It was a very successful year for the Gorillas with all sides going deep into finals, however, there will be a slight bitter taste to how it all culminated with an upsetting end for first grade.

The Women started off the day against the Bathurst Bulldogs in a play-off for a grand final spot and it was a game that did not disappoint with some fast flowing rugby being played by both sides.

The Gorillas were hanging in with the Bulldogs but they managed to stay just far enough ahead to hold the win and head into this weeks Grand Final.

The girls finished out the season in fourth position and should be commended for their well rounded contribution to the club this season!

The Colts were also in a play-off for a Grand Final birth and came agonising close despite playing down on numbers again.

Having shown great spirit all season having struggled for numbers consistently, the Gorillas Colts were once again asked to play their hearts out if they were to ever be a chance against a full compliment Dubbo Roos team.

The boys fought hard but were unable to get the win. The young Gorillas closed out the season in third and should be extremely proud of their efforts!

In this years Grand Final Narromine's first grade were met with a very determined CSU side that were playing their best football of the season.

The Gorillas were showing enough control over the game taking a healthy lead into half time even having spent most of the first stanza in their own half of the field.

However, it was as though some sort of switch had been flipped at half time and the Narromine boys could not to anything right in the second half having innumerous penalties thrown against them helping CSU gain plenty of opportunities to score, and slowly, but surely, they did just that chipping away at the deficit.

The final blow being a penalty goal in the dying minutes to give CSU a one point lead, a lead that they would hold onto until the final whistle earning themselves this years title.

Although there'll be plenty of disappointment, the boys should be extremely happy with their efforts this year!

The heroes of the day were the Gorillas 2nd Grade side who secured their second consecutive Premiership conquering a very tough Mudgee Wombats outfit.

Mudgee came to play and were relentless in their efforts to overcome the homeside throwing wave after wave at the Gorillas in a very tough battle.

Luke Brown and Pat McCutcheon were in a tight tussle in the backline with Mudgee having some sizeable lads in play, and Ryan Wheeler continued his good form in a new position steering the team around well from the base of the ruck.

The Gorillas lost prop Hayden Everett early with a shoulder injury, and Captain Craig Duff with a knee injury issue but with plenty of experience on the bench they kept enough control over the game to come out the other side victors 19 points to eight.

A very good season from all involved and a very deserved win.

Thank you to all those who have supported us throughout the year, and thank you to all our invaluable sponsors.

We'll see you in 2020!

Tim Gainsford

The Highly anticipated "GUB" Thorne Day was the Main item on our bowling agenda last week, and the Day had a terrific field and the usual camaraderie, which created a great atmosphere for some serious Fun for one and all.

My personal thanks to the people who jumped in and helped out, yours truly had little to do with the day owing to a prior commitment but President Kevie handled most of the problems with his usual aplomb.

Very disappointed I missed out on the slices and sweets dished up by "Bevie", from all reports they were outstanding, according to at least "Buttsy" who had his and my share.

Congratulations to the various winners, good to see one of the Bathurst Teams amongst the Prize-money.

For the record first place went to "Puddy", Danny and "Sully" with the "T-Mac" led team including "Buttsy & Neville Townsend running second.

Social Bowls this week saw slightly better numbers, and with the weather warming up, this extra influx of players on a regular basis should continue.

Anyhow on Thursday 21 Participants took to the green with the days winners being the pairs team of Clifton Harris and Phil Harding who "skittled" Sticker Martin and David McNair 32/06.

The runners up cheque went to the trio of Richard Hyde, Kevin Heatrick and Don Sullivan.

The Jackpot prize pool grew a few shekels when the old bingo machine failed to come up with a winning margin.

Sunday morning saw just six players going around and so the only winning rink on the day turned out to be the trio of Richard Hyde, Danny Carnevale and David McNair, who defeated their opponents Kevin, Steve and Bill 17/11.

The draw for the Club fours was conducted Sunday morning by Yours truly and Robert French, and witnessed by Mark Smith, although not too sure Mark was Seeing things too brightly after Saturdays effort.

