IT took three Saturdays and one Sunday, including a couple of washed out days for Wallan to score a strong victory over Seymour VRI in Saturday’s Central Bowls Division’s division two grand final.
Saturday’s grand final game was a resumption of a washed-out game commenced the previous Sunday, and the second such wash-out that affected all teams during this year’s finals.
However, despite the weather interruptions, Wallan was able to secure back-to-back grand final wins in division two, and with division one being premiers two seasons ago, it means the club has won flags in three consecutive seasons.
Play resumed with Wallan holding a 17-shot margin over VRI, with Peter Glass’ rink being 14-3 up. Paul Delnegro’s rink and Andy Mackintosh’s rink each held a three shot advantage.
Wallan was fully aware that VRI, who finished second on the ladder would come out with all guns blazing and the top side needed to bring their A-game.
The Mackintosh rink immediately went on the offensive extending their score from 10-7 to 22-9 before dropping 13 shots in ends 17-24. With Wallan a single shot up on the last end, Wallan held its nerve and scored two shots to win the rink by three shots.
The Delnegro rink, also 10-7 up at the resumption certainly played excellent bowls, only conceding five of the last 15 ends to run out 23-12 winners.
The Glass rink also played aggressive bowls taking their 14-3 lead to a final score of 34-10. This rink has been out of sorts in recent weeks, but definitely picked the right day to re-discover their mojo.
The final score saw Wallan 82 def Seymour VRI 44.
The game was the last ever under the Central Bowls Division banner, as Bowls Victoria has ordered a shake-up of all bowls competitions across the state.
Wallan will play in the Northgate – a metropolitan competition next season in what will be a new adventure for the Wallan bowlers.
The club is keen to attract more members – experienced or new bowlers – who reside in Wallan, Kilmore or surrounding areas, and who may be interested in joining the club in its journey in a new competition next season.
People interested can contact club secretary Peter Glass on 0481 054 039.
