Teams battling for top spots and relegation as LGSBL men’s and ladies pennant season draws to a close

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

Lower Great Southern Bowling League ladies’ pennants first division ladder leaders Mt Barker Golf produced a resounding win over bottom- placed Cranbrook 4 (55) to 0 (27) in round 12.

The result leaves Cranbrook resigned to the fact they are facing demotion at the season’s conclusion.

The second-placed Emu Point Red easily accounted for Middleton Beach Green 4 (54) to 0 (22), while Albany Green upset Denmark Aqua 3 (50) to 1 (30).

The closest game of the round was Albany Gold, who had an important away win over Middleton Beach White 3 (35) to 1 (30).

In the second division there is a wonderful battle for the pennant, with the top three sides separated by only 2.5 points with two rounds left to play.

Both games produced close results, with Middleton Beach Red defeating Mt Barker Golf 3.5 (41) to 0.5 (36) and Denmark Orange beating Emu Point Purple in a thrilling game 3 (38) to 1 (36).

In men’s first-division round nine action, Albany Green had an important win at home to upset Middleton Beach Black 5 (66) to 1 (57) and Albany Gold consolidated their position in the four with a strong win over Mt Barker 5 (65) to 1 (51).

Ladder leaders Middleton Beach Gold overcame a challenge from reigning pennant holders Emu Point Red 5 (57) to 1 (51), while Middleton Beach Green easily accounted for Denmark 6 (76) to 0 (45).

Denmark, who were early season ladder leaders, are in danger of being demoted, with only one point separating them from this fate after the loss.

The remaining games of the season will gain extra importance for several teams.

In the men’s second division, ladder leaders Emu Point Purple accounted for Albany Grey 5 (53) to 1 (47), and the experienced Mt Barker Golf Red thrashed Cranbrook 6 (86) to 0 (36).

Walpole were beaten at home by Mt Barker Golf White 5 (67) to 1 (51), while the second-placed Albany Brown easily beat the bottom-placed Mt Barker 6 (97) to 0 (33), leaving Mt Barker well and truly facing the prospect of demotion.

This win leaves Albany Brown just one point ahead of Mt Barker Golf Red in the race for the valuable top-two finish.

In men’s third division, ladder-leaders Emu Point White won a close game against the third-placed Denmark 5 (57) to 1 (55) and Middleton Beach White accounted for reigning pennant holders Green Range 4 (56) to 2 (51).

The loss leaves Green Range in danger of missing the four.

Mt Barker Golf Blue had a huge win over Emu Point Black 6 (74) to 0 (33) and Albany White lost at home against Mid Beach Lime 4 (72) to 2 (59).

The win for Lime leaves their side only 3.5 points ahead of Albany White for the final place in the four.

The Southern Zone side was successful in winning the annual Men’s Inter Zone Round Robin Fours, held recently at Denison Bowling Club.

This is the Southern Zone’s 12th title and their first triumph in this event since 2015.

Albany’s Jon Davidson was selected as first reserve for the Country All-stars side.

Club Championship Results

Emu Point

Ladies Championship Pairs: Winners: Jan Jeffris & Helen Hunt, Runners-up: Chris Symmonds & Carol Argent.

Men’s Championship Fours: Winners: Peter Haywood, Bruce Seymour, Noel Parkin & Doug Wright, Runners-up: Allen Poor, Steve Cockerell, Paul Garbellini & Richard Sounness.

Men’s Championship Pairs: Winners: Matt Mitchell & Paul Garbellini, Runners-up: Peter Hewson & Ken Luff.

Middleton Beach

Ladies Championship Triples: Winners: Colleen Haynes, Doreen O’Meara & Di Pooley.

Albany

Ladies Championship Singles: Winner: Leila Mann, Runner-up: Margaret Happe.