Anyhow the resultant draw will see a Couple of Round 1 matches gazetted for play at 1.30pm Saturday, August 24, with the third planned Game having to be delayed due to Garry Raines and Don Sullivan's involvement in the Zone Champion of Champions Pairs at Peak Hill, also on Saturday, which takes precedence over Club events.

So the two matches for Saturday will see the quartet of Alex Sambrook, Dale McCafferty, Ben Clark and Robert French tackle Bob Davis, Kerry Martin, Phil Harding and Peter Cross.

The second Match is also an interesting affair with Young Racardo Stanford Leading the Charge for teammates Joey Mikulic, David McNair and Robbie Stanford who are up against the foursome of Des Lincoln, Clifton Harris, Adam Jermyn and Danny Carnevale.

Nominations for the Board of management of the Narromine Bowling Club are now being called for, with the 2019 Annual General Meeting gazetted for Sunday, September 8.

With President Kevin and a couple of other Directors indicating they won't be seeking re-election, it will be very interesting to see if we can encourage some new "Blood" to stand up. Time will Tell?

Well that's it for me for another week; hope to catch up with you during the week up at the Bowly.

Norman Bohm

Wednesday, August 14 (a lovely sunny morning after a huge frost) saw 18 players attend the first round of Foursome Championships.

Three players competed in the nine hole comp. (21 players).

Division 1 winners both Scratch and Handicap were Betty Green & Betty Berryman 82 scratch, and 70 nett.

Division 2 scratch winners were Wendy Jeffery (looking very stylish in a loaned hat from Bev) and Bev Woods 102 Sch winning on a count back from Marj Kelly and Carole Paddison.

Division 2 handicap winners were Chris Samuels and Marie Houghton a splendid 66 nett.

Optional ball winners were Heather Bootle and Robyn Jones 72 nett.

Vicki Gainsford and Tracy McIntyre 72 nett were also Opp ball winners.

Nine hole winner was Barbara Tuck with 33 1/2 nett.

Raffle kindly donated by Dale Harding won by Viv Halbisch.

Saturday, August 17 a warm sunny afternoon saw a field of nine players contest a Stableford event with Trophy donated by the Club.

Many red hot scores were produced this afternoon.

Trophy winner and B grade was Bev Woods 41 points and loss of handicap.

A grade winner was Wendy Jeffery 40 points loosing a point off her handicap.

Wendy won on a count-back from first opp ball winner Maida O'Mally 40 points loosing a point off her handicap, and second opp ball winner Peta Ferrari 40 points loosing a point off her handicap also!

Nearest Pin on 9th won by Heather Bootle and 17th was won by Betty Berryman.

Drawn Card was won by Robyn Jones. Raffle kindly donated by an anonymous person and won by Carol McDonald.

Today, August 21 will see second and final round of Foursomes Championships with Gerries kindly donated Trophy.

Draw starters Dale/Viv.

This weekend August 24-25 will see our Major event of Women's Golf of NSW Sandgreen Championships.

This event has a 100 Ladies registered to play. All available help is needed on these days.

After these huge events we can all unwind on Wednesday, August 28 with a 4BBB drawn Partners and Opponents event with Anne Harmer and Jeanette Redden kindly donated Trophy.

Draw starters Vicki/Jean.

Saturday 31st August (Narromine Show day) will see a Stroke event with Club Trophy.

Wednesday, September 5 will see fifth round monthly Medal.

Draw Starters Sue/Robyn.

Weekly Ponder; at this time in life, ones fashion style is called' whatever the heck still fits'

Granny Golfing Guru

Big win for Smithy!

Last Wednesday a small field of 11 players turned up for the for the weekly Gerries golf competition played on the front nine of Royal Narromine.

No doubt the low turnout was due the the Annual Veterans Open tournament being played on Thursday and a number of members were committed to play in this event.

Once again the scores were really good and the winner was none other than Gus Smith who returned an excellent score of 27 stableford points.

A really good score Gus but as we all know the handicapper is looking for your card so he can knock your handicap down.

Runner up was Steve Squires who also had a good round of 25 points.

Squires has a habit of running second at the moment.

There was no NTP nor NAGA winners on the day much to the disappointment of all.

