CROWLEY DAY – 2021

Regardless of the prize money on offer, most clubs find it difficult to fill their tournaments nowadays, yet such is the respect for the Crowley family and the contribution that they have made to the Pakenham Bowls Club that even with relatively modest prizes on offer, the greens were filled for the annual Crowley Memorial Day Tournament – sponsored by the Crowley family and named in honour of Theo and Beryl Crowley, former life/foundation members of the club.  They came from far and wide – there were players from Cardinia Waters, Karingal, Cranbourne, Cranbourne RSL, Garfield, The Dandenong Club, Traralgon, Inverloch, Rosedale, Vermont South, Leongatha, Port Welshpool (always well represented), Trafalgar, Morwell Rec, Heathmont, Donvale, Croydon, Brunswick, Drouin, Waverley Golf and of course there was a large contingent from Pakenham itself.

As usual it was a fun day which nobody took too seriously and everyone went home happy, even those who were not under cover of the McRedmond Laird Dome when the light rain passed through.  However several teams went home a little happier than others as there were plenty of prizes on offer including best first, second and third games as well as outright first, second and third.  There was also a stack of raffle prizes to be shared around.

Theo and Beryl’s son Gary, also a life member, acted as MC for the day, ably assisted by his nephew Peter Jonas, a former member who always returns for the occasion and who is always very welcome.  Members of clan Crowley who are not bowlers also attended for the presentations and a family get together.

As usual, while the winners were being determined the players enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea prepared by Faye, Alison, Lisa and Joanne (all goodies separately wrapped and sealed in accordance with Covid requirements).

The overall winners this year were Frank Garden, Wayne Parks, Janis Parks and Bernadette Garden (that’s right, Parks and Gardens!), a composite team from Inverloch and Brunswick.  Hopefully they will return in 2022 along with all the other players who entered this year.

Des Leigh