Men’s Club Champion Peter Osborne added another string to his bow last week, defeating the canny Scotsman Scott Irving in the final of the Handicap Singles. Irving was required to concede six shots to the Englishman, but fought hard to reel the margin back and keep the contest tight through the middle stages of the game.

Peter, who had recently overcome a debilitating eye injury that forced the postponement of their original match, showed his class under pressure. Despite Scott threatening a late comeback, Peter kept his focus, used his early advantage well, and went on to seal a well-earned 25–18 victory. Well done to both players on a hard-fought final.

It was a case of the city coming to the country when the three amigos from Clovelly Bowling Club headed to town to take on some of the region’s best in the prestigious Gundagai Tuckerbox Triples tournament early last month. Leading the team off was local club employee Chris Haberecht, who paved the way for club manager Matt Kelly to set the stage for experienced state player Bernie Melville to seal the deal against the Wollongong team in the final.

The boys were the talk of the town, especially with Chris — also a part-time Gundagai resident — in the side. “It was a fantastic few days and the locals looked after us a treat both on and off the greens,” Chris said. “My wife Liz and I regularly bowl in the social comps down here and know most of the people. To win an event like this is fantastic and we will definitely be back with the boys.”

The two-day competition featured 28 teams from surrounding districts and beyond, all vying for the coveted shield in an event that began in 1999. The final day came down to the last four, with Cloey taking the honours against Wollongong, followed by Tumut and a mixed Bronte/Queanbeyan trio.

It was a memorable final of the Twilight Competition, with the “old guard” coming to the fore when resident “Frenchman” Pierre Carrion relived his halcyon days to defeat Bruce Hughes.

Both players are no strangers to competitive bowls, with Bruce — who has risen through the ranks as one of the club’s best — facing Pierre for the first time in their playing careers.

Pierre, a former Grade 2 player, came out of competition retirement to seal the deal in straight sets of the best-of-three match. Despite Bruce starting as the shorter price, Pierre was unrelenting in the opening set, winning 6–0, before closing out the second set with a decisive four to take the honours.

The Twilight Competition has been one of the most popular events through the warmer months and was well supported in the fast-paced short-game format, with talk already turning to another competition in the New Year.

A fantastic day was had by all at Bondi BC last Saturday, brilliant weather and a sensational lunch to boot. It was a terrific debut, in his new Cloey strip, by Lou Falzon who skipped for Tony and Susie to win the event.

It was a keenly contested event with 28 teams from all over Sydney, with Cloey well represented again by , Di, JB and Teresa to name a few.

It was an exciting day and a new format in that any teams that won all 4 games would participate in a ‘Jack off’ in which each team would try and hit the Jack from the 21 metre mark. 2 teams were undefeated, Cloey and Wests .

After 2 bowls from each player ,both teams had scored only 1 hit each. So the playoff continued, and no one hit the Jack in the second round.

So to the third round and Susie calmly steps on the mat and lets fly with a beauty that nails the Jack and secures the win for Cloey.

It was a great finish to the day with 50 or so spectators cheering (or jeering)every bowl. Well done Bondi for a great day.

Our Grade 3 team represented us in Woonona at the 24/25 State Playoffs in what turned out to be a “4 seasons” competition. Congratulations must go to our Women bowlers. Building upon their stellar season last year, the CBC Women’s bowlers were successful in winning the Metro South East Bowls 2025/26 Women’s Pennant

Day One: Singing in the rain.

Rain, rain and more rain, but our girls took to it like ducks to water and registered a strong win in appalling conditions before play was called off for the day.

Day Two: Don’t let the sun come down on me.

From very cold, wet and windy we moved to really hot and humid. The Cloey girls proved how good they are in ANY conditions to go through to the final 8 unbeaten. In the quarter final against a strong and super confident Cabramatta team, our girls quietly went about their business of good bowls and teamwork to record a well-deserved win.

Day Three: Don’t stop us now.

On semi-final morning it was a different green, different weather and unfortunately a different result. The team from Hamilton North have now won two Flags in two years—tough competition. The Cloey team were competitive and made the opposition work for every shot and fought to the end in a close game.

Top 4 in the State! Our Club is very proud of everyone who worked to achieve this result.

