A father and son final, a club double champion and the capacity to play through all conditions and overcome the restrictions of COVID are among the hallmarks of a very successful season at Gerringong Bowling Club.
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Gerringong are among the smallest clubs in Zone 16 but have a hugely passionate membership who take part in social bowls, pennants and club championship events.
The year began with a mix of returning bowlers and newcomers among the 18 entries nominating for the Minor Singles.
Newcomer Dylan McCann booked a spot in the final with a semi-final win over Bernie Dowling, while on the other side of the draw Dylan's father Greg advanced to the decider with a win over Peter Foltman.
A father and son final is always special and despite pouring rain, Dylan won a hard-fought battle 31-16.
The championship season continued with the Handicap Pairs, with organisers ensuring all 14 teams had a winning chance by limiting the combined handicap of the two bowlers to no less than 14.
The event proved a wide-open affair with Colin Tindall and Dave Mouat crowned champions after eating Andrew Cotter and Merv Lilly in the final.
The champions beat Merv Kieth and Dennis McKeveney in their semi, while Cotter-Lilly overcame Gary Cracknell and Wally Hall in the other semi.
The club Fours returned for the first time since 2019, with skip Jeff Black and partners Neil Macpherson, Wally Hall, Dennis McKeveney victorious in the final against Andrew Cotter, Dylan McCann, Greg McCann and Roger Berry (skip).
Meanwhile, 18 teams lined up in the Club Pairs with Wally Hall and Dave Mouat progressing to the final with a win over Chris Wade and Rod Loosemore, while Greg and Dylan McCann upset favourites and former club Singles champs Greg Winter and Peter Heffernan in the other semi-final.
Conditions for the final were so horrendous it was suspended at the midway point, with Hall and Mouat emerging victorious the following day.
Meanwhile, Dave Mouat has continued his excellent form by winning the Consistency Singles following a victory over defending champion Dennis McKeveney in the final. Mouat was victorious 151-99 to claim a Championship double in 2021 after also winning the Club Pairs.
Finally, Gerringong club members are saddened with the passing of Merv Lilly recently. Merv was a pillar of Gerringong BC and a massive contributor to the success of the club.
Merv worked tirelessly and selflessly in the running of the club and was an inspiration to his fellow members.
His contribution will never be forgotten with Merv to be remembered as a club legend and inspiration to everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.
Wiseman Park back in action
It was a memorable Freedom Day for Wiseman Park members, and bowlers across Zone 16 with the end of the COVID lockdown.
Wisos' Grade 6 pennant player Maurie Mace, along with his 2021 Grade 4 Zone-pennant winning clubmates Ron Owen, Steve Davies and Peter McMurtrie with among the first to celebrate the end of the 106-day lockdown, with roll-ups at the Gwynneville club from last Monday.
''Excited,'' was how Mace, a two-year Wiseman club member described being able to roll his first bowl since late June.
''Everyone has really missed bowls. I'm usually here three to four days a week and play social bowls on a Wednesday and Friday, so it's great to be back.''
COVID has meant Wiseman Park's celebrations for its 75th anniversary have been put on hold for now; but a special commemoration is planned for early in the new year.
This week all Zone clubs enjoyed welcoming its members back to the club for a beer and a meal - plus rollups and social bowls - ahead of the much-anticipated return of 2021 Club Championships.
Wiseman Park are looking to schedule its Major Singles semi-finals featuring Tally Kouzan versus Rick Funnell and Barry Dileva-Bryan Hanson as early as next weekend.
Prepare for club singles finals
Zone 16 clubs are making a fast start to post lockdown with the priority of completing their club championships and a return to their social bowls programs.
With lockdown restrictions lifted from last Monday, clubs can finally open their doors to the double vaccinated; plus allow bowlers back on the green.
And while the number of events will increase significantly once the 80 per cent double dose threshold is reached, clubs already have their members back and are planning events.
Among those to hit the ground running are Woonona BC who this week held their first Ladies and Men's Social Bowls since late June.
The Men's club hope to run its 2021 Major Singles final between Rob Baker and Neville Denham, and Major Pairs final featuring Steve Cheney-Jim Tully versus Paul Robertson-Jared Hamilton on Sunday October 31.
The following weekend the Woonona Club Fours is pencilled in to return with round two. Check the website, notice board and Facebook page for updates.
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