Scotty’s Shot: Teams preparing to hit the greens for the 2023-24 Lower Great Southern Bowling League season

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

New bowls, new greens, new shirts and new players — welcome to the “Summer of Bowls” for season 2023-24 in the Lower Great Southern Bowling League.

With all clubs having opened their seasons, many players, sponsors and selectors are keenly anticipating the beginning of a new pennant season.

Reigning ladies first division pennant holders Mt Barker Golf, who recently celebrated their centenary, will begin their title defence, this Saturday, with a clash against Albany Green who will be keen to begin the season with an upset.

Golf will again be one of the favourites for the pennant with Gillian Woodyard, Marj Silvester and Karen Miller leading the way.

Recently promoted Emu Point Purple face a tricky first round clash away with Denmark Aqua while last year’s runners-up Emu Point Red will also be away, against Middleton Beach Green.

The final game for the opening round sees Middleton Beach White hosting Albany Gold.

In the second division Denmark Orange will be keen to avenge their last season final round defeat, which cost them a chance at the pennant, when they take on Emu Point Blue at home while Mt Barker Golf will provide stern opposition for Middleton Beach Red at home.

Meanwhile, the men’s pennants season will begin a fortnight later and the challenge all other first division teams face is can anyone stop the Emu Point Red juggernaut?

This powerful club completed the three-peat last season and will be keen to extend their success.

They also will be strengthened with the inclusion of regular round-robin player John Dye from Broomehill.

Middleton Beach will again face the challenge of fielding three teams in first division while recently promoted Emu Point Purple will test the depth of the current champion club.

Denmark, as always, will provide a difficult challenge for any opposition as will Mt Barker who have a wonderful recent record at home.

Albany Gold who will be looking to put the memories of last year’s disappointing finish to again begin the season strongly.

The men’s second division will again be extremely competitive with Albany having three teams in the division after the demotion of Green.

They will be keen to ensure that one of their sides can challenge for promotion to the top division.

Mt Barker Golf and the promoted from third division Emu Point White will provide stiff opposition as will the always competitive Walpole and Cranbrook.

Third division will again see a competition where no stand-out favourites can be found. Frankland always hard to beat at home, the ever-dangerous Green Range and two Middleton Beach sides, Emu Point, Denmark, Mt Barker and Golf will make for a great season.

Best of luck to everyone involved with bowls this season, enjoy, hope you win a few games and see you on the greens.

Anyone wanting to send through results or information for inclusion, email timscottsports@gmail.com.

Club championship results

Middleton Beach Championship Mixed Pairs

Winners: Mark & Di Pooley

Middleton Beach Men’s 100-up Singles

Winner: Fred Holt, Runner-up: Kevin Macgregor