Pennant:

The 2007/2008 Pennant Season is now drawing to a close.

The VLBA A2, Section 7, team will most likely finish second on their sectional ladder. The B3, Section 7, team also have a good chance on finishing second on their sectional ladder. Unfortunately, the B3 Section 4 team was withdrawn for the season due to the unavailability of players but this is a good result for the VLBA section.

The RVBA sectional pennant season finished on the 23rd February, 2008. None of the SOC teams will take part in the finals. All three teams worked hard to avoid relegation to lower divisions, but unfortunately Division 6, Section 7, team will go down to Division 7 next season. The Division 2, Section 7 and Division 4, Section 7 teams finished seventh and sixth on their respective sectional ladders, which was a great effort on their part to avoid relegation.

Although the season's overall results for the RVBA teams were not as good as we would have liked, but two RVBA rinks achieved the maximum count of eight in games to gain their Eight Badges. The team skips were Bill Cooper and Con Gasparini, who were pleased with their teams efforts. Bill Cooper's eight was a great 80th Birthday present as he has never achieved an eight previously, although he has played bowls for quiet a number of years. In the VLBA cimpetition Mary Lake and John Rawle were not to be out done by the RVBA players and they also achieved the maximum count during game in the season. Eight badges will be presented to all players who were concerned in achieving the eights.

It is with regret that we advise the of passing of Ray Taylor, who had a heart attack on the bowling green during the playing of the semi-final of the RVBA Club Singles on Friday 15th February, 2008. Ray was a keen club member, who loved his bowls. A minutes silence was taken on Saturday 16th February prior to the game and black arm bands were worn by all players. Ray took over the Chairman of Selectors job when Ron Mallett had to resign due to ill health. Ray will be sadly missed by all members and we convey our condolences to his wife Helen and family.

Tuesday Triples:

Tuesday Triples are still be played every week commencing at 12 noon, in mufti now that pennant has finished. If you would like a game, single entry or team, please contact John Quinn or Con Gasparini.

Sunday Mixed Triples:

Social mixed triples are played on the last Sunday of each month. Single entry, with play commencing at 10:30 and a BBQ lunch. If you would like to join in this very enjoyable day please contact Glenyss Sheedy or Myra Roseman.

The Fantastic Plastic:

This competition will be run again during the winter. Please watch this site, the notice board at the Club or contact Leon Hand or Ron Mallett if you wish to be included in this tournament. The possible dates are May 4th, June 1st and July 6th with the usual four participating clubs of South Oakleigh Bowling Club, Hampton Bowling Club, Hampton RSL and SOC.

SOC Singles Classic:

The SOC Singles Classic Tournament was played at the end of November and the beginning of December with players of quality from both Victoria and interstate. The eventual winner and runner-up were both Victorians. Winner was Daniel Woodrow from Essendon and runner-up for the second year running was Neville Brown from Yarraville/Footscray.

This great competition, with very competitive bowls played, will again be run in 2008 on Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th November and Thursday 2nd & Friday 3rd December. Please contact Club President, John McKeon to make sure to receive an invitation if you would like to play.

Club Championships:

Championships are still being played and results will be publish as they come to hand. All those participating are asked to please get their games played as soon as possible.

In the only competition completed Rosemary Mallett has again won the VLBA Club Singles and represented SOC in the VLBA State Champion of Champions at Heathmont and Glen Waverley on the 30th & 31st January, 2008.

Winter Triples:

These games will commence on Saturday 3rd May, so please get your name down either in a team or single entry.

Social Bowls:

Social bowls will be played on Saturday's until Winter Triples commence now that the pennant season has finished. Please see the Bowls Notice Board for details.

New Bowlers:

All new bOwlers are most welcome. Winter bowls give you a chance to try out the game and learn or improve your skills before the 2008/2009 season. Coaches are available to help you get started.

Lights:

We have at long last finally installed lights for our bowling greens and we all look forward to playing social bowls and encourage new bowlers. We also look forward to joining the Night Pennant competition held in the pennant season. The lights will also provide a pleasant evenings entertainment for clubs or corporate groups to have a night out and try bowls plus have a great meal provided by our excellent kitchen staff

Come enjoy our club and its great facilities.

(Information updated by Rosemary Mallett 29/2/2008)