PREMIUM
Sport

Midweek bowls kicks off Division One action

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Rich River’s Eugene Xodo and Rochester’s Bob Knight assess the situation before leading off for their sides in rink three. Photos: Aidan Briggs

The opening round of midweek bowls in the Campaspe Playing Area is in the books in Division One, while the lower grades competed in their second round of competition.

Division One

Yvonne Smolenaars helped Rochester to a three-shot victory in her rink. Photo by Aidan Briggs

In a grand final rematch, Echuca took on Moama, and a new season didn’t bring a reversal of fortunes for the Steamers, as the home side took the tie 14-67 to 2-53 at Echuca Bowls Club.

The rink skipped by Kerryn Evans produced the biggest win for Echuca, her team of Di Payne (lead), Michelle Cunnington (second) and Phillip Thorn (third) prevailing 27-13 over Moama skip Marilyn Stephenson’s squad.

Roma Opie also grabbed points for Moama 23-19, while Moama’s lone rink success came via Trevor Eastwell.

Dennis Demeo wasn’t able to skip Rich River to victory. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Rochester established itself as an early leader in the competition, winning all three rinks in a comprehensive defeat of Rich River 16-73 to 0-50.

Two rinks were decided by five shots or fewer in Rochy’s favour, with Kevin Hall skipping his side to a 23-18 success over Rich River counterpart Brian Trengove, while Rob Dennis got up 19-16 in his rink.

Brian Kinnane increased Rochester’s margin in the remaining rink, his 31-16 victory the biggest of the tie.

A rink win for Rob Dennis’s quartet helped Rochester take an early competition lead in the midweek pennant. Photo by Aidan Briggs

In the final match-up, Mathoura defeated Deniliquin 14-64 to 2-42 at the Deniliquin Bowling Club.

Mathoura skip Troy Mansbridge had a big impact on the final margin, winning 34-10 in his rink, while Ron Parry also earned points for his side with a 19-13 win.

Skip Stephen O’Brien secured the only win for Deniliquin, taking his rink 19-11.

Stanhope had the bye in the openig round.

Division Two

Toni Beck tries to improve Rich River’s position in this end. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Moama made a dominant start to its campaign running up a big score, 16-96 to 0-26, against Ky Valley View.

A mammoth 42-3 win for Moama skip Bill Curnow was a major factor in the impressive victory margin.

Echuca also had a big win, taking down Rich River 16-83 to 0-36.

Skip Trevor Nagorcka pulled off the biggest win for Echuca, getting up 39-13.

In the remaining match of the round, Deniliquin RSL grabbed its maiden win of the year, defeating Rochester 14-67 to 2-51.

Skips Craig Taylor and Linda Harris had big wins for Deni, securing 16 and 13-shot wins respectively.

Tim Quinlan lets loose a crucial bowl. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Division Three

Tongala Red took down Deniliquin RSL 14-49 to 0-34, while Moama came out on top against Lockington 12-47 to 2-41.

Echuca beat Elmore 12-48 to 2-34.

Division Four

Rochy took both rinks against Tongala Red, winning 14-41 to 0-28.

Stanhope couldn’t get past Lockington, going down 2-31 to 12-39 and Rich River scraped through against Echuca by a single shot, 12-40 to 2-39.