Scotty’s Shot: Reigning ladies div one premiers Albany Green find form, Emu Point Purple continue to set pace

Passionate Albany bowler Tim Scott is writing a fortnightly column for The Extra, keeping our readers up to date with the local bowls scene. Draws, one-shot thrillers and thrashings. The 2024-25 Lower Great Southern Bowling League season is beginning to heat up before the Christmas/new year break. Ladies’ first division reigning pennant holders Emu Point Red are beginning to find their best form after a 4 (45) to 0 (36) win over Albany Green as Emu Point Purple maintained their ladder lead, defeating Middleton Beach White 3 (44) to 1 (32). In the final game, Mt Barker Golf overcame Middleton Beach Green 3 (43) to 1 (38). Denmark Aqua have emerged as a clear second division ladies’ pennant favourite after a strong 4 (53) to 0 (23) win over Emu Point Blue, as Albany Gold easily defeated Middleton Beach Red 4 (52) to 0 (26). Cranbrook and Mt Barker Golf fought out a one-shot thriller, with Cranbrook taking the points 3 (43) to 1 (42). A thrilling season is developing in the men’s first division as the top four sides are separated by only three points. Ladder leaders Middleton Beach Gold had an impressive away win over Denmark 5 (62) to 1 (59), while reigning pennant holders Emu Point Red were upset at home by the impressive Mt Barker Golf Red 5 (59) to 1 (54). Middleton Beach Black and Albany Gold could not be separated at the end of a thrilling contest as they drew 3.5 (57) to 2.5 (57), as Middleton Beach Green had a strong win over Emu Point Purple 5 (58) to 1 (50). Men’s second division ladder leaders Albany Brown continued their recent good form as they easily defeated Cranbrook 6 (70) to 0 (30), while Mt Barker were impressive after a 6 (75) to 0 (37) win over Albany Grey. Emu Point White and Mt Barker Golf White fought out a thrilling draw 2.5 (53) to 3.5 (53) as Albany Green were narrowly beaten at home by Middleton Beach White 4.5 (58) to 1.5 (57). After round eight of the men’s third division, Denmark and Walpole are locked together at the top of the ladder after Denmark defeated Albany White 6 (81) to 0 (44), while Walpole easily took care of Mt Barker Golf Blue 6 (67) to 0 (47). Green Range bounced back into the top four after beating Middleton Beach Lime 5 (76) to 1 (66) as Frankland thrashed Mt Barker 6 (73) to 0 (38). Meanwhile, Wagin’s Warren Holt has been rewarded for some recent strong and consistent performances, to be added to the Perth Suns line-up to contest the 21st Bowls Premier League to be held in Moama, New South Wales in February.