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We're on our way to Werribee on the outskirts of Melbourne for just one night. We stopped on our way at Ballan for an early rollup. We liked their permanent shades. There's just one synthetic green. It's the plastic kind. Jean started off as usual (Mal is such a gentleman!). She scored early. The green suited her. Then Mal started. Jean had shot but then he took her out for one. Jean got her own back. We only did four ends but Jean won. Ballan - Jean wins a little bit!

We're in Werribee for just one night. We're not really sure how Jean got it into her trip plan this year, nevertheless We're here. It's raining so no rollup this evening. Apparently they are the WerriBEE Bees. Hence 'The Hive'. There's a nice outdoor area. The Rob Casey Pavilion. And a beautiful native animal mural. We walked in and met Tania and Lesley - Head Coach. Lesley told us a bit about the club - especially that they just celebrated 100 years. The clubhouse is nice. A big bar. Outside we met Director Chuck who was rolling up in the rain. Then we met Graham who is also a coach. There are three greens. One is being re-planted with Tiffdwarf. The others are a grass and a Synthetic greens. The synthetic is the carpet Jean likes. The Jack Hosking's Green. They've won a lot of Pennants. Mal was very disappointed we didn't get a rollup. Werribee - the rain the rain!

We contacted Skipton Golf and Bowls Club a week ago to tell them we'd be here on Saturday and available for Pennants if they needed us. They were grateful and gave us a game. We spoke to President Doug who put us on to Tim the Bowls Organiser. Tim suggested we camp at the bowling club. Doug came and met us when we arrived and set us up with power and water for our van. Darryl arrived and was surprised to see strangers in club shirts. The clubhouse is cute. It has a separate bar area. And a lovely rose garden. The hedges grow over the shades. Seats are donated. Next door neighbour is clearly a bowler! There's one old synthetic green. We're playing Pennants today at Victoria Club where we played earlier in the year. Tim drove us there. Jean's team was Darryl, Jean, skip Ian and Scott. Against Victoria's Albie, Rob, Carol and Brian. Mal's team was Diane, Mal, Andrew and skip Tim. All the Skipton players were so welcoming. Against Rob, David and Geoff (with skip Gary who was at the other end). There were three divisions playing today from Mt Xavier, City Oval and the Sevens from Skipton. Mal was doing really well. Jean not so much! She did three pineapples! " It takes me six ends to get used to a green!" She said. Jean's team was eight shots behind going into the break. Jean said to her teammates "When we go back out we'll kick their arse!" Jean finally got shot end twelve and her teammates consolidated for three. Then the team got a four which put them two behind. Once Jean started playing better they all did (no causal link). She took kitty for two and got skip hat off and a Smiley face. On the bowl. Mal bowled well the whole game. Jean's team lost by one in the end - a great comeback. Mal won by 11.. we went back to the club for a drink. Tim gave us a bottle of Shiraz. Skipton - we feel like we belong!

So we stopped off at Yea on our way home from playing Pennants at Eildon on Saturday. We checked out the green and took some photos. We were too tired to roll up. We liked the shade covers. There's the old ones and the new ones. Jean peaked inside the window to look at the clubhouse. It's nice. There is just one green. It's a synthetic. It's that plastic kind. Yea, perhaps we'll make it back some day!

