning bowls and the sun came out – eventually!

THE Combo bowlers have ‘enjoyed’ a bit more than just the bowling. Shirley, Robert, Gordon Col, Doc, Allan, and perhaps Cheryl are all considered ‘Lucky’.

Many of them played in the annual and prestigious Harold Giddings Trophy bash between West Dubbo and Dubbo City Bowls Clubs at Sporties last Friday night.

On Sunday there were some rumblings from above and several players scooted off for wet weather gear. As often happens, the sun shone most brightly just as the last group walked off the greens.

Jack Larkins, new to Sundy bowls but well known as the man behind the bar, Steve Kelly and Debbie Hayden tackled Ron Mcauley, Shirley Marchant and Ruby Stockings.

14 ends only; seven each; 13 shots to 12. Four shots at end five 5 gave Deb’s team a small edge before Ruby’s side entered the contest and led 11-3 but with the game at nail-bite level, the teams called it at end 14, leaving Jack, Steve and Debbie one shot behind.

Julie Brown and Eric ‘Satch’ Satchell defeated Doc Livingston and Pete Ruzans 17-12 after both pairs had taken eight ends apiece. Pete “shoulda and coulda but didn’t”, not helping his teammate much!

“Coollliiin” Can anyone beat the Cottee man?

In Sunday’s game Col joined Al

Stratford against Helen Emblem and Chris Cristante while Leo Balstrad, ‘Mr Swinger Galore’ was given the opportunity to play with both teams. Helen and Chris led by a shot after 6 then Col and Al were catalysed by a four at seven, followed by three at nine and then six at 10 in a 27-7 masterclass.

Ron Mcauley, Dave Davis and Phil Knight planned on getting the flipboard turning over when they lined up against Sue O’dea, Beryl Scott and Pete Sinclair. Unfortunately dreams don’t always convert into reality and Phil’s mob could only watch as the ratchet kept flipping the cards for ‘the others’. 14 shots to four was the final wash-up.

Head-to-head, Kevin Scott v John Hayden, Paul Woodbridge v Pete Bennison and Sue Armstrong v Sue Mcauley were delicious in their construction. Kevin urged his mob to perform and in the early parts they did. Six shots to two after four should have instilled confidence but not sure if it was the moisture from above or the pressure applied by John and his companions? But a four at End Eight changed it all! “What is happening” was the question by the Kev mob, who were anchored on seven shots for a third of the game. Sue Mac’, Benni’ and ‘Haydos’ forged on for a comfortable win, 23 shots to 9.

Another game that probably did not go to plan for Chris Strojny, Frank Armstrong and Gordon Scott was played on rink 3.

Big John Kennedy, ‘go-girl’ Gaye Cottee and City ‘pres’ Ian Hobson were put together in opposition. The determination, the will-power and not to be forgotten, the ability to roll a ‘weapon’ 30 metres and have it stop close to the jack led to a scorecard that said it all. Scoring on 11 of the 16 ends by John and teammates Gaye and Ian is the consistency that many hope, ending in a comprehensive victory by 20 shots to 7.

z Winners – Leo Balstrad, Allan Stratford and (the gun) Col Cottee

z Runners up – Sue Mcauley, Pete Bennison and John Hayden

z One rester was recorded by... yep, Col Cottee.

z Lucky numbers – Chris Strojny, Ruby Stockings and Dave Davis.