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We popped in to Tarwin Lower when we were in Gippsland in January this year. But it was all locked up. They told us via Messenger that we could park our caravan there so we've come back for a camp and a roll-up. We found a nice spot to camp by the clubhouse. It's a nice little clubhouse with a cuppa always on. It was opened in 1990. Achievements are proudly displayed. There's a good outdoor entertainment area. Jean's been talking with Dave on Messenger. He met us when we arrived. Dave introduced us to President John. There's one carpet synthetic green. It's a Tiger Turf copy. The permanent shades are great. Each end is named for a life member. Rod and Brian were having a Singles championship. We waited for them to finish. Rod won. Dave Rolled up with us. Kevin joined in. Mal had a go. He bowled two beauties right to the ditch. The rest of us went in! Jean was nervous. The boys were really good bowlers. Jean said " I'll never get a photo of my shot bowl ". Then Dave knocked the kitty over to her. She jumped for joy. Next end Jean nailed it. The boys spent all their following bowls to take her out - with no success! Jean told Mal he had to do a photo-worthy bowl. He did it. We came in for drinks. Jean ordered a Chardonnay. Kevin explained about the Tarwin pour. They're famous for it. We loved the Tarwin pour. PS : Before we took off to Koo Wee Rup in the morning we stayed to watch the first half of the first Tuesday Pennants game of the season. They played against Wonthaggi where we went earlier in the year.

Jean's been in touch with Yarram Country Club via Messenger. They are very excited about our visit and invited us to play Sunday afternoon Barefoot with them. It's a nice little clubhouse with a bistro and pokies. It has a long verandah by the green. Inside the honour boards are in the hallway. Mick, Glenn and Brett had just played first round of the Pairs. We chatted with them afterwards. There are two greens. One is grass. The other is a carpet synthetic. The Westwood Green. A bowler shows wind direction. There were only seven players in all. We played a game together. Against Jeff and Bri. It was soooo windy our bowls went nowhere near the Kitty! Jean took the kitty and cried " How the hell did I do that?! " The group decided to play Skins which we'd never played before. Everyone joined in with two bowls each. How it works is the player with the furthest bowl, or if the bowl goes out of bounds, that bowl is out of the game. If you get a Toucher you get a bowl back. They put the 1970's music on. First end Mal lost a bowl. Darn wind!!! Jean got in the mix next end but nowhere near shot. Next end Jean got shot but lost her other bowl which went out. Jean went out of the game next end and Mal the one after. We both blamed the wind! Jeff won! Nick cooked the sausage sizzle. The sizzle is a regular Sunday afternoon thing. They offered $20 to the person who could get closest to the sign - corner to corner. Mal won! A nice sizzle at Yarram! Rosedale On our way to Yarram we stopped in at Rosedale for a look. Jean had been in touch via Messenger. They told her it's a tiny little club so they don't have social bowls. We wanted to check it out anyway. We couldn't get a good photo though the glass. There's a kind of outdoor area. At least there's a barbecue! There's one grass green. It looks un-mowed. The Lions Club donated it - the Maurice Clark green. Hi little Rosedale!

Last time we were in Victoria we left a few clubs down south so we could drive down from the Far South Coast of NSW on our way to the north-west. The first club is Stratford (Stratty) . The town is on The Avon River. Sister City to Shakespeare's home town. Jean's been talking with Secretary Gordon on Messenger. He asked us to phone him the day before we arrived. Mal did that. They had a great chat! Gordon said we could park our caravan here. All around there are signs that say 'Maffra Community Sports Club'. We think that's the home of Maffra Bowling Club where we had a great time in January. Perhaps they're a sponsor. It's a tiny little clubhouse. With an outdoor entertainment area. There's one plastic synthetic green. It seems there used to be three greens. The permanent shades are sturdy. Gordon invited us to their social gathering Friday afternoon. We came in and chatted with the members about our trip. President Marg looked after the bar. Gordon got us a mat and jacks for a very windy roll-up. Mal went in for a drink so Jean put all hers down. She had two lovely shots - even with outrageous wind. Of course Mal had to do better. It was tough in the wind but Jean managed two shot s in a caterpillar. Mal forgot to allow for the wind. Jean nailed it. Going into the last end Jean was up 5 to 3. She told Mal to do a photo-worthy bowl. He put the kitty in the ditch. Mal cried " Five all! ". Jean replied " I think you'll find it's 5-4! ". He said " But I called my Powerplay! ". Jean shook her head. Stratty Bowls - fun with the locals .

