The 12-year-old began playing an odd game of bowls on family fun days about 18 months ago and took to it like a duck to water. Because of his enthusiasm for the game he became a keen social bowler during school holidays.

He entered the 2018 Minor Singles Championship and last Wednesday came up against Gav Johnson – an experienced and talented bowler.

Down 17-3 in the early stages of the match, young Rhys showed great courage in slowly climbing his way back and after 28 ends were played, he found himself trailing by just one shot, 28-27. In the next two ends, however, Gav scored four shots to take out the match 32-27.

I am sure the many spectators at the match enjoyed the display of young talent as much as I did. Congratulations Gav and well done Rhys!

In Major Singles, the first round match between Rob Coleman and Barry Jones, also played last Wednesday, was a real nail-biter.

After Rob and Barry had played 32 ends the score was locked at 29-all. Rob won the next end by two shots to give him the required 31 points for victory. What an exciting match.

In the other first round Major Singles match played during the week, Steve Galvin defeated Dennis Hughes 31-13.

Pennants

The 2018 Pennants season got under way at the weekend with Grenfell teams having mixed success in the first round.

The Grade 7 side returned home all smiles after a 9-1 win against Canowindra, while the Grade 4s went down at home to Forbes 1-9.

The following teams have been selected for the second round this Sunday, March 11.

Grade 4 – to play Parkes Railway at Parkes:

Steve Galvin (c), Sam Brown, Tim Fowler, Dylan Troy;

Blake Bradtke (c), Graeme Hunter, James Hunter, Ray Walter;

Andrew Armstrong (c) Mathew Reid, John Joyce and Clive Anderson.

Grade 7 – to play Gooloogong at home:

Barry Jones (c), Barry Bradtke, David Hancock, Dennis Hughes;

Keith Brus (c), Martin Betcher, Rodney O’Neill, Roger Baker;

Warren Paine (c), Scott Baker, Phil Hunter, Rob Chambers.

Dress is Pennants uniform and roll-up commences at 12.40pm for both grades.

The bus for Parkes will leave the club at 11am.

Team managers are Steve Galvin and Martin Betcher.

Zone 4 Senior Representative Teams

Grenfell bowlers Tim Fowler, Steve Galvin and John Joyce are among 42 bowlers who have nominated for selection in the zone’s 2018 representative teams.

They will take part in a selection trial to be held on Sunday, April 22 at the Majellan Bowling Club at Bathurst.

We wish all three the best of luck.

Social Bowls

Despite numbers being disrupted this week by the first round of Pennants, there were still more than 40 bowlers out on the greens enjoying a game.

This week’s prize winners were: Chooks – Peter Gee, Barry Bradtke, Steve Galvin and Lindsay Ballard; Market Night Vouchers – Mark McNickle, John Grogan, Martin Betcher and Nevin Hughes; Free games – Gary Pipe, Paul Kay, David Ballard and David Hancock.

St Patrick’s Day at Gooloogong

It’s the day for the wearing of the green and Gooloogong Country Club is asking bowlers to do exactly that for its St Patrick’s Day Triples tournament on Saturday, March 17.

The day is open to men’s, women’s and mixed teams and will comprise two games of 18 ends.

Entry cost of $60 per team includes lunch and afternoon tea and play will get under way at 10am.

To enter, phone the club on 6344-8201 by Thursday, March 15.

Jackpot

There were no winners in our bowls jackpot this week and next week it will jump to $94. The elusive combination required was a score of -6 on end 5 on an odd-numbered rink.

The Biased Tiger