BOWLS: Avenue heading down right road

Avenue in division one is leading the ladder score after two successful wins. Struggling at the beginning of last season, but eventually making it through to the semi-finals before losing to Webbcona, Avenue appears to now have a co-ordinated and well managed side. More of a shuffle around of positions rather than any major changes, but they have hit the jackpot straight away.In fairness to the first week's opponent Creswick, it will take time to re-group given what they have been through. This week's opponent Central Wendouree did have one rink draw and a rink win, losing overall by a narrow margins, as regular skipper Kenyon goes to second following knee surgery during the winter.Division two Victoria also has done the shoe-shuffle with its players and the combination of Brenda Hughes and Marilyn Blake as skip and third is a no-brainer. Having worked together for years around the circuits and knowing what is required from one another, Victoria has now paired them in the same combination for pennant. With a maximum score both weeks Victoria is the only club on 28 points.It proved to be a monstrous Monday for extreme windy weather on the greens, but Creswick was blown away with joy when BDLBA president and treasurer Marilyn Blake travelled to Creswick to present a cheque to the ladies of that club for $1110. That was the amount raised by district clubs on the first Monday of pennant for flood relief. At the venue and able to enjoy the presentation were both home and visiting pennant sides. Sate novice singles are on Sunday at Webbcona. Manager is Joy Adams, umpire Gwen Archibald. Registration 9.30am with Carol Collins, Margaret Coffey, Tanya Calder, Ann McQuade. Byes at 11.00am, Andrea Johnson and Brenda Gamble. State over-60s singles on Tuesday at Daylesford. Manager is Jo Best, umpire Sue Woolcock. Registration 9.30am, Es Slater, Beth Dixon, Zanny Blew, June Whitehead, Rhonda Armstrong, Aileen Ayers, Ann Bremner, Dorothy Sheehan and Jean Rhook. Byes 11.30am, Barbara Kinnersley, Lynne Taylor, Joy Watson, Riet Hinds, Margaret Duggan, Glenda Densley, Margaret Cassells, Jenny Toose, Cath Ogg. Wednesday, day two, all matches at Daylesford. Thursday, day three finals at Central Wendouree.State over-60s singles Tuesday at Central Wendouree Manager Estelle Judd. Umpire Gwen Archibald. Registration 9.30am, Connie Vincent, Cheryl Magrath, Jan Vincent, Lola Orr, Lorraine Keogh, Dorothy Newey, Joy Adams, Lorraine Nicholls, Judith Earl, Sandy Grano, Claire Cleary, Pam Collins, Helen Kinnerlsy, Helen Mizzeni, Margaret Drake, and Nancy Jackson. Byes at 11.30am, Norma Britt, Merle Meadows, Vera Layton, Dorothy Johnson, Sheila Prendergast, Cherril Helmore, Jean Stephenson, Mattie Horne, Ange Maher and Ann Gull. Wednesday is day two, with all matches at Daylesford. Thursday day three finals at Central WendoureeMembers interested in going to the Australian Open at Darebin for the semi-final matches on February 18 as well as a huge selection on the other three greens, should notify their secretary as, until numbers are known, the association cannot confirm the trip. Coach and entry is $30. Reserved grandstand seats on the TV green are $5 extra. It is understood that shaded seating will be over the stands. There will be trade stalls, BBQs, food outlets etc available at the Village Green. The trip is open to all. First TV match is scheduled for 9am at this stage, so coach will leave possibly 7am.The umpire tutorials begin 9am this Saturday at Ballarat North, not as previously mentioned at Ballarat.Valerie Savage, BDLBA secretary, writes this column for The Courier each Thursday.