Well what a week it was up in Shepparton for the 2019 Victorian Open.

MCC Bowls had approximately 20 bowlers and 1 official in attendance throughout the week, which is a great representation, even catching the eye of all the others bowlers at the venues.

On the greens we had great success with many of our bowlers reaching the knockout stages at Shepparton Park. Most notably we have the following results:

• Fay Winther with her composite team (Jody Nevill and Kerri Leask) winning the Women’s Triples Gold Medal
• Anne Draffen taking home the Gold Medal in the Women’s Singles

Also in the Vic Medal (awarded to the player who accumulates most points across all four disciplines, we had some note worthy results:

• Anne Draffen came equal 2nd on 18 points
• Sam Robinson came 4th with 17 points, plus won through to the Round of 16 in all four disciplines

A great effort by all, and the support we gave each of our team mates was outstanding, with it even being noted on the Bowls Vic Live stream.

As always keep up the great work and Carn C’s

For those members who knew Father, a former member of the MCC Bowls Section.

Fr Graeme Stuart SSS died peacefully at St Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy on Thursday 14 November 2019, aged 72 years.

Graeme was professed in the Blessed Sacrament Congregation on 3 March 1975 and ordained on 19 August 1978. Prior to joining religious life, he played professional Aussie Rules footy (St Kilda Football Club) and later served in the Victorian Police Force in the Melbourne Metropolitan Region. During his time away from the Congregation, he worked in the Victorian State Government office.

Fr Graeme served the Lord and the church faithfully and generously over many years accepting various appointments within the Province. During his time as Province leader (2006-2014) he also served on the Executive Council of Catholic Religious Victoria and Yarra Theological Union. Graeme spent his last years at St Francis’ Community, Melbourne. He will be missed by his family, his SSS brothers and his many friends. He will be remembered for his courage, kindness, generosity and prayerfulness.

At peace in the Lord’s embrace

The Funeral Eucharist for Fr Graeme Stuart Duro SSS will be celebrated at St Francis’ Church, 326 Lonsdale St (cnr Elizabeth St), Melbourne on Friday (22 November 2019)commencing at 12.00 noon.

After Mass, refreshments will be served in the Pastoral Centre followed by Burial at Williamstown Cemetery.

Vale Graeme Duro,

For those that knew Graeme we were saddened to hear that he had passed away,

I think that it is appropriate that we outline his contribution to the MCC Bowls Section,

Graeme joined the Bowls Section in 2002 and went on to play 215 games of Saturday Pennant his last season with us was in 2015-2016, his work made it extremely difficult for him to practice and play,

Graeme also played in our Division 1 premiership in 2003-2004. He also won the club triples and won the pairs leading for Normie Whitehead.

He was a fierce competitor, often it was difficult convincing our opponents that he was a man of the cloth.

Graeme was tremendous bowler to have playing with you and was often critical on the greens which was generally directed at himself he, was a perfectionist.

Off the greens Graeme was a great friend to many at MCC  Bowls and was also instrumental in assisting many members in times of need.

He made a  massive contribution and was always great company.

Graeme Duro was a great mate, fine bowler and a friend to many at MCC and will be missed.

Manny Galanos,

Chairman MCC Bowls

We have some up coming functions at the club which we required some Volunteers to help run.

Reg Davis is looking after all the planning for these function and would love to know if you’re able to help out with any of the below dates:

• Sunday 17th Nov
• Friday 22nd Nov
• Sunday 24th Nov
• Thursday 28th Nov (12 noon to 5 pm)
• Friday 29th Nov
• Friday 6th Dec
• Sunday 8th Dec
• Thursday 12th Dec
• Friday 13th Dec
• Wednesday 18th Dec
• Friday 20th December
• Saturday 28th December

If you’re able to assist, please contact Reg Davis either by phone (0409 771 086) or email (regbd50@yahoo.com)

With Ray Jansen preparing to head up to Ettalong NSW to represent Victoria in the Over 60’s State Side this weekend, we have some extra good news on the Representative front.

Tris Doolan and Anne Draffen have been selected in the 12 player Women’s side for Victoria to play South Australian in January 2020. While Brendan Gallagher has been selected in the Men’s 20 player squad for the same Test Series.

Well done to our players who have been selected to represent our great state!

A reminder to all members who wish to play their club games on a Tuesday or a Thursday, the following must be adhered to:

• ALL GAMES MUST BE BOOKED IN THE GREENS DIARY WHICH IS AVAILABLE ON THE BAR – REGARDLESS OF DAY OR TIME OF PLAY
• Tuesday – there no restriction on time of games, but all games must be booked in the diary. Only a limited number of games are permitted at once to ensure there is enough room for practice to occur.
• Thursday – there are no games allowed at all between 4pm and 7pm, this time is designated for rink practice. Any game prior to 4pm must be completed by 4pm while games can commence after 7pm. Again all games must be booked in the Greens Diary on the Bar.

Entries for the Men’s and Ladies Singles Championship close this Saturday at 6pm.

To check that your names is entered CLICK HERE

The LIVE Draw will be conducted at 6.30pm at the Swinburne Ave Clubrooms.

This Sunday it will be an all MCC Final of the Yarra Region Over 60’s Singles.

In the Women’s Over 60’s Singles Final we have:
– Gillian Baxter vs Alison Hall.

In the Men’s Over 60’s Semi Finals we have:
– Ray Jansen vs Tom Ristic
– Peter Marget vs Scott Wellington

The Semi Finals will be played in the morning at 9.30am.
Both Finals will be played in the afternoon at 1pm.

THE VENUE HAS BEEN CHANGED AND ALL GAMES WILL BE PLAYED AT MCC SWINBURNE AVENUE. SO GET DOWN AT SUPPORT OUR PLAYERS IN THESE FINALS.

Good bowling to all our Midweek bowlers who tomorrow kick off their season. While our Weekend Pennant players will kick off this Saturday. We wish you all the best for the season.

Sides are available in the Events Section of Team App, also on our website http://mccbowls.org/pennant/selected-sides-results-ladders/ and on the boards at the club.

Don’t forget this Thursday (3/10) after Pennant Practice, we will have our normal Guest Speaker, this year we welcome Paul Licuria (former Collingwood footballer). The talk begins at 6.45pm and we’ll have pies on the night.

Also we wish all out Over 60’s bowlers who made it through the subsequent Rounds of the Yarra Region Over 60’s Singles at Rosanna on Wednesday.

A note for Weekend Pennant selection this week, the selectors have noted that some players have missed out on a game due to more players being available than positions in sides. There will be rinks setup for these players to play intra-club games at Swinburne Avenue starting at the normal time for Pennant.