It’s early days yet, but Kyneton Bowling Club’s division 1 premiership prospects this season have just received a major boost with an influx of quality players.
Not just one or two, but at least six who will probably walk in to Kyneton’s top side, sending shudders through last season’s pennant premiers Kyneton Golf and runner-up Romsey.
Kyneton BC chairperson Paula Adams confirmed the welcoming mat had been put out for the newcomers, some already well known to clubs in Highlands division and much further afield.
“We do not pay players,” Ms Adams said categorically when the question was raised about why the experienced bowlers have all decided to don Kyneton’s colours this season.
Membership numbers are climbing at Kyneton, with the very long-established club intending to field teams in Highands divisions 1, 2 and 3.
Last season Kyneton’s top side reached the semi-finals, being eliminated by long-time rival Kyneton Golf in the first semi-final.
Here’s a list of players who should boost the Tigers, including flow through benefits to divisions 2 and 3.
Firstly there’s Graham Edwards (‘Big G’) and Glen Gascoyne, who played with Romsey last season before being cleared back to Kangaroo Flat ; they soon decided to join Kyneton.
They have been with Kyneton Golf before, and coming with them is Kangaroo Flat coach Greg Podesta, a highly rated bowler.
John O’Donnell, a top skipper, and Terry Kelly – a versatile who has played with Kyneton and Gisborne in recent seasons – joins Kyneton from Beaumaris.
Kyneton also welcomes back former player Mark Cheep who has time to devote to the game again.
Then there’s Bernie Halpin, experienced campaigner who began at Lancefield, went to Trentham, and comes to Kyneton after being skipper at Macedon.
Sue Fenton joins Kyneton from Burleigh Heights in Queensland, Jerry Richmond has moved to Kyneton from Moorabbin, and Shannon Beare is a new bowler who is keen on the sport.
Kyneton has top grass greens, and it’s apparent the club is back on the way up in no uncertain manner on the playing field.
Kyneton’s quality skipper Anthony Mathison will probably be pleased there’s now others to share the load.
WIN AT STRATHMORE
On Saturday, a busload of Kyneton bowlers journeyed to Strathmore BC and played for the Town and Country Shield
Kyneton, fielding 32 players, took the honours and came home with the shield.
Podesta predicted that Saturday’s performance would be the first of many wins for the club this season.
