We drove again from Wagga, this time to Lockhart for a game.
When we got there we met President Barry who opened the club then set about sweeping the floor and wiping down the tables.
Every person who arrived Barry introduced us. Three players we met were farmers. Wheat, barley canola and livestock. Then the greenkeeper arrived to give the go ahead for a game and finish marking.
There were four games of pairs. It was an artificial surface. They told us it's only been in a month and needs to settle.
The members are over the moon about that green. A small club can't afford to maintain grass.
Jean played against Stuart and Jason with skip Steve (shockers, who is apparently not politically correct). It was really cold (for almost Summer), so windy and super quick.
Going one way Jean said "I've never had to bowl this narrow in my life." When it was 10 - zip Jean said to Steve "Whatever happens I'm not doing a nudie run!". They got a few shots to save that but lost by 13.
Mal played with Jesse Shilo against Dave Castles and Graham Johnstone. Mal said it took him a while to get the weight right but "Once I worked it out it was fine." "Their skip was on fire. So many times we had 4 or 5 and he came in and took shot." In the end Mal's team won 14-13 on the last bowl.
The club has a tradition with their jackpot. It goes forward if not drawn but if it gets to $1,000 they keep drawing until there's a winner. We were happy to be here for the draw and Jean had that privilege. We had a 50/50 chance but alas another rink won.
As we left they called out "Come back!"
Lockhart. A little bowling club with a big heart.
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