BY BOB MORGAN As you’re sitting down to read this the sixth and final round of what will surely have been an enjoyable week of our annual Festival 4’s tournament will be underway. Hopefully as expected the cream will have again risen to the top. It is always enjoyable to watch some of the best bowlers from around the state compete on our fabulous greens at Cowra, with many thanks to Mark and his helpers for the condition they are in. I did mention that Saturdays final of the Men’s Open Triples would be a very closely fought match. After 21 ends Kak Smith, Jim McNaught and John Bischof had the smallest possible margin over Shane Lauritzen, Russell Simpson and Shane Beasley when they came back from 14/23 down to finally prevail 26/25. Congratulations all six bowlers for a magnificent match, the spectators on the verandah really appreciated the match, even if it did take four and a quarter hours. Meanwhile in first round Men’s Open Singles matches played last week, Shane Beasley defeated Mike Baldwin, Ken Porter had a good win over Rob Watterston, Bruce Thurtell easily defeated John Fogg and in close matches, Shane Egan defeated Rob Oliver and Noel Hubber defeated Nev Connor. In Sundays Pennant Matches which were all played at home, all three grades had close matches, Grade 7 overcame Bathurst Majellan 59/53 and Grade 6 defeated Grenfell 58/48, but Grade 5 went down to Molong 51/59. Well bowled everyone and commiserations to Grade 5, you’re getting closer to that elusive win, hopefully this Sunday! UPCOMING EVENTS AND MATCHES We’ll all be back tonight for another game of fun at Business House Bowls. Then on Saturday it will be the second round of Men’s Open Singles with Ken Porter v Jim McNaught, Marker Rob Watterston, Shane Egan v John Bischof, Marker Rob Oliver, Bruce Thurtell v Braydon Chew, Marker Peter Leseuer, Noel Hubber v Ray Harper, Marker Nev Connor, Shane Beasley v Laurie Chew, Marker Mike Baldwin, Ian Walker v Peter Browne, Marker Tom Peadon, Paul Druery v Greg Nicholls, Marker Dave Antaw and Kak Smith v Bob Morgan, Marker Trev Ellis. On Sunday, all three Pennant Grades will host matches at home again, with Grades 5 and 7 to play Canowindra and Grade 6 to play Caragabal. Sunday morning mixed social bowls will also be on, phone between 8.45am and 9.15am for 9.30am start.