It was a well-deserved victory for a team that has worked so hard, following six trial matches, 10 pennant rounds, and three finals matches. It was a very long season, but we took on all comers and won!

After a one-point win over Taren Point, the team then beat Bronte on the Sunday morning under dark and gloomy skies. The Bronte team was fired up after both their Grade 4 and Grade 7 sides were eliminated, but Clovelly also had a point to prove after their Grade 7 side missed the playoffs.

On his rink, skipper Bruce Hughes had a new lead in Sharon Scarcella, who proved a classy sub for Dianne Lovegrove who was away. Bruce as usual was sensational and was called on often to take shots from the feisty Bronte skip, and prevailed 17-14.

Mick Byrne battled hard in his match, and it wasn’t until the last end when he bowled down two beauties to give his side an 18-16 victory and give Cloey a five-shot buffer.

Tony Mitchell’s rink was in trouble, six down on the scoreboard and down in the head. Peter Osborne bowled two close bowls, crucially he had one wing bowl about a foot from the jack.

Another worthy sub was Susie Mitchell who took over from an injured Jill Cash but unfortunately couldn’t improve on the side’s position. It was then up to Roz Madgwick who came in with a bomb to split the two Bronte bowls and take the shot. Tony was then able to get a gentle slide off Pete’s wing bowl and draw for two.

That was potentially game over, however Bronte had the final bowl. Their skip drives, he misses, it’s over—Cloey wins 55-54. A truly classic finish between these two Eastern Suburbs rivals.

So to the final against Gymea. The rain stayed away until the 17th end, but it was bitterly cold and windy. It was an unusual start to the game, with Cloey jumping out to a huge lead. Tony was up 9-1, Mick up 15-0 and Bruce was neck and neck. Although Gymea fought back, Cloey held on to that strong buffer and ran away with the game 74-51.

It was a raucous clubhouse at TP, with all the teams getting a rousing welcome, but especially Cloey when all 14 of us went up to receive our flag and medals. A great moment for our little club and thanks again to all the players in both grades, the reserves, the supporters and support staff.

– Tony Mitchell (for the selectors)

We gathered at the Club to share the experience together and held our breath as every Clovelly bowl glided over the immaculate South Tamworth green towards the jack.

And what a game! The women didn’t let Neutral Bay onto the board until the 6th end! The competition was fierce and points rose in tiny increments until, on the 7th end Neutral Bay made 5. On the 9th end they were even with 7 each then by end 14 they were 13 each! At 18 ends our cohort were on 14 but the opposition were leading with 18.

In the audience we could see our beloved Margaret and Terry Ireland snuggled together and cheering our girls on. The Irelands have been sorely missed since they moved to the Gold Coast a couple of years ago, so seeing them there was a huge delight!

By the 21st end, victory was awarded to Neutral Bay ending the game after three hours. The score had been 14 to us and 22 to them at the 20th end and Neutral Bay held the last head.

We didn’t win but you wouldn’t know it! We only wished we had all been in Tamworth for the after party! The caravan of players and supporters, including reserve Carmel Sowden, would have had a night to remember! I guess we will hear the stories when they return home!

Thank you ladies for giving us all such an enjoyable experience! We can’t wait to have you all home safely – anyone for roll up? Watch the game here.

Clovelly was represented by Sandra Starrett, Judith Stauton, Carmel Sowden (subbing for Sue Snape) and Gina O’Reilly(Skip).

Representing Engadine was Pam Hocking, Lesley Leech, Natalie Norohra and Anne Johns (Skip)

The game was hotly contested and both teams played with skill and determination.

The Clovelly girls lead throughout the game and went onto win the match, they will now play at the State Championships at Tamworth in April.

Well done ladies!!!

Our buddies from Double Bay and Matraville were there playing their finals as well so we all had a wonderful time!

Judith showed great promise during the first half of the game leading most of the way until Natalie found her length and line. At 15 all on the 12th end Natalie put her foot down and went on to win 25/15.

The game was played with great spirit and excellent play by both ladies .

Natalie will go on to represent Region 13 in the State Championships to be played at Tamworth in March.

Judith was supported by a large contingent of her friends on the beautiful verandah of the Double Bay Bowling Club.

Congratulations to both ladies.