Gisborne Bowling Club’s division one midweek champions added the Ballarat Highlands Region title to their collection at Kyneton on Saturday.
In a dedicated, methodical performance the Gisborne combination accounted for City Oval (representing Ballarat area) by 22 shots with all rinks up, this earning a trip to the state titles at Moama.
It’s the same path that Gisborne pursued last season, when they won the division one midweek flag for the first time ever, then captured the regional title before finishing third in the state with a very good performance against strong teams.
Saturday’s side to play City Oval had one compulsory change to the one which defeated Romsey on the same green in the Highlands mid-week final 67-56 last month to finish the season undefeated.
Cool, windy conditions on Sunday at Kyneton provided a different scenario to both the recent midweek and Saturday finals.
The Gisborne lineup comprised: Russell Walker, Ian Ball, Terry Kelly, Ethan Higgins (s); David Beardmore, Andy Macdonald, Tim Rogers, Alan Higgins (s); Kevin Jared (replacing John Evans from the mid-week grand final against Romsey), Paul O’Farrell, Graham Quaife, Garry Candy (s).
After a tight battle for much of the match, Gisborne drew away in the latter stages for a 69-47 victory.
Alan Higgins d City’s Ian Robertson 24-15, Candy defeated Wayne Roberts 24-17, and Ethan Higgins won 21-15 against Chris Smith.
In the Highlands midweek final against Romsey, Alan Higgins 25 d John Beaumont 18, Candy 20 d Matt Brundell 17, and Ethan Higgins 22 accounted for R. Sutherland 21.
Division 2 midweek: Macedon 79 d Gisborne 56. R. Stapleton 35 d L. Ball 15, S. Doran 11 lost to F. Roche 19, M. Keenan 33 d T. Wylie 22.
The midweek division 3 final was close, with Diggers Rest 39 defeating Gisborne 33. S. Browne 16 d D. Wesney 15, R. Shears 23 d R. Formica 18.
Webbcona too good
Webbcona bowlers proved too strong for Lancefield in the regional pennant final played at Kyneton on Saturday.
Both had come from fourth place to win their respective Ballarat and Highlands pennants.
Strong gusty wind blowing across the green provided a challenge for all players.
While the play-off with the prize of a place at Moama in the Saturday pennant championships at stake, it was a younger Webbcona side that proved superior, drawing clear in the latter stages for a strong win.
Scores: Ben McArthur 25 d Bev. Holmes 20; Matthew Blackburn 20 d Jeff Holmes 12; Matthew Collins 25 d Chris Jolly 9.
