Rochester, Lockington and Elmore open accounts

Elsewhere, Moama and Rich River opened their accounts with wins over Mathoura and Echuca, respectively, and Kyabram began its switch to its new competition with a win over Deniliquin.

Outside a 25-25 draw between skips Robert Dennis and Gregory Fitzpatrick, Rochester pulled out a victory against Stanhope in round one 15-66 to 1-53 at Rochester Bowls Club.

Rochester’s Richard Feuk got a close win over Stanhope’s Peter Myers, but it was Leslie Walles’ efforts against Jennifer Crilly 22-12 that powered the host to victory.

In a tight contest between the cross-border rivals at Echuca Bowls Club, Moama came away with the chocolates 13-58 to 3-48.

Moama’s rink three led by skip Cameron Keenan managed to split the difference with a 26-12 rout after Echuca’s Ian Page triumphed over Robyn Thomassen 19-15 and Kerryn Evans and Matthew Robertson couldn’t be separated.

Mathoura travelled to Rich River Golf Club for its opening round bout, with the host coming away victorious 14-68 to 2-61.

Mathoura’s Peter Pangrazio got his club off to a good start, defeating counterpart Joan Moss 27-15, before Rich River’s Gary Radford levelled the playing field against Troy Mansbridge 29-14.

Down the stretch, it was Brian Trengrove who steered Rich River to the overall victory, taking down Mathoura’s Peter Holzer 24-20.

Kyabram began its tenure in the Campaspe Playing Area Midweek Pennant on the right foot, defeating Deniliquin at home 12-62 to 4-57.

Despite Deni’s Mark Quor and Craig Hillier taking down Kyabram’s Robert Mason and Giuseppe Greco, Maria Greco brought Kyabram the win, defeating Stephen O’Brien 27 shots to 18.

Lower grades

It was a straight-sets defeat for Rochester on its home deck against Kyabram in division two, going down 0-42 to 16-77.

Rochester skips Heather Curnick and Lynette Moon put up fights against Phillip Denham and Graham Woodcook with both rinks churning out 17-20 results.

However, it was Kyabram’s Geoffrey Coad who put the nail in the coffin, crushing Rochester’s Margaret Knight 37-8.

It was a busy round for division three as Lockington emerged victorious over Rich River and Elmore got the last laugh against Rochester in a local battle.

It was a tight tussle at Lockington Bowls Club, with the host inching in front of Rich River 13-42 to 1-37.

Rink one couldn’t be split, as Lockington’s Phyllis McFarlane and Rich River’s Leon Sharp drew level at 20 apiece.

Lockington’s Denise Gilmore managed to create separation and the win against Frank Ross 22-17.

It was a similar situation between Rochester and Elmore at Rochester Bowls Club, but this time it was the host biting the dust 1-29 to 13-40.

Rochester’s Heather Wilson and Elmore’s Mark Browne drew 16-16 in rink one before Kenneth Wills powered Elmore to victory over Elaine Hall 24-13.

Finally, in division four, Lockington mopped the floor with Rich River at Lockington Bowls Club, cruising to a 14-50 to 0-29 triumph.

Lockington’s Russell Shawcross and Stephen Peter took down Barbara Dashwood and Stephanie Shine 30-15 and 20-14, respectively.