Reigning champs take on Moama Steamers

BENDIGO’S quest for back-to-back premierships in the Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields premier bowls starts against Moama this Saturday.

The reigning champions get rolling in the 2023-24 season on home greens in Barnard Street.

Bendigo and the Moama Steamers have played out some great matches in recent seasons.

Skippers for Bendigo in round one will be Luke Hoskin, Brayden Byrne, Ian Ross and Tim Arnold.

Recruits in the mix to play in the top grade include Lach and Paul Darroch from Castlemaine, Gary Downie from Golden Square, Marong’s Luke Nemeth, Tyson Mertz from White Hills, and Tom Lokys from the Mornington Peninsula region.

Golden Square is at home to take on last season’s runner-up, Bendigo East.

A huge recruiting coup for Golden Square was gaining skipper Andrew Brown, a dual Champion of Champions in singles, across from Bendigo.

Newcomers for the Bulldogs include Ian Brown from Bendigo, Wentworth’s Wal Banyard, Darren Turnbull from Clayton, Koromburra’s Geoff Wodd, Inglewood’s Jack Nevins, and Guido Bacchin from Strathfieldsaye.

A talented Bendigo East line-up has Darren Burgess, Aaron Tomkins, James McGillivray and Marc Smith as skippers.

Newcomers for the Magpies are Connor Fry from Marong, Martin Lord back from Bendigo.

East also has talented youngsters Brock Keenan, and Bailee Randall who was third in the singles at the national under-18 titles in WA.

A big afternoon at Golden Square’s home in Wade Street includes Acoustics On The Green featuring Cam Last between 5pm and 8pm.

Eaglehawk takes on Inglewood on the Borough’s turf in Simpsons Road.

The Hawks’ skippers for this match will be Simon Carter, Tony Ellis, Lachlan Bowland and Kym Schumacher.

Recruits for the Two Blues include Frank Byrne up from division two, along with Wade Roberts, Ray and Kaye Rowe.

Kangaroo Flat is at home to play South Bendigo.

A new-look Roos’ line-up includes recruits Brad Marron, Greg Podesta and Mal McLean as skippers, along with Paul Moller.

South Bendigo’s squad includes Liam Crapper, Garri Conforti, Daryl Rowley, Matt Robertson and Brad Holland.

Bloods’ young gun Nick Rowley won gold in triples and silver in the fours at the national under-18 titles.