Weekend tournament at Alexandra

We came to Alexandra Bowls Club on spec, before heading to our accommodation, to see if they had Thursday social bowls on today. They don't but what they have is even better!

We pulled up and met Bob the Bar Manager who arrived at the same time.

He told us there's a tournament on the weekend and they are a couple of players short. We agreed to play within seconds of him asking! He took our names then said we can camp on the old green. It was a bit hard for Mal to get our big caravan on there so instead we parked in front of the shed.

Bob guided Mal through the narrow gate then hooked us up to power and water. Instead of staying at the Alexandra Showground for one night - we'll stay for four nights here!

It's another little country Clubhouse.

With winners displayed proudly.

There's a comfy looking outdoor area.

Dave (Homer) the Greenkeeper came to introduce himself.

Dave looks after the plastic synthetic green.

The Lewis Green. Thanks to Victorian Gov't.

They have Government help with the water.

We assume it's an in joke on the wind sign. George Argent - Hooley Dooley!

We had a ball hanging out with the locals on Friday night to prepare for Saturday. Jean said "I feel that Alexandra might surpass Skipton as our favourite Victorian club!" We met President Gilly.

THE TOURNAMENT - SATURDAY

We got up bright and early on Saturday for a 9am start.

It's $70 per player. With 7 games of bowls four meals and snacks we think that's good value. Prize money is from the Calcutta. Terry sat at the door to collect Calcutta fees.

We started with a Calcutta. Jean didn't know what that was so she just went with the flow.

It was the best-organised Tournament we've ever seen. Every team got a bag.

Each bag had everything we need.

Stubby holders, bracelets, bowls stickers, pens, cloths, programme and Calcutta book.

All the teams sat down to sort themselves out. There were teams here from Yea, Shepparton Golf, Yarra Glen and Whittlesea where we've been and Moonee Valley, Elwood Elsternwick we'll do in Melbourne in 2028.

We went out to play. Today It's two-bowl triples. Four games of fourteen ends and three tomorrow. Mal was Homer's Second with Steve.

They played first game against Bubbles, Ken and GI Jane.

Gilly skipped. Jean played Second with Lead Mick who came from Yea.

They were against Riley, Nathan and Brayden - young guns from Moonee Valley in Melbourne. Gilly says Nathan will be Victoria's next Skipper.

The Tournament is called Murrindindi 2000 for the Murrindindi Shire. The first one was in 1997. They thought is would last three years. 28 years later they've kept the name.

Jean had no chance against the guns. The score was 2 to 25! All she could manage was a couple of catchers!

Mal had a much closer game. At least he scored a shot in his Alexandra shirt!

His second game he was against Angus, Paul and Braiden from Elwood Elsternwick.

Second game Jean played Andy, Doug and Roachy.

Gilly's team was so excited to get more shots in one end than the whole first game score. Jean was over the moon with her two shots!

Jean's rink had the best head of the day.

Jean won but Mal lost. We came in for a lovely country lunch of Corned beef, ham salad and potato bake. Dessert was Apple Crumble and ice-cream.

It got hotter after the lunch. We were expecting 34°. It was 32°. Jean played against Warnie, Curly and Athlete.

Mal against Trevor, Pip, and Tim.

There was Aussie rock music playing in the background. Everyone was singing along and having a ball.

2nd end Jean nailed it! Mick consolidated.

The Zooper Doopers came out just in time!.

Last game of the day Gilly played Graham, Brett and Ben.

Mal and Jean both won two and lost two. Mal lost by much less than Jean's 20 to 30.

We were so tired and sore after 56 ends of bowls we had no energy to take a photo of our barbecue dinner. All we got was a quick picture of the corner to corner shootout.

SUNDAY

Sunday started with breakfast at 8:30. We got ready for another 42 ends of bowls.

Breakfast was tea with bacon, eggs, hash browns and Collingwood vs Port Adelaide on the television.

Steve went home so Mal played today with Homer and Mal.

Their first opponents were Mark, Beau and Liam from Yarra Glen.

Jean was against Josh, Matt and Blake who are from Moonee Valley.

It was raining. So welcome after yesterday! First bowl down for Jean was a wrong bias. She made up for it though.

Likewise Mal up the other end of the green.

Neither of us won our first game. Next game we played each other - opposing Seconds. First end Jean had two and Gilly consolidated.

After a full count, Jean was up ten-zip. Jean had a lovely shot but Mal took the kitty back for three. Gilly got one back then. 11-zip.

Mal's side had three next end. Gilly drove and split the jack! Dead end! They finally scored with three in the re-play.

Mal had two shots. Jean said "Take that Mal!"

Gill won 21 to 5! Mal won't live that down!

We came in for lunch. This time roast lamb & pork. Dessert was Sticky Date Pudding.

Chris, Levi, Marie and Rose fed us beautifully.

Over lunch it pelted down! The boys decided to play on it.

They to call it. They tallied the results.

Mal's (Homer's) team got best Saturday team.

At the end of the day we think Alexandra has not only eclipsed Skipton as Victoria's best club, it's now Australia's best bowling club! We came in for a well-deserved drink.

We believe this was the best tournament we've ever been in. They're never sure when it will be run. If bowlers want to play in it they can contact President Gilly (Greg Gilmore) on 0411 605 732 or gillygilmore60@hotmail.com.

Alexandra - we think we're honorary members now!