On Saturday we had a very poor turn out at Billy’s for Meet and Greet  but I guess some are still away on holidays and, of course, the current weather patterns are not encouraging many people out into the open so I am sure we will get back to normal soon.

On Sunday the Grauers had the annual breakfast at their home in Ladysmith, only four bikes turned up and a few cars with about 14 bods for breakfast. Then the usual trek up to the blueberry farm at Laurel Hill where they were treated to huge blueberry pancakes and ice cream with large dollops of sauce on top. No, not tomato, chocolate, strawberry, and all those sweet type sauces. Once again a good outing was had by all with the smart ones going by car. Man, it was a hot day.

We have a ride scheduled for Sunday, February 4 but at this stage I have no idea where that will take us. I will let you know next week when someone has got it all sorted out. If it’s too hot we might go to the pictures.

Just a recap of our usual calendar:  Rides are scheduled for the first and third Sundays of each month and depart from McDonald’s Edward Street car park at 9am.  All you have to do is just rock on up. Rides leave from Billy’s Café, in Gurwood Street, each and every Wednesday and again they get under way at 9am. On Saturday mornings at 10am we all meet at Billy’s Café for coffee and a chat.  Each month the Ulysses Branch has a meeting which starts at 7.30pm in the Radio Club Rooms at 7 Small Street. These meetings are on the third Tuesday of each month and the doors open at 7pm.

Stay cool and we will see you on the road somewhere. Tell your mates everyone is welcome.

DON Kirwan has been making the most of his recent comeback, and it was no different last Monday when he scored 34 nett in tough conditions to beat Grahame Winson on a c/b. Roy Sanders, Ron Culgan, Bob Hodge shared third spot on 35 nett, followed by Bill O’Rourke, Les Hodges, Tony Thompson, Bernie Mogford and Jim Briggs on 36 nett.

Thursday’s comp was taken out by Tony Pollard with a great round of 29 nett, followed by Eddie Wall 32, and Garry Forde, Barney Matthews, Don Thorne, Danny McIntyre and Roy Sanders, each on 34 nett.

The Ladies Summer Cup continued last Tuesday in the form of a Stableford event. In Division 1, Lyn Donohoe fired up for 21 pts and a two-point win from Di Jenkins 19, and Anne Leonard 17 pts on a c/b. Carole Gardner scored 19 pts to take care of Division 2, followed by Therese Quinn 18 pts on a c/b from Val Williams, also on a c/b. Ball comp : 16 pts on a c/b. NTP to Gloria Vonarx.

The girls returned for a stroke event on Friday, and in sweltering heat, Anne Leonard improved on Tuesday’s effort when she scored 33 nett for an easy win in Division 1, while Jan Marks was runner-up with 37 nett on a c/b from Lorraine Hickey. Ann Packer scored 35 nett to collect the Division 2 voucher, followed by Val Brunskill 38 pts, on a c/b from Carmel Pearce. Ball comp : 39 nett on a c/b. NTP to Anne Leonard.

Saturday’s Monthly Medal was again played in trying conditions, but Ray Bell made light work of it when he put together a top round of 66 nett to win the A Grade prize by three shots from Thomas Morris. In B Grade, Peter Taylor scored 70 nett for a c/b win from John Flanagan, while Rowan Laurent broke his handicap with 71 nett to collect the C Grade voucher, followed by Stephen Post, 72 nett. Ball comp : 74 nett. NTP’s to Brent Webb, Bob McKenzie and Eddie Wall.

TENNIS lessons will recommence from Monday, February 5, at the normal times and days. The Saturday junior tennis competitions at Forest Hill will start again on February 10. 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.    

Winning last year’s masters competition was Oliver Plum on 46.5 points second was Caden Maxwell on 27.5 with Robert Grantham on 24.5 with William Marsh on 16.5 and Reece Rutland on 11 make up the top five positions. There is a best and fairest award at the end of the competition – last competition winner was Oliver Plum.

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.

The winner of the junior tournament was Lachlan McDonald on 46.5 points then Tory Grantham on 30.5 points with Zac McCarthy on 30 points then Ally Haisell on 12.5 points with Yassin El Sanabary on 12 points.

