Congratulations to Alan Sampson on winning the men’s championship for 2011-12.

This makes two in succession for “Sambo”, who has been a leading light in Geelong bowls and a regular group representative since he moved here from Melbourne several years ago.

Alan’s win came at the cost of Ray Thompson, who had been the dominating player of the event knocking over some highly fancies opponents,  but found the windy conditions difficult to master.

In fact, Ray was right with Alan until mid-way through the match, but Sambo’s experience at the very  top level of state bowls held him in good stead as he moved away in the crunch ends.

400th Member

On a different front, the club is celebrating the signing of its 400th member. This is an amazing turnaround for its fortunes and a timely reminder that those who do not adapt are destined to perish … a la the dinosaurs.

A huge amount of credit for our membership surge can be taken by the club embracing the Twilighters concept, and giving them their own nights to bowl, and their own section complete with officials and board representation.

This concept has become so successful that an official from Bowls Victoria has been down to study how our club does it, with the idea of introducing the concept state-wide. Who would have thought our fuddy-duddy  little group in Taylor Park could ever become trend setters,

Another great sight was a large family group having a fun, but highly competitive,  roll on Australia Day.
Credit to Des and his helpers for getting the group started and showing them the rudimentaries of the game. Who knows, maybe pone of those youngsters could be playing for Australia in 10 to 15 years.

Raffle Result

And on the subject of Australia Day, the Henselite bowls raffle was drawn during the afternoon and win by Vin Balestra, a new bowlers who was ecstatic at his win.

“I had been holding off buying a set in the remote hope that I could win them,” Vin said.

Thanks to all who supported this effort, and thanks  to Henselite for making the prize available.

On Thursday, our greens are paid the compliment of being used for the Geelong Bowls Region women’s Champion of Champions singles finals.
Anyone interested is welcome to come along and enjoy some top bowls by the best women bowlers in the area.