Temora Vets: Delta Ag Shield: Stableford And the winner was, Graeme Eyles (16) with 39 points. Graeme has been experimenting with an abbreviated swing due to some health issues, and it has obviously paid off. He is using his old Srixon 9-degree driver at the moment, and he is hitting it miles down the middle. Runner-up was Bill Robertson (13) on 38 points. Ball winners were: Dave Loftus (7) 37 points c/b, Judy Gorton (23) 37 points, Bill Ingram (19) 36 points, Mike Daley (12) 35 points, Gavin Holt (10) 35 points, Bob Brabin (15) 34 points. Delta Ag points: Graeme Eyles six, Bill Robertson five, Dave Loftus four, Judy Gorton three, Bill Ingram two. A point is awarded to the remaining vets that played and returned a score. Nearest the pins: Third Darryl Jordan 4.8 metres, seventh Aaron Coddington 5.1 metres, twelfth Mike Daley 1.32 metres, sixteenth Mike Daley 8.82 metres. Drive and chip on the third was won by Sharon Wilmott 0.04 millimetres, eighth Darryl Jordan 3.37 metres. Shot of the day: Aaron Coddington teed off on the par-4, sixth hole with the presumption of getting as close as possible to the green as he could, which was 344 meters away. I say that because he hit his ball so bloody hard the sound of the ball hitting the club face echoed through the air like a gun shot, he was going for it that’s for sure. His ball headed to the left and possibly out-of-bounds, but his ball hit a tree. After a branch probably about 100 centimetres thick feel to the ground due to the impact from Aaron’s golf ball, we all thought, yep, it’s gone to Gowings. We weren’t sure where Aaron’s ball actually went but it did seem that it was over the fence, and out-of-bounds. A provisional ball was hit, and where that one ended up, Aaron hoped that he could find his first ball. His provisional ball was now in play, regardless of where it ended up. Aaron’s provisional ball ended up among the trees on the right, (we’ve all been there) he had no choice but to punch his ball out towards the green and try to get his ball as close as possible to the green, hoping to at least salvage a point and keep himself in the game. Everyone had played their second shots to the green, but there was a ball sitting quietly in the middle of the fairway about 70 meters short of the green. Just sitting there minding its own business. Could it be? Nah, it couldn’t be, but it was. Somehow, Aaron’s ball had travelled 274 meters, even after decapitating a tree. Since his original ball was found and he hadn’t played a shot with the provisional ball that was closer to the green than his original ball, his original ball was now in play. (If you can understand that, please let me know and explain). Aaron was staring at a six or a seven, possibly higher, square in the face, but with a nice wedge to the green and two steady putts, Aaron walked off the sixth green with an easy par-4 and two points. As the old adage goes, “you don’t need to paint pictures, just write down a four”. News flash: We are now allowed to repair pitch marks on greens. I know, we have always been allowed to repair pitch marks on greens, (unfortunately, it’s not a rule) but lately some of us golfers seem to have forgotten one of the basic, but fundamental requirements of golf etiquette and course care. I have included a link (below) that demonstrates the correct way to repair pitch marks. Maybe some of you haven’t been instructed on the proper method. It’s actually quite a simple process, and I don’t understand why golfers do have difficulty, but a lot do. Here is the link, just copy, paste into your browser, and away you go. www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKACx883Fd0. Ladies Golf Wednesday’s golf was a monthly medal event sponsored by the Temora Golf Club. The weather may have been cold but the winner was on fire, Marg Townsend won the day with 93 off the stick and 68 nett. Runner up was Jacinta Watson with 90 off the stick, 75 nett. Ball winners: Deb Noack 95 off the stick, 75 nett Nearest the pins: 3rd (D&C): Deb Noack 76cm 12th (NTP): Marg Townsend 8.3m Coolamon Golf By THOMAS GOSS After the jubilation the previous week, the sporting carousel moved on to the annual Golf Championships. Two brilliant rounds later, outstanding young golfer Jake Seymour has opened up a seemingly unassailable lead after shooting a two under 70 on Saturday and an even par 70 on the Sunday to open up a 13-stroke lead. Seemingly unassailable but I wouldn’t recommend him watching