ROUND one of the Ovens and Murray's weekend pennant competition kicked off on the weekend.

A1: Wangaratta took it up to last year’s premiers Wodonga at Wodonga on Saturday.

Hoping to open the season with an upset win Wangaratta held sway, albeit narrowly, for most of the match before the home side drew clear in the closing stages.

Chris Randell, Gerald Brown, Gary Fenlon and John Kane were dominant all afternoon and secured a comfortable rink win (22-12), while Trevor Selwood’s rink went down (16-19) after being level with two ends to play.

Maurie Braden’s rink surrendered a four shot lead, losing the last seven ends to lose (14-24) and Mark Allan went down by 10 also (15-25).

Final scores: Wangaratta 2 pts 67 shots lost to Wodonga 16 pts 80 shots.

Next week Wangaratta will host Rutherglen.

A4: Wangaratta kicked off the season with a big win over visitor’s Benalla on Saturday.

Gary King, Ron McAuliffe, Terry Johnson and Mick Mackow were in charge all day, cruising to a (25-9) win, while Neville Jones, Ric Chivers, Michael Howard and Klaus Kazenwadel were equally impressive in a (32-17) win.

Peter Selwood, Chris Bell, Steve Bihun and Murray Lawn posted an easy (24-11) victory and Tom Morrow, Richie Allen, Keith Izard and Gayle King just missed out on a clean sweep losing by just two (18-20).

Final scores: Wangaratta 16 pts 99 shots def Benalla 2 pts 57 shots.

Wangaratta will travel to Club Mulwala next week.

A5: Wodonga were too good for home side Wangaratta on Saturday in the new A5 division.

Graeme Norman, Sussan Singleton, Lyn Sier and Bob Edwards were Wang’s only winning rink (24-16), while Lyn Kahlefeldt’s rink dropped the last two ends to go down by just one shot (18-19).

Brian Godfrey's rink fell behind early and never recovered, going down (11-25).

Final scores: Wangaratta 2 pts 53 shots lost to Wodonga 12 pts 60 shots.

In other local games Milawa 2 pts 52 shots were defeated by YMGCR 12 pts 67 shots at YMGCR.

Wangaratta will travel to Chiltern next week and Milawa will host Dederang.

B1: Wangaratta were no match for home side Myrtleford on Saturday.

Lance Jenkin, Ann Keen, Lorna Nankervis and Heather Coyle were the shining lights for Wangaratta posting a (22-17) win.

John Knight’s rink (15-26) and Walter Brett (10-31) ended up on the wrong side of the ledger.

Final scores: Wang 2 pts 47 shots lost to Myrtleford 12 pts 74 shots.

Local side Moyhu 14 pts 95 shots kicked off the season with a big win against Rutherglen 0 pts 37 shots.

Wangaratta host Tungamah next week and Moyhu travel to Yarrawonga.

Barefoot Bowls

Barefoot Bowls nights return again in November at the Wangaratta Bowls Club.

Every Wednesday night through November (6, 13, 20 & 27).

Bowling commences at 6.15pm, teams consist of three players.

$10 per player per night includes sausage sizzle BBQ with onions and coleslaw.

Weekly prizes, raffle and lots of fun.

Two games of one hour duration with BBQ in between games.

Flat soled shoes, thongs or barefoot.

Enquiries and entries to Greg McDonald: 0409 595 452 or the bowls club: 03 5721 3744 (Please leave a message if no answer).