We had fun losing at The Albert Bowls Club

After we played at Gympie on Thursday we dropped in to The Albert to see if we could get our names down. The club was closed but we met Steve the Greenkeeper who opened the club for us to put our names on the list.

Steve has done a good job. The club has two nice grass greens.

It's been around a long time.

At the bar we met Mark and Rick - who organises the day. Rick told us about the format which is four-bowl pairs - two games of twelve ends.

Jean wore her uniform because a lot of clubs around here seem to like it. Steve came and introduced himself. He asked "Where is Weston Creek Wildcats?" Jean explained.

We played on the far green.

It has one of those pull-over shades.

Inside we met Pam who is the Mum of Canberra Bowling Club champ Jamie Reynolds. She was with Lorraine who told Jean about a few clubs that have camping.

The club is small but cosy. It has a friendly feel.

The members wear two shirts - the old blue and maroon one and the new white one.

Mal and Jean played together.

First game was against Lorraine and Bruce.

We found it a bit tough at first. Our bowls went wide.

Mal struggled with his on-shots and we needed them. We were even to begin with then they got a few fours on us. We caught up with a five on the second last end to put us two behind. We had two then Bruce drew a perfect shot for the end and the game. We came inside for afternoon tea.

It was damper, jam and cream; and chocolate cake - made by the ladies.

Second game was against Pam and Mike. Pam told us she got her bowls from Mark Casey who's a friend of Jamie's. We weren't hopeful!

(Mike, Pam and Mal)

Towards the end, Pam drew a close one then Jean drew closer. Jean felt she bowled pretty well in the game.

Mal has had better days - though he did do a few good draw bowls.

We lost by a lot then came inside for drinks and raffles.

Mike showed us a calendar with shots of the 2022 flood. The club is the grey building - completely under water.

This is the sports pavillion next door - how it looks when not in flood.

Percy at the bar thanked us for coming and wished us well in our travels.

The Albert - it's OK to lose if you have fun!