We played together at Pialba

We're in Hervey Bay for Mal's family reunion. Yesterday we drove by Pialba Bowls Club. We tried to ring Thursday but no answer. Jean suggested Mal ring 8am Friday to see if there's morning bowls. We got our names down for 9am.

When we arrived we met Karen and Garry (Gaz & Kaz) who used to live in Banks where Mal lived. Their kids still live in Tuggeranong.

Gary gave Mal a cap. He said everything at the club is done by volunteers - except for the paid greenkeeper.

Then Jean met Sandra and Ian at the bar.

They have two nice grass greens - they say best in the region.

They have nice club shirts.

We played in front of the clubhouse

on the Jack Kramer Green.

It was nominated pairs so we got to play together.

We had a full green of people for pairs.

We played against Garry and Frank who we'd met earlier.

We both worked out grass and weight pretty early. It was quite quick.

They had great American country rock playing in the background. Then Aussie rock. Was cool.

We often had all the back bowls. Mal tried to use them - to no avail.

Jean took refuge from the sun on the beautiful wooden seats which Frank said cost $350 each - Donated by members.

Jean captured Damon having a rest.

They had brilliant clear blue sky. It made Jean a little homesick for Canberra.

Mal did his best but Garry and Frank were good. It was tough!

They got seven up - we pared them back - then seven up again.

After being down the whole game we got one and one and one. We'd have shots and Garry's Orange bowls took them off us.

We drew four on the last end to draw.

Jean said "If nothing else I've had a lovely time chatting with Frank." Frank used to do maintenance in the club. He organises Friday morning. He told Jean he was on the trains for 30 years.