Denmark an unlikely early leader in men’s first division pennant action

Passionate Albany bowler TIM SCOTT is writing a fortnightly column for The Extra, keeping our readers up to date with the local bowls scene.

With the ladies’ pennants having a general bye for the Interleague Round Robin Pairs in Gnowangerup, all eyes were fixed on men’s pennants, which produced a stunning upset and a thrilling draw.

The men’s first division has an unlikely ladder leader in Denmark, who have started the season impressively.

They had a strong win at home over Albany Green 6 (59) to 0 (47) as Middleton Beach Black produced the upset of the season to defeat reigning pennant holders Emu Point Red 5.5 (63) to 0.5 (57).

Middleton Beach Green had a massive win at home over Mt Barker 5 (78) to 1 (39) as Middleton Beach Gold gained a valuable win over Albany Gold, 4 (60) to 2 (56).

In second division, the Mt Barker derby ended in the season’s first draw.

Mt Barker Golf Red scored 2.5 (58) to White 3.5 (58), while Albany Grey easily defeated Mt Barker 6 (76) to 0 (42).

Emu Point Purple continued their good start to the season with a strong away win over Walpole, 5.5 (79) to 0.5 (46), to maintain their spot at the top of the ladder.

Albany Brown have also begun the season impressively to remain undefeated.

They had a win over Cranbrook 5 (66) to 1 (53) and the win has them only 11/2 points behind Purple.

In third division, Emu Point White shot to the top of the division’s ladder after an impressive away victory over Mt Barker Golf Blue, 5 (60) to 1 (47).

Middleton Beach White, meanwhile, easily defeated Frankland 5 (73) to 1 (45).

Emu Point Black lost at home to reigning pennant holders Green Range 5 (58) to 1 (49).

In the other game, Middleton Beach Lime were beaten by Denmark 5 (70) to 1 (43), while Albany White had the bye.

Club championship results

Mt Barker Golf Ladies’ Championship 4s:

Winners: Gillian Woodyard, Karen Miller, Cathy Burges and Alisa Pomery.

Runners-up: Marj Silvester, Ingrid McHardy, Tracey Anderson and Margaret Skinner.

Middleton Beach Ladies’ Championship 4s:

Winners: Elaine Cooper, Evelyn Gleeson, Julie Bunker and Glenys Hemley.

Runners-up: Beryl Cooper, Gwenda Andrews, Carole Tonkinson and Bev Taylor.

Albany Men’s Championship Pairs:

Winners: Geoff Bain and Dean Offer.

Runners-up: Steve Harris and Wayne Jones.

Middleton Beach Men’s Championship Fours:

Winners: Fred Holt, Keith Manton, Mal Greenhalgh and Merv Hulland.

Runners-up: Ian Higgins, Jack Higgins, Liam Higgins and Lew Dowdell.