No end of fun for bowlers

Elimatta Retirement Living in Menora is home to a group of bowlers who combine the bond of friendship with a bit of healthy competition.

Players like Graham Collins have been part of the 12-member strong Elimatta Bowling Club “since day dot” while others have taken to the sport more recently.

Each week on the green, members generally play 16 ends of Scroungers Rules – individual scoring rather than team scoring – or about 11 ends if the weather is too hot. Two winners then play-off to decide the day’s overall champion.

A pairs competition also held each week regularly wraps up with the champion striding off with around $15 in winnings.

Group member Beverley Jones said the social aspect that the informal competition provided to members was really at the heart of the club.

“It keeps your mind active because you need to keep track of the game, but it’s the people and the camaraderie,” Beverley said.

“I enjoy the fellowship, it’s good exercise and there’s a little bit of competition.”

Several of the members also compete in monthly metropolitan pennant contests for clubs such as the Master Builders and the North Beach Bowling Club.

Members range from several in their mid-70s through to the group’s most senior player at 91.

As well as looking to continually improve their game play on the green, the group is again set to share the love of bowls with others.

“We had a competition with a retirement village down the road last year, and we’re looking to do it again this year – it’s such a nice social get-together,” Beverley said.

With one group member working out that the average distance walked to play 11 ends is more than a 1km, this energetic bunch is set to keep things fit and friendly for a long time to come.