All of the bowling rinks were filled to capacity by a mix of experienced bowlers, not so experienced and newcomers to the game.

Tex announced before the game that, in keeping with the ‘men-only’ theme, there would be ‘no salads, vegetables or women on the night’. He added that “dinner would consist of grilled chops, cajun squid, chips and bread”.

The first game of bowls was staged in the late afternoon in a gala-type atmosphere, players soaking up the warm weather conditions and the odd convivial ale.

The best performed team on the night was Tim Haslam, Phil Kelleher, Dave Begley and Chris Foley with two wins and 29 shots up. Frank Couper, Steve Byrne, Andrew Perryman and Russell Riley also won two games and finished the evening in second place. Third place was filled by State bowls’ coach Wayne Coyle, David Norrish Glen Huxley and Richard Norrish.

Men’s Thursday social bowls continues to attract local members and bowlers from other clubs. Last week’s winners were Ralph Don, Ken Holyoake and Ed Clarke. Geoff Oddy, Don Henderson and Mike Godsell were runners-up on the day.

There was a sombre note to Thursday’s play when Captain Merv Mott announced the death of Doug Connop, a long-time member of the Dunsborough and Busselton bowling clubs.

Doug will be fondly remembered and missed by members of both organisations.