the last round of the 1996 Masters. Jake’s splendid recent form is a just reward for his dedication and unstinting efforts as a volunteer on the course. This has ensured the course is in magnificent condition for the upcoming events. A nice drop of moisture would be greatly appreciated though, (and not merely for golfers). It should come as no surprise that Saturday’s individual winner and September Monthly Medalist, sponsored by Glenn Fordyce and Riverina Livestock was none other than the afore mentioned Jake with a net 69. Sandy Wilson was runner up on 71 with Mark Hardy, Bruce Chant and Gav Stephenson on 73 filling out the ball rundown. Matt Hard was the raffle winner which slightly soothed his massive hangover after the previous night’s football presentation and premiership celebration where he was awarded life membership for his sterling service over many years. Joining Matt in a life membership award was Bryan Buchanan who also celebrated long and thirstily. Congratulations to both and also Julie McKelvie and Rebecca McGowan for their life membership awards as well. Wayne Kew was responsible for the unluckiest hole of the day award after he lined up on the third. First shot, straight right hopelessly out of bounds. He reloaded and caressed it this time slightly left to avoid the same fate. Remarkably, an extensive search could not locate the ball, and it was declared lost. Shortly later the ball was found dead set in the centre of a hollow log alongside a nest of snakes and the skeletal remains of Ludwig Leichardt. Golf can be a cruel game, best described by my good friend, a bloke by the name of Bill Shakespeare a few years back thus, ‘As Dweebs to Cool Dudes are we the golfing Gods. They mock us for their sport’. To rub vinegar into his lacerating wounds his beloved Hawthorn suffered a heart-breaking loss that night. Heartbreaking for Wayne, incandescently joyful for the rest of us. The pink ball headed across the ditch with Dan Lagan excelling in the dreadful golf department. Sunday also saw the first round of the Ladies’ Championships. Andy Hilton ended the day one shot in front of Sandy Wilson with Sandy reversing the order in the handicap event. Karen Hilton also had a welcome return to the form of her golden youth to fill out the podium. The men’s second round was won by Gav Stephenson also rolling back the years to the salad days of his golfing greatness to record an excellent 75/68 to edge out Dan Lagan (from raw sewerage to vintage cognac in one 24-hour transformation) with Dan’s sidekick, (Sancho Panza to his Don Quixote) Jimmy Cricket joining him on the podium. Mitch O’Brien, Jake Seymour and Kev Macauley filled out the ball rundown. Novelty prizes over both days were Harry Delaney, Tom Goss, Bryan Buchanan, Stu Seymour, Gav Stephenson, Jake Seymour, Mitch O’Brien, Dan Milne, Geoff Wilson, Sandy Wilson, Bones and Gail O’Brien. Leonie Dennis was delighted to receive her first pink ball. This weekend the cavalcade of sport continues with the final two rounds of the Club Championships for both women and men. The third round will commence early so that we can watch the AFL Grand Final on the big screen and have a draw for both the first goal kicker and the Norm Smith medal. The various golfing winners will be decided the next day. The weather Gods have remained benign (although a nice drop of moisture would be as welcome an ice-cold beer on a hot day) so there should be no complaints, although playing a round sans complaints is as rare as rocking horse excretion. Good Golfing to all competitors. Ariah Park Bowls The 2026 bowls championships has finally commenced. In a B grade game Kirk Hocking played Mark Bowcock and after six ends Kirk led 8-2. However, by end 11, Mark had levelled the score 10-10. Mark extended the lead to 15-11 after 16 ends and the scores were again level 19-19 after 23 ends. However, Mark scored 6-1 on the next six ends to win 25-20. The second B grade game Pat Collins played Mandi Carters. Collins was showing his more experience and led 9-2 after six ends, he extended that lead to 15-6 after 15 ends. Mandi was showing real fight but trailed 20 -12 after 21 ends, Collins then scored six shots on the next two ends to win 26-12. In an A grade game defending champion Brian Johnstone played Jamie Buerckner. Johnstone flew out of the barriers and led 10-0 after five ends, Buerckner was finding the going tough against the reigning champion and still trailed 17-6 after 