Lasses vs Lads

The 2023 Elmburn Shield interclub friendly was played on Saturday at Burnside in cool but fine conditions on the Orchard green, which had recovered well from three days of rain. Each club fielded seven fours for this contest and what a close contest it turned out to be. Each four played two games, each of nine ends. After the first set of games Elmwood Park led Burnside by four games to three having scored 71 points to the home side’s 64. The second set of games and during afternoon tea on-the- run, saw a reversal of fortunes with Burnside winning four games and scoring 60 points to Elmwood’s three wins and 47 points. In this stanza three games were won by one point (2 x 9-8 and one 6-5). When all the maths was done Burnside had narrowly retained the Shield with 7 wins apiece and a differential of only six points (124 to 118) in the host’s favour.

Two Burnside teams won both their games Johnny Rowe, Winnie Lui and John Switalla skipped by Debbie Ho and Millie Knox, Derry Johnston and Paul McOscar skipped by Scott Greenland. It’s worth noting that Debbie and Scott have won both their games in this particular trophy event on each of the past three years. However every player on both sides contributed to a competitive, enjoyable and good spirited contest on the 44 th playing for the Shield. First played for in 1971, Elmwood Park has won the Shield 20 times while Burnside now has 23 victories. For those who are good at adding up and doubt the accuracy of these totals, the 1996 encounter was drawn.

Elmwood Park’s President, Peter Smith, presented the Shield to Burnside’s co-captain John Reese to conclude a very pleasant afternoon of bowls. The 2004 encounter will be hosted by Elmwood Park at their new facilities and will be eagerly looked forward to by both clubs.

Many thanks are due to Brenda Turner and her team of helpers for the lovely and much appreciated after match refreshments and to co –captains Neil Andersen and John Reese, and Neil and Mary Ann Johnstone for their part in the organising of this event. We’ll hopefully will do it all again in two weeks time for the Fenburn Duster!

Meanwhile on the Laing green a small but very select group played out a very competitive 3-game triples tournament in the guise of Festival Bowls. Every team had at least one win but the first prize of pride and glory went to the team of Julie-Ann Pyatt and Sharyn Pryde skipped by Lloyd Guest. Everyone who played however could be a grinner with a 13 th share of a possible $1,000,000 if the numbers fall the right way in this Saturday’s Lotto draw. Fingers and toes crossed!