MIXED Pairs Championship quarter finals: Col Firman, Cheryl Darcy def Peter and Kay Reid 24/18; Bernie Benson, Jenny Mitchell def Gary Brookes, Muriel Telford on forfeit; John Hetherington, Lyn Eggleton def Dane and Vanessa Bland 21/18; Henry Sperrin, Verna Quigley def Dennis Rawlings, Verna Burkinshaw 22/13. Semi finals: Col Firman def Bernie Benson 28/13; John Hetherington def Henry Sperrin 28/6. The final looked like being a real battle with only one shot the difference after 10 ends but consistent draw bowls and accurate on shots saw Col Firman and Cheryl Darcy draw away from John Hetherington and Lyn Eggleto to claim the 2017 Mixed Pairs Championship 28 shots to 16. Wednesday blind draw Triple winners: Andrew Carey, Jack Cousley, Barry Ingram 24; runners up Ron Browne, Scott Dunbar, Bill Wilson 21; 3rd John Stout, Darryl Finch, Mile Knezevic 20. Friday Nominated Pairs winners: Eddie Forbes, Rod Roy 23; runners up Mark Pearce, Dennis Rawlings 22; 3rd place Terry Rosewall, Rod Cramp 21. Men’s Presentation Day is Sunday, December 10 with 18 ends of bowls at 10am followed by BBQ lunch and drinks with the presentation of trophies to follow. Nomination sheet is on Notice Board. Changes to Sunday’s Mixed Bowls; Sunday, December 10 – no bowls. Twilight Bowls start Sunday, December 17 with names in by 5.30pm for 6pm start.

Coming Events: Wednesday blind draw Triples: Names in by noon  for 1pm start. Friday Nominated Pairs: Names in by noon for 1pm start. Saturday Blind draw: Names in by  noon for 1pm start.Sunday Mixed Blind Draw: Names in by 5.30pm for 6pm start.   

IZZY Hutchinson and Chantelle Dailey excelled in Event 2 of the WaggaRoos Summer Series of orienteering conducted last Thursday evening. Starting from Wagga Beach participants had a 30-minute time limit to find the answers to as many questions as possible about the locality. Points were earned for correct answers and lost for exceeding the time limit. Questions included identifying specific information on plaques and signs, the brands on specific padlocks, and when the amphitheatre opened. Although the warm evening reduced participation the Beach was a very pleasant assembly area and provided the chance of a dip to cool off. Most participants focussed on answering the questions on the area north of the Wollundry Lagoon. Briohny Seaman continued her good form from Event 1 finishing with time to spare and amassing a very good 115 points.  Izzy Hutchinson and Chantelle Dailey participated as a pair and did outstandingly well to also score 115 points. Because Briohny finished in a slightly faster time she was declared the winner. Bob Moore had a solid run to finish third just ahead of John Oliver and Trent Seaman. Event 3 in the Summer Series of orienteering will start a 6pm from the playground in Maher St Tolland, opposite Martin St. Newcomers welcome. All that is needed is a watch.

Results. 30 Minute Course: Briohny Seaman 115 points; Izzy Hutchinson & Chantelle Dailey 115; Bob Moore 90; John Oliver 80; Trent Seaman 70; Wes Campbell 60.

FINALS week for all junior tennis competitions starting today at Bolton Park and Saturday at Forest Hill. In the event of wet weather presentations will take place at the normal start times. The masters competition is for players wanting more serious tournament play, with proper tie-breaker sets being played. There is prizemoney for the top twenty players in the competition for all players having played five matches, as well as a best and fairest award. To take part, just turn up at the start time of 3pm until 5pm. Leading the masters competition is Oliver Plum on 43½ points next is Caden Maxwell and Robert Grantham tied on 23½ points with William Marsh on 12½ points and Reece Rutland on 11 points make up the top five positions.

The junior tennis competition is open to all juniors wanting to play tennis in a friendly relaxed format, and is their first steps to playing competition. All players should be able to serve to take part. There will be trophies to all players having played at least five matches. As well there is a special best and fairest award presented at the end of the competition. This competition starts at 3pm to 5pm. Leading the junior tournament is Lachlan McDonald on 41½ points then Tory Grantham on 28 ½ points with Zac McCarthy on 26½ points then Ally Haisell on 12½ points with Yassin El Sanabary on 8½ points. Winners of the McDonalds Sports Awards for this week were: Masters winners were Robert Grantham and William Marsh. Junior Tournament winners were Lachlan McDonald and Tory Grantham.

Tennis continues today in the Wednesday’s Junior Doubles Tennis Competition at the Bolton Park Tennis Complex. The competition is open to all players that are able to serve. To enter turn up at the courts before the start time of 4pm finish at 6pm sharp. Leading the competition is Caden Maxwell on 94½ points with Makenna Irlam on 57½ points then Zac McCarthy on 39½ with Victoria Grantham on 28 points and Lachlan McDonald on 27 points making up the top five positions. Winner of the McDonald’s Sports Award was Lachlan McDonald and Victoria Grantham.

Enquires about the junior competitions or tennis lessons please contact Roman Adamcewicz on 6922 4963 or 0439 584 125. Social tennis every Monday and Thursday night from 7pm for all standards at Forest Hill contact Col 0447 464 234 or Trevor 0407 513 974.

