MCC Bowls

As some of you may have heard, yesterday Clive fell before pennant, hit his head and was taken to hospital.

He is doing well and was due to be discharged from hospital this morning.

Members Day is fast approaching and our numbers are down. The day consists of Bowls and Lunch with a 9:45 am arrival for a 10:00 am start. The cost is only $25.00. President Paul Sheahan has been invited as has our representative on the MCC Committee, Fred Oldfield. There are plenty of vacancies so get your names on the lists at Glen Street or Swinburne Avenue ASAP

Over the last week we have started presenting a new item of the club uniform.  The 250 Game Cap, or “baggy blue” as it has been coined.

The cap is deigned to recognise those members who have played 250 games of pennant (in a single competition) for the Melbourne Cricket Club Bowls Section.  It has been specifically designed for the Bowls Section and is made by the same company that produces the Baggy Green, and caps for the MCC Cricket Section.  Close observers will even notice it has the Bowls Australia Logo on it so it can be worn proudly on the green.

Some of the presentation photos are below.

Earlier today Linda Moore defeated Karen Thomson 25-10 to become the Ladies Singles Champion of the MCC Bowls Section.

Please be advised that all entries for club events will close Sunday 18th January.

Dates of each competition will be advised shortly.

I hope you have all had an enjoyable break from bowls over the Christmas – New Year period and are looking forward to the remainder of the season.

The Greenkeeper has advised that both Swinburne Avenue Greens will be available for practice / play from tomorrow – 6th January.

The Coach has requested that all pennant players attend a meeting at Swinburne Avenue from 5:30pm to 6:00pm on Thursday 15th January to discuss the run towards the finals.

19th December 2014

Fellow Bowlers,

On behalf of our committee I would like to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

The new synthetic surface at Glen Street has received some extremely positive feedback and I would like to congratulate and commend the MCC Foundation and our own sub-committee for a job very well done, in particular Bill Coomaraswary MCC Capital Works Project Manager and our John Kaloger. We now have one of the very best synthetic surfaces in the metropolitan area.

Our greens this year have been the best I can remember for a long time; our green keeper Warren Maynard will be carrying out some works on them during the break, however the north green at Swinburne Avenue will be available for practice during this period for all members.

Our new coach Neville Wood-Bradley has settled in nicely and has been extremely well received by all of us, his one on one coaching sessions have proven to be highly sought after at all levels. The Monday night coaching seminars were also well attended and gave us an insight to Neville’s philosophies and his expectations of us as a bowls section. Please avail yourself of his services regardless of where you are playing.

Our new tops whilst retaining and acknowledging our rich history also has us looking towards the future. To Andrew Marshall, Dan Mars and Peter Marget the sub-committee in this regard, a very special thank you for all your efforts and hard work, the shirts look great.

We are so fortunate to have so many quality members who over the years have shown tremendous loyalty to our section, with the committee’s endorsement I am pleased to advise that all bowlers who have played 250 or more games in a single competition will be presented with a ‘very special cap’, in the traditional MCC colours with their name embroided on it. There are some 33 who currently qualify, wear it proudly. Over the next month or so, eligible players will be presented with their caps!

The season has commenced reasonably well, there have been and always will be issues arising, however we are all part of a great sporting organisation and we will continue to work together to ensure we enjoy our bowls and enjoy each others company.

Our Christmas Luncheon held on Sunday was enjoyed by all in attendance, Father Christmas also paid us a visit; there were a lot of smiling faces who all received a gift from Santa. Thank you to ‘all’ the volunteers who contributed their time, your efforts are very much appreciated.

It was also pleasing that some $3,000 was donated to Berry Street, well done! A very deserving cause.

Congratulations to Simon Naughton for winning the club singles last night, a quality game, played by two very talented bowlers, well done Simon and commiserations John Kaloger.

Once again best wishes to you and your families for the upcoming festive season.

Sincerely Yours,

Manny Galanos

Chair MCC Bowls Section

Congratulations to Simon Naughton who has just won the MCC Bowls Section, Mensa Club Championship, in a 33 end battle against John Kaloger.

Simon now joins the exclusive club of MCC Bowls Section members of having won the Singles, Pairs and Triples, he is only the 7th person to achieve this feat!

The Club Championship Final will be played at 5.30 on Thursday 18th December between John Kaloger and the winner of Randal and Simon

Practice will end at 5.30 when a sausage sizzle will be on for spectators.

Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Training for next year resumes from Tuesday 13th January, however its extremely important to play some bowls at least the week before.  A quick start is very important for the 2nd half of the season.

I will be unavailable for coaching between 21st December and 13th January, but feel free to contact me to arrange a time in the new year.