So when we were at Shepparton Park on Thursday Kelvin introduced us and our trip. Di raced over to our table and asked if we could come and play Pennants for them on Saturday at Eildon. She said they are short two players. Even though it's 75 minutes from Seymour (we don't usually travel more than 30 minutes) we jumped at the chance! We arrived super early so took a little walk down town to buy Mal some hay fever tablets. Maureen and Marie were preparing for tea. It's a nice little clubhouse up on the hill. There's a lovely memorial garden. And another pretty garden on the side. With a nice outdoor area. We met Steve the Pennants Manager at the table who said "I'm in charge of nothing!" There's just one nice grass green. It's 'The Green With The View' This is the view. Jean plays Lead in one team and Mal plays Third in another. We put our Shep Park Pennants stickers on. Chris, Neville, Bev and Mal Played Ian, Ray, Maureen and Ric from Eildon. Jean, Alan, Val and Norm Played Michael, Richard, Paul and Lundy. All the uniforms were colourful. We stuck out like a sore thumb in our Weston Creek uniforms. There were sixteen players each - 4x4 - to play 25 ends. The Eildon boys and girls have a tatoo for being 22-23 Premiers. Even a 90 year old has one. Jean finally got one on end four but it's Pennants. It didn't last. Mal reckoned he didn't do any good bowls but his teammates raved about him. He didn't always get shot but he reclaimed and saved lots. We came in at half time for lunch. The Eildon players each brought something for their opponents. Jean's table had Egg and Bacon Pie, Sandwiches, Tim Tam's, Laminations and Wagon Wheels. Each table was different. Back out Jean got touchers but it just wasn't enough. Jean's team lost by four after being 11 behind. Mal's team had been up the whole game. Then, on the last end it was 23 all. They lost by two. Overall Eildon won because one rink won by 21. They didn't record all 100 ends but the scoreboard showed it. They did the same for afternoon tea. To finish it off the Eildon boys sang their song. They said they hadn't won a Pennant for 40 years until they wrote and started singing their song. Then they were Premiers! We are a team of bowlers We come from Eildon town We'll roll and draw and drive and never let each other down We'll beat them on the plastic We'll beat them on the grass We'll always kiss the kitty and kick their bloody arse" Paulie is the President. He gave us a stubbie holder, a pen each and a tiny torch. Eildon - we did our best for Shep Park but, alas, to no end!

We went to Shepparton Park a few days ago to put our names down. We'd been told by people at other clubs we need to have them down by the night before. Lovely people there helped us. We were looking for where to put our names down. Jean asked Bev, Margaret and Dennis who were watching a final. They explained what to do and Bev came out to check on us. The first people we met when we came back on Thursday were Rob, Linton and Wes. Then we met Phil and Brian in the Tournament Office. It's quite a big clubhouse. There's a row of funny 'Rollup ' cartoons. They are pretty funny. The logo is nice. It's on everything. They collect cans for Goulburn Valley Health. There are three greens. Two are grass and one synthetic under cover. We played on the grass. It had just been rolled. Again there were lots of people there we'd met at other clubs. It was pairs 2x2x2x2. Two games of twelve ends. There were enough players to have games on all three greens. We played together. First game was against Ray and Ernie. Jean had second shot. Mal played weight and took out shot bowl for a Resting Toucher. He got a free drink. Jean was bowling well but Ernie bowled better. Mal was bowling brilliantly. He took out Ray's shot bowl 5 times! They don't put the scores up. Jean was shocked when, going into the last end, we were three up. They got two so we won by one. We came inside for a salad roll. We bought tickets in the 100. Ron spun the wheel. Jean won $10. Next game we played on the synthetic under cover against Malcolm and Karen. Bill from Tallygaroopna came over to introduce himself. He said we can't play there because their greens had to be replaced. He told us we'd be welcome when they're back and gave Mal a Tally Stubby holder. Tally's temporary home is Shepparton Park. There was great 70's music in the background: Suzie Quattro, Elvis, Carly Simon and Melanie to name a few. Karen told us it's Malcolm's playlist. First end we played really well for three. There's bird poo on the green. Karen said they've put up nets to stop them. End four Mal tried to take his hat off to Jean but he didn't have one on. Then Jean did the same to Mal. Karen and Jean had lots of giggles talking about our men and the things they do on the bowling green. Fun made Jean bowl better. Mal was also doing fine. Last end they needed eight to win . They had shot then Mal came round and took it for one. It was 15 to 8. After the game, Kelvin, who said he's 'The Head Honcho' came and introduced himself. (Mal and Kelvin) We came inside. Kelvin then introduced us and told our story. We were about to leave when Di came over. They are short two people for Pennants on Saturday so she asked usif we'd sub for them at Eildon It's an hour away from Seymour where we'll be tomorrow but for Pennants it's worth it. Shepparton Park - two wins, no prize but lots of fun!

