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We arrived in Mt Gambier on Friday morning. We decided (after a bit of long-awaited shopping) to visit the two bowling clubs. RSL was the first we found. We also went to Mt Gambier Club . FRIDAY It's a nice little clubhouse. It's all set up for a Christmas party tonight. There are nice memories on display. And a beautiful old clock. There's a nice shaded area out front under a curved roof. Well, it's obvious it's an RSL! Not all bowling clubs have a Leopard Tank! By the tank is a lovely pink rose garden. The stone seats are pretty cool. Deane and Graham told us there's social bowls on Saturday - even with Pennants on. They showed us where to put our names down. There are three plastic synthetic greens. We think we'll be playing on the far green. There was Friday Ladies Pennants on against Lucindale where we visited last week . Some of the ladies remembered us . There are nice colorbond shades. SATURDAY We came back on Saturday for our social game. We met David in the office. Pennants was on while we played social. They had Mt Gambier RSL Ones, Twos and Threes; Mt Gambier Twos here as well as Plum and the guys from Beachport in The Twos. Kingston S.E. rounded them out. All the social bowlers sat together inside. They were Peter, Sharon, Apples, Scott. Ellie, Bill and Val. Scott and Jean Ellie and Peter Val, Mal and Phil Sharon, Apples and Wayne It was quite cool 14° with little gusty wind which made things tricky. With a long end it was even harder. Jean scooped one up. Mal was having trouble with the wind but popped one in. With a bowl-repelling jack. Mal succeeded. When nobody can get there and one on the deck, Jean welcomed shot. Jean drew and Mal had a win. We came in and were treated to some chippies. There were 4 points between all the teams. Jean and Scott won. A rare win for Jean at Mt Gambier RSL!

We're in Mt Gambier for a few days. We decided to drop in to Mt Gambier Bowls Club for a look. We found the bar. All decked out for Christmas. The Honour Boards are impressive. There are three greens. A Tiger Turf out front with an under cover in the middle. Ladies Friday Pennants was on. They were against Robe where we were last week. We didn't do a blog there. Out the back is another synthetic green. We had some shopping to do at Bunnings and Dan Murphy's so didn't stay long. That's it for Mt Gambier.

We met players from Beachport on Saturday at Kingston SE . We asked about social bowls and they told us to come on Thursday for practice night.. The bar is the centre of the club. President Plum stood guard. We'd met Plum the other day at Kingston . We got a photo of him And their shirt with Plum in the train driver's seat. We had to buy some. The clubhouse was opened in 1965. Plum told Jean the clubhouse used to be a railway station. They wanted to destroy the station sign but the club asked if they could keep it. They restored it. There are several dedications. There's one plastic synthetic green. Here's the old grass green. There are various kinds of shades. Kav, Sam, Mal and Peter rolled up. Mal went out in the Spring cold. He did ok. There were enough for two games of Fours. Kat, Brian , Jean and Jimmy Played Don, Prantz, Nev and Sam. Plum, Mal and Mitch Were against Dash and Veering (Veering went home). Jean got early success. They were all very friendly. Like a big family. We had to go as it was getting dark. Mal was worried about kangaroos on the road. Beachport - what friendly people!

It's been a while since we had a game. We're staying a couple of days at Millicent Showground. We saw some Millicent players the other day at Kingston S.E . and they recommended we come for Thursday afternoon social. It's a nice little clubhouse with the bar as centre. Nearby is the Bullshit Corner. There are lots of success photos. We arrived late and they'd already done the draw President Aaron told Steve " We can fit them in!" Of course Mal had to get the obligatory photo! Rossy and Andre called Jean over for a chat. Steve called the cards under the Presidents' array. There are three synthetic plastic greens. We played on the front green. There are different shade styles. With the Jean Howe Memorial Garden. And the beautiful Peter Kavanagh Garden. It's usually 2-4-2 but because we came late they made one Triples. Two greens' worth. Dale, Mal and Frank Glen, Jean and Barry Jean took the kitty for shot. Mal got shot with two Touchers until Glen stole it with a brilliant weighted shot. Mal's team had two when Jean touched the kitty again for shot. Jean held Mal out for three. He said " Two will do! " Two ends to go we had to get The Bowls Eye out. Jean got Mal by two millimetres. They were such good company. Mal won by, well a lot! Jean did a wrong bias as usual so had to ring the bell inside. Millicent - Mal gives Jean a lesson!

