Dubbo is the hub, with locals the curtain-raiser in perfect weather

DUBBO will be the hub of bowls for the next few weeks, but Sundy Bowls was the perfect “curtain-raiser” with 38 bowlers enjoying another ideal morning of social bowls.

Big winners for the morning, were Mary Perry, Cheryl Storch, and Phil Knight, who proved too good for Chris Castlehouse, Frank Armstrong, and Ian Humphries.

After winning seven of the first eight ends and racking-up a five and a six count, they were up by 17 shots. Chris and Co. did manage a four on 10, but only added a further three for a total of nine for the game. The final 24-9, scoreline was good enough for the best of the morning!

Sue Armstrong, Pete Bennison, and Tod O’dea also rolled well in the first eight. In fact, Tod rolled a couple of his bowls almost onto the Jack on one end! But it was not enough against Ros Joseph, Helene Emblen, and Graham Ross, who took a two-shot lead into the break and extended it by adding six of the second eight for a 15-8 win, and second place for the morning.

A five count on end six, kept Mel Giddings and Trevor Tink in reach of Steve Kelly and Pete Ruzansthen, and a four on the first after the turnaround, gave them a one-shot lead. Another three sets of quads saw them snatch a commanding 25-15 win, and third place for the morning.

Having won only two of the first eight meant that Sue Mccauley, Therese Gaio, and Gordon Scott, were well off the pace. Leo Balstad, Eric Satchell, and Gaye Cottee, then moved into the second half ahead and blew it out to seven in the face of a comeback from their opposites. Final result – 18-12 to Leo’s mob.

Three sets of triples enabled Di Hildebrant, Greg Hough, and Mick Strawhan, to jump five shots ahead of Gordon Lummis, John Davis, and Bryan O’sullivan.

Mick’s side maintained their advantage with three more doubles, to claim the points 16-11.

Sue O’dea, John Kennedy, and Anthony Coe made a statement during their first eight ends, recording 10 shots against Ron Mccauley, Chris Strojny, and Ruby Stocking’s five. Anthony and his side were made to fight by Ruby and her boys though who finished just three off the pace. Chris won the raffle; a nice consolation after a courageous battle.

Alan Stratford and Col Cottee were also involved in an enthralling contest with Ray Strawhan and John Cole. Leading by four on seven, Al and Col rolled a triple on five, and a four on eight, to smother any possible threat. Another four-count on nine was negated by Ray and John, but the A-C combo won by 18-15.

Enjoy the State Championships over the next 10 days, bowlers!