Tied winners of the best and fairest award last competition were Lachlan McDonald and Zac McCarthy.

The junior doubles tennis competition at the Bolton Park Tennis Complex start Wednesday, February 7. 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.

Winning last year’s competition was Caden Maxwell on 98 with Makenna Irlam on 59 then Zac McCarthy on 39.5 with Victoria Grantham on 31.5 points and Lachlan McDonald on 28.5 points making up the top five positions. Winner of the best and fairest award was Lachlan McDonald.

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.

WEDNESDAY blind draw triple winners: Chris Leonard, John Stout, Peter Wild, Keith Gill 22; runners up Col Plater, Johnno Johnston 21; 3rd John Hetherington, Jack Cousley, Trevor Taylor, Phil Howarth 20. Friday Nominated Pairs winners: Andrew Carey, Doug Kinder 32; runners up Paul Fitzgerald, Col Firman 17. Sunday Mixed mufti winners: Sandra Lucas, Joy Robbins, Anne Leonard 23; runners up Norma Gay, Alice Bower 18; 3rd place Chris Leonard, Raelene Woodbury, Sharon Connors 17. Attendance sheet on board for presentation night, February 2 at 6.30 pm start with three-course meal and drinks; partners most welcome, $20 per head.                          

Coming events: Wednesday blind draw Triples: Names in by noon  for 1pm start. Friday Nominated Pairs: Names in by 9am for 9.30am start. Saturday Blind draw: Names in by  noon for 1pm start. Sunday Mixed Blind Draw: Names in by 5.30pm for 6pm start.

WOW! What a great event, again staged at the Tarcutta RSL and Community Bowling Club. The weather was extremely hot and may deterred a few bowlers  from attending. The evening began with a few minor adjustments to the program. Michelle Henderson, our trusted treasurer, suggested we taste the gourmet meals on offer at the club before we ventured out on the green. A vote was taken and we remained in the club looking out over the green while the sun set, sharing a few cold drinks of choice and great conversation. With delicious meals ordered, the organisers prepared the program for the evening bowls starting a little later we opted to play two games of 10 ends, three bowl pairs. With 24 dedicated and new bowlers from various nearby clubs competing. Temperatures at 39C at 5.30pm instigated the changes to the format. No one minded and enjoyed the well priced meal and fellowship before the game was due to start.

At 7pm we were all ready to tackle the elements and enjoy a great evening of bowls. The green looked a picture and with great grass cover and presentation a credit to the staff at Tarcutta. The evening shadows were just starting to move across the green, added a cooling effect. With 24 keen bowlers wanting take a victory or two, we stated, the first of two games ... format agreed ... first round winners  moved to the right side rink, ready to play the second game. Games went smoothly ... winners sat for a photo shoot ... and enjoyed their noted victory.

As the games came to finish we all congregated inside the club for the winners presentations. Surprisingly, and congratulations, there were only one team who were two game winners, and David Wren (Alelong Bowling Club) paired with Daryl Poynton (Wagga RSL Bowling Club).

Second place was closely contested with one win and one draw went to  Paul and Sally Flinn, (Yerong Creek Bowling Club) closely followed by Steve Hardwick  (Tarcutta RSL Community Club) and Des Speer (Tarcutta RSL Bowling Club).

Further winners on the night – a jackpot was a agreed by players and contributed a dollar each - won by Paul Fenwick (Wagga Rules).

A very successful raffle was staged and Ollie Henderson contributed greatly through selling tickets on the night. 1st Daryl Poynton, 2^nd Ollie Henderson, 3^rd Daryl Poynton, 4th Terry Hilton.

Special thanks to Tarcutta Club members who helped make the night a success and very much appreciated. Members from Riverina Travelling Bowler came from  various nearby bowling clubs including Rules Club (Wagga)...RSL Club (Wagga), Adelong Club (Adelong) Yerong Creek Club.. (Yerong Creek) and our hosts Tarcutta RSL and Community Club.

Our proposed next monthly event will be at Adelong Bowling Club on the weekend of  February 17-18. This date has yet to be confirmed, so please check this space for further details. Please enjoy your bowls and read The Leader for further information on coming events. To all members and friends who participated in this event we extend our full-hearted appreciation.