We came over to Lucindale on Thursday to pick up some packages for Jean. We popped in to the bowling club.. It's a pretty country clubhouse. With bowls adorning the wall. And a beautiful native garden. There's just one synthetic green. Cheryl and her hubby were doing some work. The clubhouse lost its roof a few months ago in a freak storm. Cheryl told us Lucindale Division Three is playing at Kingston on Saturday and there's a Fours Tournament at Lucindale on Sunday. KINGSTON SATURDAY We arrived Saturday morning at Lucindale Caravan Park and immediately set off to Kingston to watch Lucindale Threes play Pennants. Out front is a great painting of bowls by the sea. Apparently it's Kingston S.E. as it's in south-east South Australia and there's another Kingston on The Murray. It's a pretty, airy clubhouse. With loads of successes on the wall. There are two synthetic greens. The plastic kind. Lucindale Threes were there. They came in the bus. The Kingston shirts have Kingston's 'The Big Lobster' on the back And the lighthouse on the front. Jean couldn't find Mal. He was chatting with Denise. Also playing at Kingston were Millicent And Penola. We'll be at those clubs in a few days. We had to get back to the caravan to put Mal's soup on to slow cook so we wished them well. SUNDAY TOURNAMENT There were players at Lucindale from all around. Beachport, Naracoorte and Naracoorte RSL. Kingston, Serviceton, Frances and of course Lucindale. It's Ham and Turkey Day. Mal met Plum - the President of Beachport who wants to have a drink with him when we get there. Beachport has a great shirt with a train. We definitely have to get it. Plum's in the driver's seat. There weren't many Lucindale players because most of them were organising lunch. The ladies did a fantastic job with the tables. It's Christmas ham and Turkey for lunch. We left them to their lovely lunch. Lucindale and fun at Kingston S.E.

We're staying three days at Naracoorte. There are two clubs here, RSL and Naracoorte Bowling Club. We came to check out both clubs. Mal's been chatting with President Roger from Naracoorte BC who invited us to Friday roll-up and drinks. It's a nice little clubhouse inside. With a very long line of successes. When we arrived we met Ron and Mary on the concourse. We'd met a friend from Parilla who was mowing the grass at the Showground . He gave Jean a number for The President Roger. Mal had a great chat with Roger on Thursday and he told him all about Friday night training. Roger introduced Mal to Rick the Greenkeeper. Jean had a go. She did ok though it was pretty quick. Mal took his turn. He got a couple. The onlookers were impressed! Then he managed a three. Jean was pleased to just pip Mal. We came inside for drinks. Chris, Lynette, Mary, Pauline, Gloria, Deb and Sue turned up. They are 'The Rabble'. They'd just come back from Friday Ladies Pennants at Port MacDonnell. Mal sat for a great chat with the boys. Roger stood up to do announcements and welcomed us. He invited Jean to do the badge draw. We had a lovely time at Naracoorte. We didn't want to leave.

We left Coonalpyn this morning and drove 40 minutes to Keith. It was a bit wet so we didn't try to roll up. We met Kevin the Bar Manager. It's another tiny little SA clubhouse. There are lots of great photos of their successes. Outside is a nice shady area. With a pretty rose garden. There are two Tiger Turf greens. One is out the back. This is the front green. It was a little wet. The permanent shades are nice. Kevin was working in the clubhouse. He let us in for a look, Just a quick, wet visit to Keith.

We left Victoria this morning and arrived in Parilla S.A. just across the border. Our quarantine crossing was very easy this time because we ate most of the naughty things on Wednesday. Thursday is Parilla's pennant practice night. We came for a rollup and a feed. Sheralyn served us at the bar. The club's been here since 1960. They've had lots of success. Jean's been chatting on Messenger with Vice-president John. He showed us their new Roosters shirts. There's a well-used outdoor area. The town only has 160 people so it's fantastic to see the bowling club so well patronised. Jean had a good discussion with Gordon (Taff) and Barry. Taff told us all about the underground irrigation the town is famous for. A local farmer grows 70% of Australia's potatoes. It's a nice grass green. Surrounded by farmland. Steve the Greenkeeper looks after it well. Mal had to get his photo with Fred the President. He's 26 and has been bowling since he was 13. A little bit of gardening happens. The red fabric shades are nice. We rolled up for Thursday practice night. Andy and Hoseclamp joined us. They are Dutch and club members can't pronounce his name. He's stuck with Hoseclamp. We were so excited to walk here from our free-camp we forgot our bowls so used club bowls. Mal went first. Jean usually bowls with Threes. She tried blue Zeros. She forgot her stick. Jean gave up. Mal kept rolling up with the boys. There were lots of people here. Everyone was having a great time. John told us they have a tournament ' Hentley Farm Rump & Red '. It's always sold out. It costs $25 to enter. The winery (Hentley Farm) provides loads of wine and everyone gets a rump steak lunch and as much wine as they can drink. We stayed for Thursday night dinner. We got our $10 tickets - used cheque stubs! John and Scarley put the barby on. We played ' Closest to The Ditch' for a bottle of wine. We didn't win. :-( Then it was dinner time. We're going to Geranium on Saturday. Christina and Magpie are from there. They are playing Pennant at Parilla on Saturday. Parilla likes to show the Geranium people their trophy that Parilla has won the most. Fred presented us with newly minted badges. We showed them the song from Eildon. John said " We have our own song ." But he wouldn't sing it! We had such a good time we didn't want to leave. We had to go to get back to the caravan before dark. As we left Jean gave Fred Mal's number in case they needed players for Pennant on Saturday. Just as we arrived back Tom (Hoseclamp) rang to say someone had pulled out and to ask if one of us could play. We told them Mal would sub for them. Let's play Pennant for Parilla!