TUESDAY, November 28: SOCIAL BOWLS: G. Rose, N. Gay & J. Chappelow def A. Bower, J. Serhan & V. Burkinshaw. B. Bland, E. McCrum & F. Mahon def P. McDonald, V. Quigley & K. McMillan. I. Plater, A. Leonard & J. Wilson def N. Post, J. Stair & B. Cotterill. A. Purcell, L. Woolbank & K. Reid def J. Brown, S. Lucas & M. Thornton. DAY WINNERS: G. Rose, N. Gay & J. Chappelow. THURSDAY, November 30: SOCIAL BOWLS: B. Bland, A. Leonard & J. Wilson def J. Robbins, C. Freeman & J. Chappelow. E. Larkin & B. Cotterill def M. Williams & F. Mahon. H. Tyrrell, V. Quigley & L. Carroll def N. Post, G. Smith & K. Reid. I. Plater, L. Woolbank & J. Mitchell def B. Robinson, M. McCrum & M. Thornton. DAY WINNERS: I. Plater, L. Woolbank & J. Mitchell.

THE usual small pack of riders did the rounds of the coffee shops in the district and after pounding the tarmac for a few hours arrived home in time for tea. Saturday was a big disappointment with all the rain about that we should have had in the winter months. We were determined to have the Toy Run and even lined up at Jubilee Oval at 7am to get things under way, but with 600mm of water covering the car park and great buckets of water suddenly drenching us and the loaves of bread the Scouts had on hand for breakfast we had to make the call to halt proceedings. However all was not lost as we had delivered $14,000 worth of toys to the two charities we support the day prior. 

We still have on hand a truck load of furniture that the Junee Jail had made for us which we normally would have auctioned off after the run,  so what we are going to do is have an auction at Bike Essentials, in Dobney Avenue, on Saturday, December 16 from 8am until  noon.  The morning will be taken up with raffles and a sausage sizzle with the actual auction at 11am. So come along with some cash and a trailer, you will not be disappointed. Toys may still be donated by taking them to Bike Essentials between 9am and 5pm during the week.

What with great buckets of rain there has been no riding and our next adventure is to Young December 17, laving from McDonalds Edward Street at 9am. The last branch meeting for the year is December 12 at the Radio Club Rooms in Small Street starting at 6.30pm with a sausage sizzle and other things. Have a very Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring lots of luck. Ride safe and ride to enjoy.

WITH a wet and damp day facing us, Riverina Travelling Bowlers celebrated our 2017 Christmas party at Tarcutta RSL Bowls Club on December 2, 24 members and friends attended 16 apologies were received including from David Inglis (Bowls Australia representative) and everything was in place to have a great celebration. Ted Brown president of the Tarcutta Club assured us the green would be in great condition for the event, we thank you and Dave, club greenkeeper for your efforts in preparation. The weather did not allow us to fully appreciate your efforts, although not to be outdone by the weather we substituted dry indoor bowls instead of soggy and wet outdoor bowls. So the weather did not deter or dampen our spirit, we were there to play bowls and we did. The mats were rolled out, two rinks available and teams selected and again the Tarcutta Bowls Club was prepared. Teams played a shortened version of the outdoor game and winners were awarded prizes including six bottles of wine donated by Riverina Travelling Bowlers.

Christmas party lunch was called at noon after a few light ales or drinks of choice. Preparation and delivered by Michelle and Ollie Henderson. We enjoyed fellowship and celebrated in great spirit looking back over another great year enjoying our bowls. Thanks to all that helped to make this event and the year a success, including all members who participated in our monthly club events the executive. Elected, new president June Wolters for her tireless efforts and important role, vice-president and events co-ordinator Brain Harmer, new also, treasurer Michelle Henderson. Thanks to past President and awarded Club Patron Terry Hilton, past treasurer Doug Kinder, past secretary Helen Tyrrell for yourvalued contributions. Also thanking the members and friends, the Tarcutta community who helped making our event celebrating the closing of 2017 and looking forward to a very eventful 2018 for those in Riverina Travelling Bowlers.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our valued members and intending members.

Important news from the Christmas party, the raffle was drawn. First prize a New set of Areo Bowls donated by Bowls Australia and Riverina Area Manager Dave Inglis – winner was Wayne Carthew, Gundagai. Second prize  was a bowls bag donated by Brian Harmer and the winner was Maree Watt, Wagga. Third prize was a NSW Bowls Club Membership of choice to the value of $100 and winner was Terry Morrison, Tuggeranong. Fourth was His and Hers 2018 Membership to Riverina Travelling Bowlers won by Brian Hughes, Wagga. Congratulation to all winners and many thanks to all that sold  and purchased tickets in the raffle. Proceeds of the raffle will be jointly appreciated by Tarcutta RSL Bowling Club and Riverina Travelling Bowlers.

Yes 2018 will be a better year – our next event is Saturday, January 20 at Tarcutta RSL Bowling Club. Due to the heat we plan a twilight game of bowls - 18 ends starting at 5pm and a break for dinner at the club. All members and friends welcome. Names in before 10am January 2 to Michelle 0409 048 148.

Hope to see you all there to start the 2018 bowling calendar off.