13 ends, by end 17 the writing was on the wall with Johnstone still leading 22-9. Johnstone then scored 3-1 to get his defence on track winning 25-10. In a second A grade game Geoff Davey played Craig Leiper. Davey also flew out of the barriers and led 10-0 after seven ends. Leiper scored 5-2 over the next six ends but still trailed 12-5 after 13 ends. Davey was playing more consistent bowls and led 19-8 after 19 ends and Leiper was having trouble regaining some of that early momentum of Davey and trailled21-12 after 24 ends. On end 25 Davey scored four shots to win 25-12. In the last game played Trevor Rees played Stephen French and after six ends French had an early advantage leading 5-3, Rees started to find his touch scoring 10-2 to lead 13-7 after 13 ends. Rees scored 6-1 on ends 14-16, to lead 19-8 and by end 22 Rees still had a commanding 23-13 lead with French having to find some form quickly. However, on the next two ends they scored two shots each which gave Rees a 25- 15 win to set up a second-round match against Nodsa Johnstone. All remaining first round matches are to be played by this weekend. At the club AGM recently it was reported that the club had a very successful past year with Stephen French re-elected unopposed as president for the next 12 months. Ariah Park Golf What a great turn-out we had for our Winter Comp wrap-up and presentation night,19 players graced the Royal Ariah Park Golf Course and a shout-out to Gayle Wilson from the Thursday ladies for playing with us and also to Freddo, Jimmy, Craig and young Leo who all played aa well. So, thanks everyone else for the great roll-up. We have had a great Winter Comp, and everyone contributed to helping the club function. The place is looking terrific, so thanks to everyone who helped in any way. The golf day went off without a hitch and there were a lot of happy people just enjoying themselves having a laugh and, in some cases, a few sherberts along the way – a lot of way wood shots while having a “wee” drink. But it was a fun day. I can’t remember who teamed up with who for the Ambrose, but as usual a couple had a whinge about handicaps – (as you do) and I think Captain Rocky hasn’t forgot who you are – Camo, so look out on opening day. I think you and Pikey might just be punished a bit, $5 each you owe in the company’s jar boys. We found a few yellow/green golf balls around the place, and they must have blended in with the daisy plants so a tip – don’t use yellow/green while the fairways are a sea of yellow – logic Pikey, Jacko and Freddo. I could hear the odd shout of “Yes, you ripper” by some golfers who sank a long putt and on the other side of the coin I could hear the odd “cuss” and swearing from the others including myself who on many occasions came up short on putts – putting on grass Last Sunday at Leeton – fast grass to putt on, sand six days later – slow sand – you would think I’d adjust quickly, but not this old fart. Finally got my putter working on hole 13, too little too late as my wife said – anyway will turn up again next week and play a bit harder – “Yeah right”. Young Leo played with Nodsa and Nodsa reckons he can whack a golf ball as he constantly out-drove the old fella. So well done young fella, you are most welcome to play with us anytime. Another one to whack a ball long is Grub – but a few end up well and truly in the scrub or crop – even the rabbits can’t find them. Wow this bloke can sure hit ’em long – not so Rocky, he hits a few into the scrub also but always seems to find his ball as well as some others – as in Barry’s from last week – his brand-new ball – hit once – with no marks and – but Rocky found it much to the delight from Barry. The girls (Maree, Merrill, Gayle) all had a mixed day with only Gayle finding form while the other two ladies just enjoyed the day out. When all the golf was finished for the day it was back to the club house for a great feed and a sing-along with the Flying Scotsman (one man band) who proceeded to entertain us with his vocals and guitar playing. It was a pleasure to listen to (if you could understand it) – but thanks Robbo we all loved it – and it was free – how lucky are we out here to have a wonderful entertainer as Robbo – thanks buddy. Freddo and Craig cooked the barbie while the girls arranged the salads then we all sat down for a fine feed before presentations were given out. Young Jackson cleaned up with about 5 or 6 awards as he had an outstanding year