We drove on Friday from Parilla to Geranium to check out the bowls club. We're astounded that in a town of 89 people they have a flourishing bowls club. They're playing Pennants at Parilla on Saturday so we'll see them there as Mal's playing for Parilla. FRIDAY We got let in to check out the clubhouse. Phil was there doing some work. He told us that when the club was built they did everything right which means the club is in really good shape decades later. We'd met Christina and Magpie on Thursday at Parilla. It's actually an RSL. A University lecturer was doing a study on RSL honour boards. She was so impressed with Geranium's she gave it pride of place. It was made by Phil's wife's grandfather. There were so many bowls honours it was hard to choose. The club was formed in 1957. There's a plaque for Foundation women. Not to forget the lights in 1992. The Beer Garden is out the back. There's a tiny little shed that was the original clubhouse. It has one very big grass green with twelve rinks. We've only seen that on synthetic greens. There are sturdy permanent shades. With a little playground. SATURDAY The Geranium players turned up nice and early to Parilla for Pennants. There are two grades here today. First and Second. Mal played Second in the Twos. They'd offered for either of us to play but Jean decided it should be Mal who's the better player. Skipper Lyal, Keith, Barry and Mal were the Parilla team. The Geranium team was Scotty, Wendy, Skip Lionel and Phil. They were resplendent in their blues and reds. Mal was very close until Scotty tapped the kitty and left no doubt. Lyle took his hat off to Mal after they were one down. Fortunately for Geranium Lionel killed the end. They did the presentation. Parilla won every rink in both divisions. Mal's rink won 31 to 8. John from Parilla told everyone about our trip and presented us with some Hentley Farm wine. Geranium wasn't so lucky but they were all so nice and friendly.

We're staying at Parilla which is 16 minutes from Pinnaroo. Pinnaroo is right on the Victorian Border. Pinnaroo Friday night is practice night (drinks night). We came for a roll-up. It's a little baby clubhouse. This is the original clubhouse. The walls are covered with successes. It was established in 1955. Life members and Pennants winners are proudly displayed. There's a little under cover area by the green. A memorial plaque which dedicates the seats. There's a nice big outdoor area the bar opens out to. Bill. Milko and Spider staffed the bar. Mal told them he's playing Pennants tomorrow at Parilla. They said " They're our nemesis! " They told us we should get a photo of " The greybeards. ". That's Milko and Spike. There's a nice grass green out the front. Next door is a little green that looks unused. With another full green out the back. The boys rolled up with us. It was a well-attended practice. Jean took to the mat. She got shot in a really tight head. Then...Mal decided to fix it. He took the kitty and went into the ditch. Jean got a beautiful resting Toucher. We had to get going because it looked like a thunderstorm. Before we left Bill gave us some Parilla potatoes which are sold in every supermarket. We'll think about Pinnaroo as we consume our potatoes!

We've stopped at Underbool for three days to do a couple of clubs around here. We came in for afternoon drinks with the locals.. It's a little baby clubhouse. Ray opens up the club every afternoon at 4pm. He's 98 years old and has been bowling for 62 years. He still plays Pennants as Second in the Threes. He won a Singles game yesterday. He told us he was Secretary for 35 years - RW Gloster. Ray told us the clubhouse was built a few years ago. There's an under cover area. We assume they put chairs out when they have an event. There's one old plastic synthetic green. There are nice permanent shades with artificial grass which looks good. We're parked at the Rec Reserve. You can just see our caravan over the way, past the netball courts. Underbool is a teeny weeny town. The pub and general store are all boarded up. The bowls club is the only watering hole. Ray said they don't expect many locals here tonight because it's harvest. The guys told us to check out the Men's toilet. The idea came from an X-rated newspaper called 'The Kings Cross Whisper . We stayed three days. We came back on Wednesday for our roll-up. Jean took her turn. Jean did best going back toward the clubhouse - against the wind. Mal was determined. He scored a two. Again at the clubhouse end - Jean did ok. Mal did a beauty. Jean said " But I got second and third!" Mal replied " Yes but they don't count!" We came back in the afternoon for our third day of drinks with the locals. We said our goodbyes and prepared to go to South Australia. Lovely locals at Underbool.

We're staying at Underbool so thought we'd take a 40 minute drive to another tiny town - Murrayville. It's just under 30km from the border with South Australia. It's a Tuesday so there's nobody about. We peeked through the window. The club was opened in 1962. The clubhouse 1972. There's one grass green. We didn't roll up because Mal thought it needed a mow. There are nice fabric shades. The owl and the pussycat protect the green. We had to drive back to Underbool so didn't stay long. Nice little club for the little town of Murrayville.