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Easing of Covid restrictions haven’t come soon enough for Cardinia Waters bowlers who celebrated by getting straight back onto the greens in preparation for the anticipated return to pennant competition.
Practice at home, limited to a maximum of eight players on the green, has given way to a maximum of 50 players on the green at any given time – as of 6pm last Friday.
Pennant players had their first team practice at home last Tuesday when 28 players played a scratch match against themselves.
That day players were still required to wear masks.
On Saturday the village pennant players headed over to Pakenham Bowling Club for a tryout against the Lions.
Masks weren’t required and all players found the easing of mask rules to be beneficial.
However it was freezing cold on Saturday and winter woolies were a necessity.
The Lions were also suffering a lack of electricity supply following Thursday evening’s storm, so no warming tea and coffee was served.
Covid marshal and Pakenham vice-president Adrian Wheelan checked in players as they entered the facility, and play was conducted in a friendly but competitive manner.
Seven rinks were contested, and Cardinia Waters won three.
Winning rinks were: Bill Tippelt, Bryan and Marion Stevens and Bill Hite (skip) 24/11. Rick Mitchell, Mick Knight, Phil Wynd and Keith Lewis (Skip) 25/10 and Fiona Samson, Jill Naylor, Ashley Graham and Ray Naylor (skip) snuck in by one shot winning 19/18.
At the time of writing this report Bowls Victoria have still to confirm that the pennant season will commence as planned on November 13 and 16.
What has been confirmed is that to qualify to play pennant all players must be double vaccinated against Covid-19.
Sticking points for commencement of pennant appear to be more about use of club rooms and toilet facilities than about playing matches. With many clubs playing on council owned land, council approval may also be needed.
An interesting announcement this week is that one Victorian metro premier division game will be live streamed every week. Games being streamed will be played at different times than normal pennant games to allow players in other grades to watch. Details are on the BV website.
Cardinia Waters match committee has published the draw for Monday night summer triples.
This annual competition has attracted 12 teams and is anticipated to commence on Monday, 8 November at 6:30pm. Players will find a copy of the draw in their village mailbox.
It is also anticipated that Thursday morning social bowls will commence soon. Players should regularly check the bowls notice board for details.
-John Moore-
