In a sensational performance last week, Gisborne and District Bowling Club players staged a big comeback under pressure to become 2002 State Midweek Pennant champions.
They spent two days at Moama battling through five sectional matches to reach the final, played against a strong City of Geelong contingent.
It was truly a tremendous result for the Gisborne team, winning the prestigious title as a club, and also landing the first Champion of State Pennant title for the newly formed Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region.
Congratulations from near and far have been flowing in to the Gisborne and District BC players, who were playing as Ballarat Highlands Region champions.
The state championship title made amends for Gisborne’s third-placed finish in the same event in 2021-2022.
It could well be argued that the Gisborne midweek side that competed at Moama last week was actually stronger than the one that lost the preliminary final against eventual premiers Lancefield in the Highlands playing area Saturday competition.
Congratulations to all the representatives: Russell A. Walker OAM, Ian Ball, Terry Kelly, Ethan Higgins, David Beardmore, Peter Williams, Tim Rogers, Alan Higgins, Teresa Wylie, Paul O’Farrell, Graham Quaife, Garry Candy. Reserves – Kevin Jarred, Louise Ball. Team manager – Barry Wylie.
“I feel inspired (by this performance) and I reckon I’ve got at least two more years left,” Graham Quaife said after the final.
Aged 80, Quaife was the oldest bowler in the winning side, and as a local legend on the green, is probably tired of people asking if he’s going to retire from the sport.
Midweek pennant winners from 12 regions contested the event last week, and Gisborne began with a 47-36 victory over Lakes Entrance (Gippsland) in Section A.
There was an immediate setback when Traralgon (Strzelecki) excelled with a 51-35 victory over Gisborne, and it was a case of ‘lift your game’.
The team rebounded strongly to win the last three matches – beating Karingal (Mornington Peninsula) 42-38, Kerang (Murray Valley) 43-36) and Eaglehawk (Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields) 49-39 to top Section A with 12 points, three clear of Lakes Entrance.
City of Geelong (Geelong) won Section 2 and was widely seen as favourites for the title, and they were quickly in control against the Ballarat Highlands representatives.
As the sun went down Gisborne revived, rallying as one over the concluding ends. Alan Higgins’ four snatched six shots on their final end to wrap up the title after Candy’s crew had won 19-11, and Ethan Higgins had won narrowly.
Terry Kelly said the enthralling 53-44 victory was a real team effort, with all contributing to achieve the ultimate success for Gisborne.
“Everyone contributed at key points in the six matches, with clutch bowls that resulted in conversions or limiting damage,” Kelly said.
“As a team we were focused on the big board, so rink results don’t necessarily reflect how well we all played.
“Players were very supportive of each other and it was great to by part of the success in my first season at the club.”