There were a few Shepparton region clubs we didn't have social bowls details for so Mal rang them this morning. He spoke to President John at Merrigum who told him there'd be people there at 5pm for us to roll up with. When we arrived John was waiting for us. He organised David to come and roll up with us. (David and John) Carolyn John's wife sat and gave entertaining commentry. Jean peeked inside at the clubhouse. It's cute. There's just one nice grass green. Owls hang over it to protect from Corellas. The corellas eat worms and leave divots. The shades were donated by a couple - the Grills. We had a quick rollup together because we promised to go to Tatura for Happy Hour. Carolyn was impressed with how Mal mastered the green. Jean on the other hand had no idea. Best she got was third shot on the last end. John asked Ma to ring him on Monday. He said he's almost certain he can get him a game in their Over 60s team at the tournament they'll host on Wednesday. Mal was over the moon. We said goodbye and John gave us a tongue-in-cheek message for Jason at Tatura. Merrigum - thanks guys for your time and lovely company. POST SCRIPT - OVER 60'S ON WEDNESDAY We came back for Mal's promised game for Merrigum in the over 60's on Wednesday. We arrived super early so helped Joe set up. We put the mats and Jacks out and raised the flag. There were blokes there we'd met at Tatura, East Shepparton and Shepparton Golf. Mal played second for Merrigum. It was Carmen, Mal and Joe. Mal had to use his muscles as it was very slow but he did ok. They were ahead but lost by one on the last end. They went down by ten in the second. Mal played ok then and in the last game. It was five all on the 8th end of ten. They drew six all. Inside afterwards Ken, who had seen Jean's hat with all the badges, went and got all his spares. Jean scored ten more badges from clubs we've already visited. A tough but enjoyable game for Mal.

We popped in to Hill Top Golf and Bowling Club after our rollup at Tatura on Tuesday. We found out about social bowls and put our names down for Sunday. When we walked in we had our bowls shirts on. Mark recognised us as bowlers and came rushing over to find out our story. He didn't know what time the bowls were. We were led astray. We rang on Saturday to find out and were told it's the first and third Sunday. We missed it by a week. We were pleased to see they have caravan parking facilities (unlike Tocumwal). Hill Top - we decided it wasn't worth going back!

Jean's been in touch with Shepparton Golf and Bowls via Messenger. She found out they don't have social bowls during Pennant season but have training on Tuesday afternoon. She told them we'd come to give the players some competition! When we arrived there were a few players rolling up. We went inside. They were finishing up a post-Pennant meeting. We met Richard the President. We told him we were looking for people to roll up with. Richard went out and spoke with Garry and Geoff. They said we could roll with them. There are two good grass greens. The guys reckon they are the best in the Goulburn Valley. We rolled on the bottom green. It's the Jim Cummins Green. They have scoreboards which recognise Life Members. It's the first time we've seen grape vines at a bowls club. The boys told us they are separate from the Golf Club. They pay around $7K a year rent to the club, which includes water. They maintain the greens themselves and have their own clubhouse. They told us the club has fines. $2 each player if you lose your rink, $2 if you drop a four or more, if you are late, if you forget your uniform. $20 for a wrong bias. The money goes towards the end-of-season function - Mad Monday. It also costs $5 if you get your photo in the paper! The boys were really good players. On the kitty every end. After a few ends Mal worked it out. It took Jean a couple more ends Then she scored another. That was about it! Graeme came to model the new club shirt. Mal rolled two touchers then Geoff took the kitty back Mal replied with shot. Jean was hoping Garry would take him out! Shepparton Golf - so glad we didn't do a wrong bias!

