Bowlers take dual wins

MEMBERS of the Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region have taken out the men’s and women’s top spots in this year’s Provincial Championships.

Held every year since at least the 1980s, the event saw BHBR members compete against players from the Geelong Bowls Region, and Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields Bowls Region at Sebastopol Bowling Club last Sunday.

The women’s win was an inaugural one, with the event marking the inclusion of a female division into the championships for the first time.

BHBR secretary and men’s team manager Wayne Morgan said the dual victories are a massive win for the region.

“Geelong and Bendigo have traditionally been very strong, and we’ve performed well in other years,” he said.

“But this is a big one for the women, and for the men it’s the first time they’ve won since 2013.

“It’s over three rounds and both teams were behind coming into the last round with the men five points behind Bendigo and the women about the same.

“Ballarat came up over the last round in both divisions to take home the trophies.”

Six rinks of three games were played between the men, while four rinks of three games were held for the women.

More than 70 men and almost 50 women took part in the championships, with 24 male and 16 female players representing BHBR which is made up of 35 clubs.

Mr Morgan said the women’s win, as well as the introduction of a female shield, showcased a strong diversity of participation in the region.

“We have some very strong female bowlers in the region. You look at the Saturday pennant teams and you’ll see women scattered throughout what was also traditionally a men’s competition,” he said.

“Our board made this suggestion to the other regions for women to be included. It’s a big event and why shouldn’t we have women involved?

“The aim of bowls is to be inclusive as we can.”

Following BHBR’s win, the region will compete in next year’s Region Sides Championships in early January, which will see players from across Victoria competing for the top state title.

Normally held in Moama, those Championships will also be held locally at Sebastopol, Webbcona, Victoria, and Central Wendouree bowling clubs.