Ballarat bowls shines

SATURDAY turned on a perfect Spring afternoon to welcome bowlers back to the greens for another season of bowls.

City Oval’s Ian Robinson was pleased with the club’s start in securing wins in their two top divisions.

“It was a long afternoon for some of the bowlers getting back on the greens after recent cold weather,” he said.

“Pleasingly, we had wins in our two top divisions overcoming Ballarat East in Division 1 whilst our Division 3 travelled to BMS and took on what I consider was strong opposition on paper but managed a comfortable win in the end.

“Playing at home our Division 1 enjoyed a comfortable win with three rinks up and the Ben Morris rink set this up winning by 25 shots and ably supported by the rinks of Gavin Mann and Sarah Braybrook.”

Hosting Midlands in the Division 5 match saw both clubs take home a draw with each club having two rinks up.

“Our division 6 and 8 sides travelled out of town to Waubra and Beaufort respectively where they met strong opposition who took the points on the day,” said Mr Robinson.

Nevertheless, I consider we recruited some good players into the club who have strengthened all our divisional sides and we look forward to the Club having a good season of bowls.”

Sebastopol’s Rob Baker was pleased with their club’s Division 1 success in the opening game against last year’s premiers, Victoria.

“We shot out in the first two ends winning in all rinks before Victoria came back into the game and went in a few shots up at the afternoon tea break,” he said.

“In the final afternoon session our teams consolidated, winning consistently in the final play that allowed us to finish the match with a comfortable win and three rinks up.

“It was a mix of results for the club on Saturday with the club narrowly winning our home game over Ballan in Division 5 but unfortunately our Division 3 and 6 teams lost to Ballarat and Webbcona respectively.

“Our Division 7 side had the Bye of the round and our 8 side had a walkover.”