After what seemed to be an interminable absence we are back on the bowling green having fun(?).  The Midweekers kicked us off last Tuesday, and the Weekenders strutted their stuff Saturday.  Jeff Cook took a spectacular dive at City of Melbourne last Tuesday, which will see him miss a couple of games, and not to be outdone, Gwenda Bail decided to emulate Cookies effort by taking a dive yesterday, at Auburn.  Although, I am told, it was not as spectacular as the Captain’s and Gwenda will not miss any games.

So, onto the Weekend doings.  At the end of the first semester the Ones were 6th, the Twos 1st, the Threes 6th and the Fours 2nd.  After yesterday the Ones are 4th, jumped two spots and are 15 points behind third spot, however, Hurstbridge are hot on our heels, 4 points behind in fifth possie.  This coming Saturday (R11) the Goannas play the Bridgers at Goannaland.  BIG GAME.  With new selectors and subtle changes to rink structure, they might be on the right track, and these last four games will be so important.

The Twos kept on their winning way with a strong showing at Auburn, and retain their No.1 spot with three rinks up.  However, I have to report Jimmy Gregory’s rink needs to get a few closer, to get back on the plus side.  The rink has let the last two ganes slip after not losing a game in the first stanza.  However, I am certain they will not be happy about that and will do much to rectify the trend.  Next Saturday the side will travel to Murrumbeena Park, absolute foreign territory.

The Threes were in 6th position at the break and yesterday, with a side that boasted six changes in personnel and positioning within rinks, fought out a good game to earn 15 points and improve their spot on the ladder by one rung, moving up to 5th, however, still 15 points out of 4th spot.  Four games to go suggests they can still make the finals with a bit of luck.  They do face a challenge though when they host top side Donvale, on Saturday.

The Fours were 2nd when the holidays began, but had an aberration upon resumption and only managed 4 points on Saturday.  This loss saw them drop a spot to third.  Next Saturday they will travel to Hurstbridge, who are not in the four, to do battle and it is an important game to win.

Before I post all the results, I am going to become a little philosophical here (I can because I am writing the bloomin’ artical and have that privilege), however, as we know and understand, the club is made up of human beings with many different personalities and characteristics, of differing age groups and complexities.  Sometimes things can go wrong which can upset and/or sadden us.  May I humbly suggest we exercise a pinch of patience and understanding, and perhaps try a little harder to ensure that everyone is looked out for, and cared for so that we are all aware of what is taking place, and where we should be and when.  Surely we are a welcoming, thoughtful and caring group of people, who can enjoy and support one another, even when things might go slightly awry.  Thank you.

Nunber 1 Side:
Aaron Van Haaften, Rachel Powers, Fiona Tennant, Dan Hartrick, 14 -25, minus 11; 

Peter Watson, Phil McMahon, Chris Ball, Matty Ferguson, 22 – 8, plus 14; 

Rod Kerrison, Alan Mason, Tim Pullyblank, Margaret Hunt, 20 – 18, plus 2; 

Andrew Dalli, Damian Jardine, Steve Kovac, Mil Crea, 25 – 14, plus 11.

Rosanna 81, Greensborough 65, plus 16
16 pts. 4th on ladder, 86pts.

Number 2 Side:
Damian Crea, Robbie Boxshall, Peter Burke, Debbie Joeng, 24 – 15, plus 9;

Peter Livingstone, Kevin Meade, Graham Bright, Neil Andrewartha, 27 – 14, plus 13;

Jim Gregory, Don Casey, Veronika Crea, Mark Files, 14 – 21, minus 7;

Warren Williams, John Head, Simon Matthews, Gwenda Bail, 19 – 17, plus 2.

Rosanna 84, Auburn 67, plus 17, 16pts.      1st on ladder with 161 pts.

Number 3 Side:
Bob Dunbar, Tony Campbell-Burns, Sally Quilliam, Terrye Meade, 13 – 23, minus 10;

Glenn Lyons, Ralph Moulden, Alan Phillips, Lorraine Campbell, 28 – 18, plus 10;

Leo Bosso, John Couling, Colin Watson, Sean Ryan, 18 – 18, Tie;

Kay Plain, Paul Bassett, Billy Chamberlain, Jack Dunbar, 25 – 17, plus 8.

Rosanna 84, Greythorn 76, plus 8, 15 pts.     5th on ladder, 72 pts.

Number 4 Side:                                                    Paul Gregory, Don Varalla, Sam Mercadante, Don Cowen, 24 – 17, plus 7;

Ed Sheean, Luke Roche, Trevor Robertson, Michelle Robertson, 18 – 17, plus 1;

Peter Bell, Gae Messina, Chris Pyke, Robin Doherty, 16 – 28, minus 12;

Bruce McDonald, Bob Langdon, Kale Files, Rob Barclay, 15 -21, minus 6.

Rosanna 73, Donvale 83, minus 10, 4 pts      3rd on ladder, 113 pts.

The best winning rink went to Peter Watson, Phil McMahon, Chris Ball and Matty Ferguson with a 14 shots up. Well done to you.

There were no Weekend Milestones this week, however, as mentioned in Tuesday’s report, there were three big noters in that round which I am including in today’s report.  Damian Crea clocked up 50 Midweek games.  Rob Barclay made it to 150 Midweek games.  And the biggest big noter of the week went to Kevin Meade who tallied up his 700th Club game.  Well done to all.  (I wonder if Jock can keep backing them up).

If you would like any news, views or opinions, included in these Tuesday/Saturday diatribes, please converse with, or submit to my agent, John Head, who may, or may not, be pleased to pass them on.

In signing off, remember what I said in my re-introductory comments, “the reward of a thing well done, is to have done it”.

Let’s all do it and remember, when Bobby Dunbar was a plumber, he had this sign on his truck, “Don’t sleep with a drip.  Call your plumber.”

The Tout.