Karratha with Dampier

We're in Karratha for just a day but there are two bowls clubs here. We popped in to Dampier then had an evening game at Karratha Country Club. Mal's brother Michael joined us at Karratha.

DAMPIER

First we drove 21 km to Dampier. It's Friday afternoon so we assumed it would be open. Not so. It was all locked up.

Like a lot of clubs up here, most of the action takes place in outdoor shady areas. All the chairs were up because it's closed.

When you go out the front you can see a lovely view of the inlet.

We couldn't get to the green to get our usual photo. It looks like plastic synthetic.

KARRATHA

Our caravan is parked at the Country Club so it's just a tiny walk for Friday dinner and bowls. It costs $16 for fully-self-contained vans at the Information Centre (no power/water).

It's a tiny little clubhouse adjacent to the main club. It has its own bar though.

It was just on sunset when we arrived.

Outside is a nice barbecue area.

We met John the President. He said they have 42 members and 12 of them are bowlers. He said the bowls season is officially over now so it's possible no other bowlers would turn up tonight. He was happy though because he doesn't often get to play.

Chelsea served us at the bar.

There is a bell adjacent to the bar and a plaque for the recent upgrade.

Like Dampier it's a plastic synthetic green about eight years old. It runs well.

There are two kinds of permanent shades

John told us they used to have a cover but but it got destroyed by a cyclone twice. The council said "enough is enough!"

Jean decided she would play with Mal's brother Michael.

Mal and John played together.

Jean had it then Mal came in and stole shot. That was the start of it.

Jean was bowling ok but most often it didn't end up that way.

Unusually each rink has its own sponsor.

Mal stole again for two.

Michael tried so hard. He finally stole one and gave himself shot and Jean second.

In the end Mal and John were too good. We didn't really take note of the score. When we got back to Michael's car he handed Mal a stubby of beer. Mal said "That's my trophy. I f****'n flogged him! After the last game at Barn Hill he was happy again.

Mal gets revenge at Karratha!