Mixed Results for the Lions

Pakenham bowls club had a mixed start to the new season, with two losses and two wins in their opening matches.

Pakenham had a mixed start to the new season after a successful 2022/23 campaign. While Sides One and Two suffered losses against Mulgrave Country Club, the Threes and Fours started off with wins at home.

Pakenham One (Div 1) saw some changes in their lineup, with a few familiar faces missing but quality recruits, including "Nifty" Nev Brown, son of former President Frank (dec), filling in the gaps. Their game at Mulgrave didn't start well, with the hosts taking a 24-shot lead after the first 20 ends. Pakenham had to play catch-up for the rest of the match. Although they managed to reduce the deficit to 13 shots by the end, they lost overall by 19 shots. The only winning rink for Pakenham was led by Geoff "Voota" Van Vugt, who made an impressive comeback from being one to nine down after the first five ends. They finished four shots up at 21/17. Pakenham One will have a chance to redeem themselves in the next game against Keysborough, who started the season with a win over Berwick.

Pakenham Two (Div 3) played at home against Mulgrave. The game started evenly, but there were early signs of trouble for Pakenham. Despite trailing by only six shots after the first 20 ends, one rink had only won one of its first five ends. As the visitors settled in, they took control of the match and nearly doubled Pakenham's score by the halfway mark. With only one rink in front and one struggling, Pakenham was in trouble. However, there was a glimmer of hope as "Stormin" Norm Box's rink staged a remarkable comeback, outscoring Mulgrave by 10 shots to one over the last five ends and securing a 27 to 23 victory. Norm was supported by Jim Williams, Gary "Crow" Crowley, and newcomer Maree Taylor. Pakenham Two will have a chance for redemption in the next round against Parkdale, who also lost in round one.

Pakenham Three had a comprehensive win against Hampton Park Two. The game was supposed to be played at Hampton Park, but due to ongoing construction, it had to be moved. The contest started evenly, but Pakenham took the lead on three out of four rinks after the first 20 ends, giving them a narrow four-shot advantage. By the halfway mark, their lead had increased to five shots, with both sides having two rinks up and two down. From that point forward, the Lions dominated the game and established an 11-shot lead by the business ends. They finished with all four rinks up and a convincing 30-shot lead, thanks in part to Bill Bosch's rink, which scored 10 shots to nil over the last five ends, and Charles Harris' rink, which scored seven to one over the same period. The best-performing rink for Pakenham was led by Bill Bosch, with a score of 25 to 13. Pakenham Three will host Keysborough in their next game.

Pakenham Four (Div 7) faced a tough challenge against Churchill Waverley Golf but managed to come out with a win. The game was played outdoors on the fast Crowley Green. It was a closely contested match throughout, with both sides having two rinks up and two down after the first 20 ends. Pakenham held a slim four-shot lead at that point, which grew to 14 shots by the halfway mark. With 20 ends remaining, the Lions were still in a good position, although their lead had slightly reduced to 12 shots. The visitors made a surge and nearly snatched an unexpected win, but Dave Wood's rink fought back and secured a 25 to 21 victory, outscoring their opponents seven shots to one over the last five ends. In the end, Pakenham Four won by five shots with two rinks up. The best-performing rink for Pakenham was led by Reg "Wombat" Mattingly, who had a score of 30 to 24. Pakenham Four will face Dandenong Club 5 in their next game.

In midweek pennant action, the season will resume on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. The winner for Round One of the Hi-Lo competition was Jan Moore with number 16.