Sundee morning bowls – 12 months on new turf!

WHILE last week’s rain put paid to Social Sundy Bowls, it provided time to reflect on an historic 12 months in the life of the sport in Dubbo.

May 16, 2021 is etched in our memories. It was the final Sundy social at the now deserted Dubbo City Bowls complex in Victoria Park.

That day there were 42 bowlers who rolled up. Many were saddened by the closure of a facility that had the best grass greens in the region thanks to the almighty efforts of Clarkie and Gump. Thankfully they now preen the synthetic greens at Sporties, still using their expertise to present to all bowlers an excellent surface.

The Combo bowlers had to wait a couple of weeks to become familiar with a different surface. Most were impressed; most happy with the new although still sad to see the old become just a memory. As the weeks went by, bowlers began to relax into the new facility, feeling a comfort probably better than the old place, if truth be known.

Since June 6 the Combo has averaged 34 bowlers per week. One of the highlights is the after bowl gathering, or ‘voucher grab’ in Sporties. Shirley Marchant, who is under repair for a nasty back injury, is the best grabber.

So far this year, Shirl has claimed 13 raffles and a couple of others to lead with 15. Hot on her heels is Sue Mccauley with 11 (and a total of 14) while Ross Pharo has covered all bases with a couple of day wins, a couple of game wins as well three resters and three raffles!

The voice of the occasions, Graham Ross, has secured eight raffles, while the admin folk combined have pocketed 18 vouchers despite the cry of “foul” by some of the punters!

In the Bowler of the Year, Col Cottee and Leo Balstrad lead by two ahead of Allan Stratford but there are still plenty of opportunities for the chasers to peg them all back.

Combo rolls off again next Sunday.