Last Thursday’s social bowls session at the Orbost Bowling Club was held in pristine winter conditions, with 12 players treated to bright sunshine and calm skies.
The match committee organised two games of three-bowl triples over 10 ends. Competition was fierce, with only one combination managing to remain undefeated across both matches. The winning side consisted of Vanessa Frank, Bruce Kneebone and skip Ron Hatcher.
In stark contrast, Sunday’s session was battered by fierce gusts, forcing bowlers to battle unpredictable changes in direction unless they were lucky enough to release their bowl during a brief lull. Despite the challenging weather, a strong contingent turned out.
The committee initially scheduled two shortened eight-end games, but the conditions took their toll. After the opening game, players retreated to the clubhouse for a much-needed respite. Following some debate and a reshuffle of teams due to late withdrawals, the second game went ahead but was reduced to six ends.
Maurice Frank (s), Gwen Hatcher and Annette Grmusa handled the wind best, finishing as the only team to win both matches to claim the afternoon’s honours. Social bowls returns this Thursday, with players requested to arrive before 11.30am.
DRILLS AND SKILLS
The club’s dedicated ‘Drills and Skills’ session still attracted a committed group of bowlers looking to refine their game, despite temperatures hovering around a chilly eight degrees.
Following a trend of short bowling during Thursday’s social games, Ron Hatcher led the clinic through a targeted training regime. Bowlers sent down four ends to a short jack, followed by four ends to a long jack. The final four ends were set at a medium length, with players required to alternate between forehand and backhand deliveries.
Strict discipline was enforced across all 12 ends, with players penalised if their bowls finished short or crossed the head.
There will be no Drills and Skills sessions for the remainder of July, with the popular clinics set to return on Saturday, August 1 at the usual 10am time slot.
