June 24, 2008


From the pen of Andy


YOKINE BOWLING CLUB commonly known as “THE DOGGIES”

Had a great season last year, finishing second, to the Silvertails. Played and beat them in the second semi final and you need to know that this was one of the longest pennant games ever played. Started at 9.30am and climaxed around 2.45pm, not sure climaxed is the right word, but it will do for now.

Still a win is a win almost regardless of circumstance. That gave The Doggies a birth in the grand final against the Thornlie Ravens, the rest is history with the final result being the Doggies by 3 shots. NOW THE FUN STARTS.

The writer believes that at this moment and behind closed doors, strategic talks are taking place at the home of the Doggies. The mail is: the Yokine Club and committees are right behind Rod “Legend” Heaton. It looks like there will be huge support for Rod, in fact more than “Pamela Anderson” ever had

We all want to skip with this

If the mail is correct then one should not be too quick to arrange a place in the relegation zone for the Doggies just yet. The mail also suggests that all of last year’s squad is fit and available for this coming season. There may be one small hitch with work commitments for one member however Yokine are working hard to overcome the prospect of any losses at all.

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------------------------------------------Doggies new Clubhouse

-----------------------------------------RECRUITMENT TRAIL

There is a brand new recruitment track (etched out by the local council) that leads right to the Doggies clubhouse door. Anyone who is having trouble finding that track and may wish to become a DOG, are invited to contact “Rod the head DOG” on 9242 1686 or e-mail bowlsworld@bigpond.com Rod will be very keen to talk with you. It was noted a recent add appeared in a local rag which went something like this:

WANTED
LAWN BOWLERS WHO FIT THE FOLLOWING
EXPERIENCE NOT NECESSARY
MUST BE A GOOD BLOKE and ENJOY A GOODTIME
HAVE THE WILL TO SUCCEED
BE PART OF A SMALL TEAM
ENJOY BAR-B-Q’s and a BEER OR TWO OR THREE
NOT BE TOO PUSHY
MUST LIKE WEARING COLOURED PANTS
MUST HAVE A DESIRE TO BECOME A LEGEND
Only for those interested PLEASE READ NEXT WEEKS PAPER FOR MORE INFORMATION

Further it is believed that the Doggies are looking at potential recruits both in the City and Country areas and enquiries have popped up as far east as the “Central Coast” in New South Wales. No stone will be left unturned in an endeavor to obtain players for this long standing club. I wonder if Kevin Gray, Barry Oats or Col Irvine has been contacted as they were once very useful members of the same club.


The question has also been raised about “the Currie” in Narembeen, is it as good as India, not sure however I know we will find out in the fullness of time, perhaps we should ask Dad? Who knows – Dad knows – or maybe it’s Mum.

Maybe Mum Knows


If the Doggies are to be the weakest link in Red then one wonders how a couple of the other clubs in this division will strengthen to survive. Last season most punters had The Millers heading straight back into White, are the Doggies as good as South Perth? Time will tell all.

When you look over their rinks, three of their skippers are well credentialed for Red.

Rod Heaton is a current state player and possesses many skills and great leadership qualities, also had the Doggies best rink result for the year last season.

Alan Davis, a long time member of the mighty powerful Cockburn outfit, brings much experience to the Doggies and when popped up to skip had a 6/2 win ratio with a strong plus.

Al, going home from last year’s grand final THE STRAIN REALLY SHOWS

Scotty Edmonds is a very confident bowler and although very talented, Scotty will be tested by some of the better bowlers in Red, I’m sure Scotty will pass the test and produce his fair share of strong outcomes. Being the Doggies second best rink last season, the big fella should not be taken too lightly.




Jamie O’Keefe had a better than average year in White and may round out the four skips for the Doggies. Then you have a number of other well credentialed starters including Kay, Durrant and Cooper plus a few others that are more than handy.


-----------------One of legend’s new recruits at the right of the page



Looking at last year in RED – there were a couple of stand out sides for relegation. Both sides had been devastated by players, moving onto other clubs.

This year Kalamunda (5 wins) and 5 points above relegation should start as one of the early favorites for relegation. The other spot could be filled by either of the two new clubs or South Perth (7 wins) maybe Wanneroo (9 wins) or the unthinkable Cockburn (10 wins).

The relegation race will have much interest and it looks to be a race of four. Just where the Doggies finish among that four, may well depend on their ability to recruit a strong player or two and develop further on last years beliefs.

As this club moves forward, we wish them well in the “Succeeding Stakes”; eighth spot can be a very hard place to land given the opposition you will run into week after week.


GO THE DOGGIES