We went to Shepparton Park yesterday and met Dennis who rang Kevin at East Shepparton to put our names down for Monday morning. It's a decent sized clubhouse. The Lechte family donated a clock for Graeme Lechte.. When we arrived we met Max and Robert at the desk. Mal stood and chatted with Ivan and the two David's. The club has three nice synthetic greens. They are Jean's favourite carpet. One is under cover. There's a beautiful rose garden. And a lovely cool outdoor area. They will put fans in soon. We played on the front green It's the F.A. Atwood Green. We played pairs 2-4-2. Two games of twelve ends. We played together. First game was against Geoff and Stan. There were 26 blokes, a lady and Jean. Jean met Keith who is President of Tatura. He is an Essendon supporter. His stick and bowls are black and red. His bowls have a picture of his old FJ Holden. First end, though it was quick, Jean managed the weight but with her third bowl took kitty and gave them two. Second end she took kitty to the edge for two. Jean had fiveI touchers in three ends but Jean said to Stan "You guys are bloody good bowlers!" They got eight shots in three ends . Kevin (who we spoke with yesterday) came and introduced himself. They have interesting markers for Jack and bowl in the ditch. They stick with Velcro. Lead Jean kept getting shots to no avail. We lost 8 to 14. We were happy with that because we dropped a five. We came inside after the game for salad rolls made by the lovely ladies. Second end we played Ivan and David (Minnie) who we met earlier. Minnie said they call him that because his surname is Minogue. In fact his first cousin is the Dad of Kylie and Danni. Mal started off well. We won the first two. Despite this, second game we didn't do much better. We lost our grass! In the end they doubled our score. We came in and they did presentations. Robert who runs the show gave us a rousing introduction. Jean said "I did some bloodygoodbowlstoday. And we still got flogged!" East Shepparton - no Velcro for us!

We drove over to Murchison on our way back to Shepparton from Rushworth on Saturday. They were playing Pennants against John and David from Merrigum who we met yesterday. The entry way had bowls on the gate and as a garden border. It's a tiny little clubhouse. There are two grass greens. They played Division Five Pennants on the Northern Green. We rolled up on the other green. It's the Southern Green. They had interesting contraptions to step on and off the green. Everyone sat in the outdoor under cover seating area to watch the game. We asked President Bruce if we could roll up on the Southern Green. (Mal and Bruce) Our rollup was good. The green was a little quick with a wide and a narrow sides. Again Mal was all over it. He even had a Resting Toucher. Jean went better going back to the clubhouse. Jean had three then Mal drove and sent the kitty up into the air and the bowls out. The kitty came down in the same spot. The scores ended up even. The Pennant players had a break for smoko at 3pm. Jean expressed surprise at a break during Pennants. John replied "We're good unionists here. We have to have a break!" Murchison put on quite a spread. They invited us to join in. We sat and had a great chat with Bruce about our trip. After reciprocal thanks and announcements Bruce introduced us to all the players and John called out to tell everyone that Mal will be at the Over 60's at Merrigum on Wednesday. Murchison - a great chat over smoko!

Mal rang Rushworth Bowls Club the other day to find out about social bowls. People at other clubs have told us it's a great little club. We decided to come on Saturday to watch them play Pennants. Jean checked out the nice little clubhouse - decked out for Pennants refreshments. While we were taking our photo in front of the sign Laurie came and introduced himself. He told us to go and check out the town market. We did but it was closing. Mal had rung yesterday and spoke with Debbie who came out to see us. She told us they have training Monday morning but we're going to East Shepparton that day so will just roll up today. Lots of people knew who we were. Clearly they've been chatting about us. It was Premier League Division Three against Shepparton Park. Laurie skipped. Mal stood and chatted with John who's been bowling here 25 years. He used to live in the house across the road. One of the ladies told Jean their President's name was also Jean. She had to get a photo! There are two greens - one grass that they played Pennants on And thin carpet synthetic we rolled up on. Jean doesn't like this black and green carpet. We did a few ends on it. That was enough. It was tough. Very wide one side and extremely narrow the other. Mal was all over it. Jean couldn't get near it until the last end when she evened the score. Rushworth - our new friends!