Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region men’s team turned in a strong performance in the State Region Sides Championships over the weekend.
Kyneton bowlers Anthony Mathison and John O’Donnell were involved in a dramatic last end finish in their third match, which made the difference on reaching the finals or missing out.
The championships were organised by Bowls Victoria and hosted at selected Ballarat venues.
The Ballarat Highlands team won their first match on Friday against a strong Geelong side that had been favourite to win the section.
The 60-55 resulted boosted the spirits of BHBR players and supporters.
Kilmore’s Luke Spargo led for O’Donnell’s four, which won 18-15; Ben McArthur’s rink won 19-16 and Scott Roberts went down 23-24.
In their second match, Ballarat Highlands had a convincing 67-41 victory over West Coast on Saturday, then played Strzelecki in the third round.
A win was needed to make the finals, with Geelong lifting percentage.
Overall BHBR was tied with Strzelecki with the O’Donnell rink the last one on the green.
One shot went to Strzelecki for a 62-61 victory, and Geelong made the finals with a big final round victory.
So near, yet so far, for Ballarat Highlands with strong local support over the championships.
The Ballarat Highlands women’s team lost 67-57 to Sandbelt in their opening round on Friday, and missed the finals.
In their second match, Ballarat-Highlands women edged out Eastern Region 57-54, then lost their final match 58-48 against Bendigo.
In the men’s final. Eastern Ranges defeated Geelong, and in the gold section Metrol West took out the title.
Metro West also won the women’s gold championship, and the silver section went to Sandbelt.
