14 DECEMBER

THE last day of bowling for 2022 saw 54 bowlers on the synthetic green in twelve teams of four and two teams of triples.

The grass green was under plastic and will be having a well-earned rest for the next few weeks.

A random card draw was done for the next prize and Wayne Duggan, Graham Reynolds, Ron Berczelly and Mark Nightingale were the team drawn.

The Garden Eatery voucher went to Doug Andrews.

The Garden Eatery has given the Bowling Club unstinting support during the year, and it is much appreciated.

Bowlers were encouraged to dress appropriately for the Christmas season and the best dressed Xmas award went to Bill Baillie.

Many thanks are due to the Committee members for the prawns and great lunch provided at the end of play.

It has been an interesting year in review with the highlight obviously the wonderful success of the Men’s Pennant sides.

In a new development, the NSW Bowling Association has changed the bowling calendar to reflect the financial year rather than the calendar year we had become used to.

As well, the Pennant season, kicking off in late February, will be an “open gender” tournament with women and men, or whatever, competing with and against each other.

This move will be seen by some as a departure from the normal for our respective Men’s and Women’s Clubs and the nominations have so far been slow.

At this stage it is not known what teams and their respective grades will be entered in the new
competition, but much will depend on the number and abilities of the nominations received and what we are allowed to enter with the Newcastle District Bowling Association.

In other news.

Organised bowls will resume, at this stage, on 11 January, and a nomination sheet will be
posted closer to the date.

There is a possibility that the grass green might not be back in play so teams of four may eventuate.

Bowlers are urged to keep Saturday 11 February clear as the Club will be supporting the “Dolphins for Dolphins” day.

A chance to support, in a very tangible way, the Australian Paralympic Swim team.

I take the opportunity of wishing all bowlers all the best for a wonderful and safe festive season and the hope that we can do it all again next year.

My thanks to the editor and staff of the NOTA for their exceptional coverage of our sport for the year.

By John SLATER