On our way down the Far South Coast of NSW we saw on our map that we hadn't been to Bombala . We were surprised about that. We turned up at the caravan park and Mal said "We've been here before!". Turns out we have but didn't record it. We did have a blog though! The club was very familiar. We met Pete again. He remembered us from last year. Last time we were here there were a few things we missed. All the old photos and trophies. A memorial garden. With bowler statues. And memorial tree. Jean got to play this time. We played again on the top green. This time Mal got a photo with Specs. Jean played with Warwick (Kojak) Against Pete and Eileen. Mal was with Neil and Janet. Against Chris, Faye and Aurora. First end Jean nailed it. As did Mal. Second end Mal did it again. Jean was pretty happy with how she bowled. Jean and Kojak won by two. Mal won 21-8. Nice to see old friends at Bombala. February 2024 - A fast game for Mal on grass at Club Bombala We drove three hours on Tuesday from Bairnsdale to Bombala. Last night I sent my last post for a while to BowlsTalk Vic . Now we're in NSW and ready for a game at Club Bombala. TUESDAY We stopped in at Club Bombala to check things out. We found out there's bowls on Wednesday so will stay an extra night. It's a nice little RSL Club. Bombala is famous for Platypuses and has them on the carpet. The ladies had a 40th and 50th celebrations. It would have been 60 in 2022 but for amalgamation. We met Pete and found out he's a bowler. He told us he'd see us tomorrow. There are two nice grass greens. The bottom one looks quite long. It needs some work. Specs the Assistant Greenkeeper was doing just that. Karen looked after the money. The guys sat around to discuss horse-racing before the game. Jean had a UTI so said if they had an odd number she'd sit out. There were seven. Mal played a game of three-bowl triples - eighteen ends. We're back in NSW now so only one game - not two or three! They swap positions after six ends. Mal, Peter and Don played Tony, Karen and Athol. Don told Jean Athol was Club Champion eighteen times! Apparently they call him ANZAC - for a minutes silence - because he takes his time on the mat. They played on the top green. Noel and Barry were playing a singles championship at the same time. Peter said if his son wins his game he plays the winner. There was just one game of social bowls. It was 31 degrees so a few didn't turn up. Karen said they usually get ten or so players on a Wednesday. It was a fast green - the opposite of Howitt Park . Jean waited patiently for Mal to do a photo-worthy bowl. Mal got his grass ok but struggled a bit with weight. The boys said " He did great bowls while you were shopping at IGA! " " Typical! " Jean said. Barry won the Singles. In the end it was a close game. It didn't start out that way! Mal's team was two shots down with a toucher in the ditch. Don said " This kitty's begging to be put in the ditch! " Mal nailed it. They were doing well. Don in particular who took shot from Mal! The score was 12 to 11 then they got a five! Mal's team won 19 to 13. Everyone came in for a drink afterwards. Mal had a great time. Mal told Jean that Athol coached Jamie Reynolds early in his career. Jamie played in Canberra. Even though Jean sat out - we both had a nice time. Bombala - Mal really connected with them.

So we're on our way to Victoria. Jean has some medical appointments in Melbourne in a week or so, so it's just quick stops on the NSW Far South Coast (and top of Vic). Last two days we've been to Tura Beach, Merimbula, Eden and Mallacoota. TURA BEACH We stopped in at Tura Beach on our way to stay in Merimbula. We didn't see much but it was nice. It has beautiful views from the two grass greens. MERIMBULA We checked out the Merimbula -Imlay Bowling Club You can see it from miles away. The Sapphire Club is quite big inside. With an outdoor area which overlooks the synthetic greens. The two greens are under cover. There were some people rolling up when we got there. We understand parent clubs that have spent millions on greens and covers wanting to get some money back for that but we have a policy - we don't pay for rollups! EDEN Eden is as far south as we go in NSW. Next stop is Victoria again. It's a nice little clubhouse. We couldn't play today because we had to come from Merimbula but we managed to catch the ladies before they went out. We had a great chat! There are two grass greens. The first looks unused. The greens were opened in 1974. The silver anniversary was in 1986. The main green looks good. It's the Lyle Cronk Green. MALLACOOTA After we got early check in at our Eden Caravan Park we took an hour's drive down to Mallacoota to check it out. We were supposed to stay here but Jean had trouble getting in contact with the club on Messenger. She saw they hadn't updated their page for two years. Then she went onto the Bowls Victoria site and found that Mallacoota wasn't there. She assumed it had closed so cancelled our trip. When we were at Tathra they said they had a game at Mallacoota - they are in NSW! So we had to drive down in a day. We got a glimpse of the clubhouse through the window. It's nice with the tables and chairs outside. It seems the club's been around 25 years. It's a good plastic synthetic green. With the obligatory snakes! Someone's done a good job on the garden. Jean managed to catch a little blue wren in the garden. Lovely things on the NSW Far South Coast!

