Scotty’s Shot: Shock upset, perfect records and hotly contested derby's in the 2023-24 LGSBL

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

The Lower Great Southern Bowling League ladies 1st division has seen a huge upset, with reigning pennant holders Mt Barker Golf suffering a shock 3(39) to 1(32) loss at home to Denmark Aqua.

Emu Point Red remain the only undefeated side as they recorded a 10-shot victory against local rivals Emu Point Purple 3(43) to 1(33), while Albany Green produced their best performance of the season so far, thumping Middleton Beach White 4(51) to 0(23).

Middleton Beach Green won a keenly fought contest against Albany Gold 3(48) to 1(42).

Cranbrook has shot to the top of the ladder in the ladies’ 2nd division after cruising past Mt Barker Golf at home to record a 4(54) to 0(24) victory and Emu Point Blue received a forfeit win against Middleton Beach Red.

Men’s 1st division saw three teams recording two wins to begin the campaign.

Reigning champs Emu Point Red have begun the season impressively with a first-round win over Middleton Beach Black, and their latest triumph, a 5(61) to 1(54) victory over Denmark.

Middleton Beach Gold emerged as winners in the usually tight derby against Middleton Beach Black 5(62) to 1(51).

Despite dropping two rinks, Albany Gold were still able to record a win over Mt Barker 4(67) to 2(61).

Rounding out the round, Emu Point Purple secured their first win for the season away to Middleton Beach Green 4(54) to 2(50).

In the men’s 2nd division, Mt Barker Golf Red, Albany Brown and Green remain the only undefeated teams.

Mt Barker Golf Red are at the top of the ladder after a massive second-round win over Walpole 6(82) to 0(40), while Albany Green travelled to Cranbrook to come away with the points 5(66) to 1(58).

Albany Brown produced an impressive display to gain a valuable away win over Emu Point White 5(66) to 1(53) as Albany Grey were equally up to the challenge from Mt Barker Golf White winning 5(70) to 1(55).

Men’s 3rd division ladder leaders Middleton Beach White produced their biggest win for the season to date after thrashing Mt Barker Golf Blue 6(81) to 0(34).

Frankland upset Green Range at home 5.5(61) to 0.5(52), while second-placed Denmark were far too strong against a visiting Middleton Beach Lime, 5(73) to 1(49).

Emu Point Blue took care of Albany White 5(66) to 1(49).

Emu Point’s Matt Mitchell has narrowly missed out on claiming his maiden State fours title, after losing a high-class and tense final recently held at the Bassendean Bowling Club.

Mitchell attempted to kill the final end only to narrowly miss his drive giving the combination of Shane Giudice-Nairn, Joel Leeson, Jon Trotter and Ben Leggett the title.