The other disappointing feature of he day was no Pool competition.

We will all have to practice up for this week.

This afternoon the competition is on the back nine with the hit off at 2.30pm.

Lets hope the weather holds and we get a good roll up of players.

See you all on the tee.

Norman Lewis

On Saturday we had the monthly medal again sponsored by MacQuarie Clothing. Both grades were won on countbacks.

In A grade Greg Barling won from Bruce Mitchell , both on 68 nett.

In B grade John Butcher won from Gus Smith, both with 65 nett.

Nearest the pins on the ninth was John Butcher and on the tenth Mick McKean.

The competition very well organised by Ron Green.

On Sunday we had a 4BBB sponsored by Wallace Plumbing.

Gonzo apologised for his non appearance stating that he was golfed out after playing at the Hunter Valley the previous week.

The winners on the day were father and son Col and Ian Shepherdson with a very good score of 50 points.

Runners up on a count-back were Peter Gainsford and Greg Barling with 45 points and in third spot were Ross King and Tony Harding also with 45 points.

Nearest the pins were won by Tony Harding and Steve Buckley. Next weekend we have the NSW Ladies Sandgreen Championships

Lwith 95 starters so there will be no mens competition on Saturday or Sunday. Trangie will be holding their OPEN tournament on the Sunday.

Ron Green.

The now locally trained gallopers On The Delta and Leiladane gave the new owners a quick return when winning at Parkes on Saturday.

Recently purchased by Parkes trainer Sharon Jeffries, the four year old mare On The Delta was well ridden by the trainers daughter Tiffany Jeffries in the 1200 metres Tony Miller Maiden Handicap.

Leading for home, On The Delta ( $7 ) kicked away to score by over two lengths from Gerrylarose ( Ashleigh Stanley, $3.60 ) and Miss Bowjangles ( Andrew Banks, $12 to $6 ).

Trained by George Wright Jnr for Ian Logan from Parkes, Jim Clyburn ( Condobolin ), and partners, Leiladane ( $14 ) had former Queensland jockey Quayd Krogh in the saddle in the 1000 metres RNR Jumping Castle Hire Class 1 Handicap.

From back in the field, Leiladane ( $14 ) rushed down the outside to beat Rufio ( Jake Pracey-Holmes ,$3.50 ) and the heavily supported I Stole Your Love ( Andrew Banks, $5 to $2.50 favourite ).

Another to finish strongly from off the pace was the Frank Hayes, Dubbo trained Court In Camera ( Mathew Cahill,$13 ), winner of the Bob Skinner Painting And Decorating Benchmark 50 Handicap ( 1300 metres ) from Destiny Ambush ( Chelsea Ings,$17 ) and Victorian visitor Nordic Noir ( Tiffany Jeffries, $8 ).

Back at Hawkesbury after visiting his wife and three year old son in China, apprentice jockey Qin Yong brought the Mark Schmetzer.

Scone trained Miss Leah ( $3 equal favourite ) with a well timed run to account for Haven't We All ( Kacie Chater, $3.80 ) and Just Momentous ( Jake Pracey-Holmes, $3 equal favourite ) in the 800 metres The C Crew Boggabri Bash Maiden Plate.

Revealing an obvious liking for the Parkes track, Snipps Parade a winner at the June long weekend meeting, won the Telescope Tyres $ Batteries Benchmark 50 Handicap ( 1000 metres ) on Saturday for Narromine trainer Kylie Kennedy.

Coming from near last, Snipps Parade ( Wendy Peel, $7 ) finished fast to win by over a length from Dead Reckoning ( Clayton Gallagher, $10 ) And Sergeant Sam ( Tiffany Jeffries, $10 ).

Organised as a support day for popular Parkes jockey Michael Hackett and his family, the meeting attracted a very good crowd.

Well on the road to recovery after sustaining very serious injuries in a race fall at Tomingley in April, Michael enjoyed being able to attend the meeting with his family and friends on Saturday.

Racing on Saturday at Gilgandra ( TAB ) and Cobar Picnics, followed by Bathurst ( TAB ) on Monday and Gulargambone on Saturday, August 31.

Colin Hodges