of golf, so well-done young fella. The most awaited award is the Rabbit Trappers Trophy which is given to the golfer who has been in the scrub, crop, no man’s land, showgrounds, fence etc and this year it was won by our main man and his Russian tank – Mr John Pikey – who I might add protested the result – to no avail – another $5 in the protest/complaint jar – thanks Pikey. Another club award is the Clubman of the Year – a well-deserved win by our second main man in Rocky – the Rannock Rat, who does a power of work around the place and can fix most things and built a big watering cans and putters – so well done both of you guys. The Winter Comp has wrapped up, and we are still playing golf each Saturday at 12 noon so if anyone wants a game, come along and enjoy the day out. Just for fun now. So, thanks everyone who played golf this winter and we hope to see as many players as we can to help our wonderful club survive and thanks to the many, many people who helped along the way. Cheers Preferred Lies Temora Bowling Club Bowls Five-a-Side Four of the five rounds of this competition have been completed and now we arrive at the last Round looking to see who finishes in the top two places in each section. Section B is easier to predict. Team Cole has played their four matches and are assured of top spot after they pipped Team Cook, 9-10 (pairs), 5-8 (triples) and played an 8-8 draw in the fours. They sit pretty on 20.5 points. Team Jordan unfortunately forfeited to Team Stimson which places Team Stimson comfortably on 13 points. This weekend they play Team Cook who sit on 10 points. Team Cook must win by at least six points to one point margin. They cannot drop a game otherwise Team Stimson will advance with a better for and against margin. Team Jordan play Team Breust and neither can mathematically reach into a top two position. In section A, things are a whole lot murkier for a number of reasons. Team New sit on top of the ladder with 15 points, they’ve won all their matches five points-two points, so it shows they are dropping either a pairs, or a triples match each round. Team McKinnon sits on 12 points with two wins and loss, but they do have a better for/against than the rest in section A. This weekend, the top two teams clash, but there’s a snag, Rick and Jared McKinnon are playing in the NSW qualifying rounds of the Rookies Pairs on Saturday and hopefully Sunday. This event has “precedence” over any competitions we might play here at the Temora Club. The other section A clash is between Team Krause and Team Moir and both teams need a heavy injection of points from the match. Further to this, there is also a deferred Round 2 match between Team Krause and Team Mouawad which was delayed due to players or officials being involved in the Riverina/Murray President’s Cup held at the West Wyalong S and C a few weeks ago. Rookie Pairs The Temora Bowling Club will host the NSW qualifiers for the Riverina/Murray Region on Saturday and Sunday. There are three sections of three teams with Lynne French and Ben Reichel of Gundagai playing Tiffany Thornton and Tania Spencer of Narrandera in section one. Jodie Brady and Dean Carmichael of Leeton play Jared and Rick McKinnon in section two while Wayne Cairns and Beau Woodland of the Wagga Rules Club take on Graham and Mitch Basham of The Rock in section three. All round one matches start at 09.30am on Saturday and even though The Rookies events are targeted at players who have not been playing for all that long, the standard of play is surprisingly high. Saturday’s three section winners will advance to Sunday morning where the winners of sections two and three will face off against the winner of section one in the final at roughly 11.30am. The winner of that match earns a ticket into the state finals to be played at Raymond Terrace in early December. King of the Turf Well, looks like the nonsense has stopped. Mr. Magoo did not win last weekend’s KOTT, but he did have a solid crack. Instead, Luke Horan rounded the turn looking good for the money until Bruno Saffioti unleashed an astonishing sustained burst of speed over the final 400 metres to win by 2 ½ lengths and when he weighed in, he never had a bead of sweat on him. “Air. Air. Cee. Dare. Dat’s zit.” Said Bruno when collecting the winner’s cheque and all the other stuff they get when they win one of these things. Leo Casey put in an absolute shocker and finished last by a very, very long way. Not surprising.
