The Yamba Bowling and Recreation Club recorded probably its worst day in the history of the Clarence River District Bowling Association (CRDBA) pennant competition on Saturday during the first round of the 2017 season when the club failed to record a win in any of the five grades contested. Although there were several late withdrawals from a number of grades which contributed to disruptions within a number of teams, the results are still difficult to fathom given the quality of bowlers resident at the club. The Grade 3 side who were state semi-finalists last year suffered a demoralising 85 – 31 (ten to nil) loss to the vastly improved South Grafton Ex-Services combination. While the Grade 4 side suffered a narrow 68 – 64 (nine to one) loss to arch rivals Maclean with John Luchetti and his team of Tom Cross, Cliff Hinton and Col Lindsay providing a glimmer of hope for the future when they recorded a solid Rink win but still had to recover from dropping an eight in the process. The carpet at the GDSC proved beyond the Grade 5 side who suffered a comprehensive 84 – 49 (ten to nil) loss and the Grade 6 combination were defeated by South Grafton Ex-Services 84 – 49 (ten to nil). Grade 7 was never in the contest against Iluka and was soundly beaten 85 – 37 (ten to nil). The bowlers have vowed to seek revenge this week and although several key absences remain and improved display is anticipated when Grade 3 host Maclean; Grade 4 travel to South Grafton; Grade 5 are at home to Iluka; Grade 6 venture to Brooms Head and Grade 7 tackle GDSC away. One of the semi-finals of the Yamba Major Pairs Championship was contested on Sunday when Greg Johnson and Martyn Wood combined magnificently to control their match against the experienced and favoured combination of Bill McDonald and Alan Abbott winning the contest by 19 – 13 in a high quality game and to book a spot in the final. The remaining semi-final has been postponed due to extenuating circumstances and the date for this and the final will be advised once finalised. The Minor Triples Championship continues on Tuesday evening while the first round of the 2017 Major Singles Championship will be played on Sunday, March 12. Bowlers with a bye in the first round of the singles are reminded that they will be required to mark when play gets underway at 1pm. The Yamba Bowling and Recreation Club will host the 2017 CRDBA Veteran’s Day on Wednesday, March 8 and the Zone One Compass Shield, Schipp Shield and Schipp Cup on Sunday, March 19 check the notice board for details. The final round of the 2017 Yamba Community Bowls Battle (summer series) will be contested on Thursday evening when ‘The Pros’ take on the ‘All Overs’, the ‘Scallywags’ do battle with ‘One Fine Cup’ and ‘One Stop’ come up against ‘Fork U 2’. The games will be followed by a sausage sizzle and trophy presentation. Social bowls continues with pairs on Wednesday and triples on Friday. All games commence at 1pm and names need to be on the respective nomination sheets by 11.30am on the day of play. All nominations are guaranteed a game and visitors are most welcomed. Results from last week are: Wednesday 1st March: Winners: Trevor Bardsley and Bob Ballantyne; Runners-up: Richard Skippings and Alan Voltz; Encouragement: ‘Maz’ Mazoudier and Bruce Kilby. Friday 3rd March: Winners: Bryan Dunne, Brian Walkerden and Col Cohen; Runners-up: Ray Brown, John Luchetti and Ray Schafer; Encouragement: Jake McHutchison, Ron Clay and Graham Meany. Don Freeman