The 2024-2025 season was on display at the Milang Bowling Club on Saturday 05 October when members competed in the 100-UP which is the first of several planned club competition events. The 100-UP is a singles game in which players try to be the first to win 100 points. In Round 1 by coincidence the finalists in last season’s Club Open Singles Championship were drawn against one another and fought an epic game with Cale Butlin fighting back from 20 points down to win 103 – 97 against Club Champion Brian Addison. New club member Peter “Jake” Jacobs won against the much-improved Paul Whitham-Richmond 102 to 88 points. Kevin Newton stopped talking long enough to focus and beat new member Kym Whitcher 102 -88. Windy conditions tested all players and on rink 2 an impressive game was fought between the experienced Geoff Dodd and relative novice Peter Miller. These two finished drawn on 100 points each and had to play an extra deciding end during which the level-headed Geoff Dodd prevailed against a panicked Miller.
The women’s 100-UP Round 1 included some surprise results. Club stalwart Lee Robinson was expected to win against Pam Wait but eventually succumbed 99 – 102. New member Jenny Barton showed no mercy in beating the diminutive Sandra Ellis. Irene Westley managed to hold off a surge by new member Bev Mullins and Cheryl Butlin won against Inge Barthel. As the wind strengthened, Round 2 was completed with Cale Butlin winning against Club President Brian Patterson and Geoff Dodd prevailing easily over a distracted Kevin Newton. Irene Westley defeated Heather Maddern before losing a tight battle to Pam Wait. Cheryl Butlin confirmed her intentions by beating new member Jenny Barton. A tiring Geoff Dodd managed to hold off a determined fight-back by Glenn Best and won 103-97.
As the qualifying rounds had taken until late afternoon it was decided that the finals with Pam Wait to play Cheryl Butlin, and Geoff Dodd to play Cale Butlin would be completed at a later date. The club has three divisional teams in the regional Saturday Open Pennant Competition starting 12 October. Thursday Lady’s Pennant Competition begins on 31 October. Spectators are always welcome. Pennant Competition teams practice sessions are at 4 pm Tuesdays. SOCIAL BOWLS are each Tuesday starting 15October at 5.30 pm. Social Bowls fun sessions are open to anyone, especially new residents and juniors who would like to learn to bowl or improve their game enjoying fun practice, introductory mentoring, and post-practice nibbles. The Milang Bowling Club’s famous MEAL NIGHTS continue to be very popular on the 1st and 3rd Friday monthly with bookings absolutely essential.
