A highly paid scriptwriter could not have portrayed the extraordinary Highlands Division 1 pennant bowls grand final that unfolded at Trentham on Sunday afternoon.
After being outplayed by Kyneton in the first half, a resolute Romsey staged a dramatic recovery, with the Redbacks finally securing a historic 68-62 victory after double extra ends — an absolute rarity in the world of bowls.
It is the first-ever top division (A-grade) premiership secured by Romsey, who had reached the grand final by beating reigning premier Kyneton on the very last bowl of the second semi-final.
The strong Kyneton side, going for three flags in succession, appeared to be in control at the afternoon tea break with an overall lead of 20 shots.
Romsey coach Garry Templar laid it all on the line to his players at the interval, and it seemingly had an impact with 6, 4 and 1 across the board soon after resumption rocketing the Redbacks back into contention.
With the overall margin cut to single figures, Kyneton faced a real challenge, perhaps with nightmares about the ending to the second semi-final in some minds.
Damien ‘Sticks’ Ely’s rink lifted and the large spectator sector surrounding the green became enthralled.
There was an epic battle between talented skippers Greg Podesta (K) and Aaron Young (R) all afternoon, but as Templar pointed out it was the ‘Iceman’ in Romsey’s Cameron Austin who repeated his semi-final magic.
On the 63rd and final end, Kyneton led 58-56 and David Thomas held two very close shots, with almost everyone anticipating Kyneton jubilation.
Remarkably, the unruffled Austin trailed the jack with his very last bowl for Romsey to gain two shots and tie the final 58-58.
There was almost disbelief on and off the green, and some confusion as well about which end the extra ends would occur from.
Truly riveting sport, as Romsey appeared to have the flag in the bag with four shots and one bowl in the extra ends to come.
With back bowls, Kyneton skipper Anthony Mathison drove, and the jack rocketed back to the ditch.
When it settled, Kyneton clearly had four shots for the tie, and the head was declared, only to have a query about “measuring for 5” raised. It was too late and consensus was that four shots was correct making it 62-62 overall.
Another round of extra ends, and more drama.
Podesta drew a toucher for Kyneton, but Young’s perfect final bowl was one he (and Romsey) will never forget.
The jack was moved a very short distance, for FOUR shots after the measure.
Romsey finished up with a 68-62 final scoreline, which really didn’t tell anyone who wasn’t there how close it had been.
There was a delay in the scheduled formalities such was Romsey’s jubilation as supporters flooded onto the green, and words of wisdom flowed.
Romsey players proved they were a real team, with a night of celebrations ahead.
“A fitting grand final — good luck to Romsey,” Kyneton president John Wells said afterwards.
Trentham president Rod Justice thanked all the club’s members and supporters who had made things run smoothly over the finals series.
Templar, on behalf of Romsey president John Boyce, congratulated Kyneton and reflected on how he had come back to his Romsey some years ago, taken on the role of coach, and seen a dream achieved.
“That was a magnificent effort,” he told his players, congratulating Kyneton as well and thanking spectators.
Ballarat-Highlands Region chairman, Lloyd Sims, commended the high standard of bowling produced by the 24 players and praised Trentham greenkeeper Bob Dobinson.
He also praised the Highlands match committee members for their dedicated work this season.
On Saturday, the second and third division Highlands grand finals were played at Trentham.
Kyneton Golf won the second division flag against arch rival Kyneton, and newcomer Mt Cottrell proved too strong for Romsey.
THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday, Romsey will represent Highlands in the match against the Ballarat area premiers. Get down to Woodend to see some class bowling.
ALL THE SCORES
Scores from the three Highlands pennant bowls grand finals at the weekend were:
Division 1: Romsey 68 defeated Kyneton 62 (in double extra time) — D. Ely 23 lost to Ant. Mathieson 29; C. Austin 18 d D. J. Thomas 14; A. Young 27 d G. Podesta 19.
Division 2: Kyneton 44 lost to Kyneton Golf 65 — M. Plowman 19 d B. McKimmie 15, N. Jamieson 12 lost to J. McQualter 23, D. Knight 13 lost to D. Bond 27.
Division 3: Romsey 55 lost to Mt Cottrell 71 — M. Gilligan 17 lost to L. Glascott 32, J. Fryer 17 d J.P. Dunn 15, D. Culpan 21 lost to S. Taylor 24.