We're staying a couple of days at Tathra Beach. We're just 1km from the Tathra Beach Bowling Club so popped in on Friday to get our names down for Saturday afternoon. One of the locals entertained us in the clubhouse Mal perused the Honour Boards in the hallway. There's a large outdoor seating area. We came for Friday dinner and people ate out there. It's part of 'Parnell's Porch'. Friday we met President Lynton. He organises Saturday Bowls and said he'd look after us. There's one giant plastic synthetic green with twelve rinks on it. It's been in for 5 years. Next door the were playing Croquet on the old grass green. We came back ready to bowl on Saturday. We chatted with Bernie and K.A. K.A, Jean and Mal Played Noelene, Bernie and Maddo. We had one then Mal put in a beauty. After a few ends Jean worked it out. She had a few touchers. Mal struggled with the green and missed a lot but did manage another shot. We drew. 16 all and came in for drinks. Tathra Beach - worth the struggle!

So the only club we haven't done here is Mollymook Beach. It's today. We drove down from Jean's friend Andrea's place for an afternoon game. It's a nice little clubhouse. They proudly showed us the bowls honour boards. The painting explains the flagpole from the HMAS Queenborough. There's an outdoor area with tables. And a pretty memorial succulent garden. When we arrived we met Eric and Bowls Coordinator Ron at the table. It cost $10 each but we got $5 worth of raffle tickets. The boys stood for drinks before the game. There are two plastic synthetic greens. We played on Green 1. The Ivan Jeboult Green. We played Triples together with Sharon. Against Geoff, David and Mike. It was a little windy and tough but Jean managed two. First end we scored eight. One of the guys came and gave us a couple of souvenirs. Mal got a beautiful shot then with his next bowl he hit the kitty over to give them two. We were down then Mal took the kitty and consolidated for four. Jean was so happy with her three. We won by four and we won $26 on 'Lucky Ends' with our powerplay. We were down then Mal called the power play on end 18 and we got an eight. We came in for drinks. Mollymook Beach - thank goodness for the powerplay!

Jean's very happy to come to Moruya because she spent her primary school years here. Her Dad Roy was a Police constable in the 1960's. It's a nice little clubhouse. Busy. We met Pete who organised the game. There's only one Triples game. There was a championship on so few social players. They gave us nice Moruya cloths with the Moruya Snapper on them. There are three grass greens. The top one looks unused. We played on the front green. In memory of Barry Stephens. It was Triples. We played with Henry. Against Fin, Phil and Lozza. Mal started very well with two. Skip Mal called Second Jean to take out shot bowl. She succeeded for two. Jean consolidated with Henry. Jean had shot and Mal took it. Made us happy though! The boys were such good company. Lastly Jean did a Mal and bowled to the kitty in the ditch. The boys called it bowl of the day. We won 28 to 12. Mostly due to Henry's superb bowling - but we helped! We came in for drinks with our new friends. Nice friends at Moruya.

We're on our way back to Victoria. Bermagui doesn't have social bowls on Thursday so we'll just try to have a roll-up today. Jean wants to send the blog to her hairdresser Brooke who's about to move here from Canberra. It's a good-sized clubhouse. With a big outdoor area. There's one old carpet synthetic green. Dedicated to Graeme Blacka. Everyone at other clubs told us Bermagui is a terrible green to play on. It's a bit mouldy with staples down the middle. It looks like there used to be two greens. Mal went to check with Reception. They said it costs $10 for a roll-up. On that green? No thanks! We decided not to stay for a drink. Bermagui - not paying money for a roll-up.

We came to Narooma on Monday and met Shorty who encouraged us to go to Dalmeny . We came back for a Wednesday game. It's our sixth game in a row on the coast. It's a good-sized clubhouse. Jean chatted with the ladies Margaret, Julie and Sue Mal was with Peter, Shorty and John. Les did the draw and called the cards. Not sure what gates they're talking about. There are two grass greens. We played on the first green. Green 2. They are The Marlins. A sister club to Dalmeny Dusky Flatheads. There's an emergency shower for Greenkeeper chemical spills. Ian, John and Suzanne Played John, Jean and Mal. Jean struggled in the wind but got two shots. Mal was all over the place until he got his line and weight. Jean finally found her line. Mal got a windy two. Les found Jean two Narooma badges. She gave one to Mal. We lost by four . It was very tough! We came inside and they presented us with cloths and pens. A tough game at Narooma !

We went for a little Monday drive on our day off to check out Bodalla and Tuross clubs. We got our names down to play at Bodalla on Tuesday. It was closed but we met the bartender who let us in for a chat. There are bowls photos above the bar. And a nice wooden trophy with club achievements. With a nice outdoor area. As usual Mal got his photo with Stuart the Greenkeeper. There are two nice grass greens. We played on the first green. The Keith Lavis Green. Jason looked after the draw. We sat and chatted with Roddo, Pete and Coops. We played Pairs together Against Judy and Michael. First end we were five down when Mal did a Nyngan Draw Bowl for shot. Second end Jean scored a Toucher. And again. Backhand Mal was on fire! There was a $20 prize for the first Resting Toucher. Jean tried hard but was 1mm out! We won by one shot! TUROSS We had a quick drop in at Tuross on Monday. It was closed but we got a good look. It also has two nice grass greens. And a pretty memorial garden. What a close game at Bodalla!