22/09/2026
Gundagai Services Bowling Club News
By Kitty McJack
MEN’S MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
The first of the Men’s Major Championships games were played last Saturday. The experienced Mitch Goodsall was up against our relatively new bowler Ben Reichel. The match started evenly with both men scoring a shot each to warm up. However, Ben then found his groove and pulled away from Mitch leading 9 shots to 3 after 7 ends. It was then that Ben put his head down and worked hard for each shot, not allowing the unlucky Mitch to score another point. After 15 ends, Ben had reached the magic 25 shots and will now move through to the next round of the draw.
SOCIAL BOWLS
On Tuesday 15 September, it was great to see two new bowlers join the ladies for a morning of fun, chat and a little bit of exercise. With a total of 14 bowlers it was great to see two games of pairs and a game of triples being played. Wendy Nicholson and Pip Fitzpatrick were up against Jann Brooke and Mary McCormick. Jann and Mary were off to a great start that they were able to maintain throughout the match defeating Pip and Wendy 19 shots to 6. In the second pairs match Bronwyn Naughton and Lesley Attwood were up against Mark Niemkiewicz and Leonie Maynard. At the conclusion of 20 ends it was Mark and Leonie who were in front 17 shots to 14. The third match was a triples match in which new bowlers Lesley Kingwill and Steph Dibbs acquitted themselves well. Helen Lott, Lynne French and Steph were up against Gail Rowland, Terri Craig and Lesley. This match was played in great spirit, with Lesley and Steph learning the ropes and a few bowling techniques along the way. Gail’s trio were the winners on the day defeating Helen’s team 12 shots to 7.
Thursday 17 September saw seven bowlers out enjoying the sunshine. A very social game of fours was played, with lots of banter and commentary. Mick Houstein skipped his team of Joe Bond, Col Harris and Pat McCaffney (1 bowl) against the Grant Duncan skipped team of Graeme Luff, Tom Wright and Pat McCaffney (1 bowl). After seven ends on the scoreboard, Team Duncan were leading 8 shots to 6. However, Team Houstein rallied and came away with the win, 20 shots to 11 over 14 ends.
REPRESENTATIVE BOWLS
The Southern Highlands team for the Bing Wallder Shield has been decided. Congratulations to Tom French and Matt Armstrong on their selection. Tom and Matt will join the Tumut bowlers and will play at the Holbrook RSL Club on 10-11October. Teams are made up of four teams of four players. This competition provides the opportunity for bowlers to meet new friends, renew old friendships and play against the regions best bowlers. Congratulations gents on your selection.
This weekend, Ben Reichel and Lynne French will contest the Riverina Murray section of the Rookie Pairs being held in Temora. The bowling fraternity wish them the best of luck over in Temora.
CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWS
The draw for round 1 of the Men’s Minor Singles Championships and the Ladies Major Singles championships have been posted., The first round draw of the Ladies Majors is to be completed before Tuesday 6 October and is as follows:
Gail Rowland V Lynne French
Wendy Nicholson V Di Brennan
Lesley Attwood V Leonie Maynard
Joan Dunn V Bronwyn Naughton
Good luck ladies!
The first round draw of the Men’s Minor Singles is to be completed before Sunday 15 November and is as follows:
Mitch Goodsall V Jasper Smith
Ben Reichel V Bye
Peter Smith V Peter Gailey
Matt Armstrong V Bye
TUCKERBOX TRIPLES TOURNAMENT
A reminder that the Gundagai Tuckerbox Triples is fast approaching. Local teams that have nominated will be posted on the Bowls Noticeboard. Please give some thought as to how you can support this event which is an important one on the Gundagai Bowling calendar.
TOURNAMENTS
It was great to see some Gundagai Bowlers out and about over the weekend supporting tournaments.
On Saturday three of our lady bowlers participated in the Cootamundra Ladies 3-Bowl Pairs. Although not winners they came away with experience and had a lot of fun on the Cootamundra green.
On Saturday and Sunday seven of our men’s bowlers supported Club Tumut’s 2 Bowl Triples tournament.
UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS
Several tournaments are scheduled across the Riverina. Bowlers interested in forming teams should keep an eye on the club noticeboard.
Upcoming events include:
· Narrandera B&R Club “The Bidgee Classic Fours” – 3–4 October
· Club Tumut Mixed 3 Bowl Pairs – 10-11 October
· Junee Ex-Services Memorial Bowling Club Ladies 3 Bowl Triples – 13 October
· Temora Mixed Pairs Tournament – 21–22 October
· Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club Triples Tournament – 4 November
· Harden Open 3-Bowl Triples – 7–8 November