Big V takes first rolls on new green

JACKS have been sent down and the rinks tried out during the official opening of Victoria Bowling Club’s new synthetic green.

The $275,000 project was funded by the City of Ballarat under its Bowls Facilities Framework and built by local company Sportcrete in 10 weeks.

“Our Club is constantly striving to be the most admired in the region, providing clubrooms and playing surfaces to members that are second to none,” Club President, Barry Clark, said.

“The completion of this project puts us firmly on track to achieve this goal and we sincerely thank the City of Ballarat for the grant. The bowls strategy funding… encourages self-help clubs like us to work hard to improve playing facilities.”

The Club has three greens. One turf, the new synthetic surface and a third grass green that will be reseeded in November.

Mr Clarke said the new all-weather green played well.

“It’s a visibly appealing carpet green that runs with a lovely speed and constant, even draw,” he said.

During the official opening Councillor Amy Johnson lauded Victoria Bowling Club’s self-sufficiency.

“One of the things that really struck me about this Club… is that this is a Club that really likes to help itself,” she said.

“We have so many community groups and sporting clubs requesting funding every year and it can be a really tough decision as to how that money is allocated… But I remember thinking this absolutely a club that deserves support because they work very hard throughout the year to support themselves.”

Cr Johnson also said she was a big supporter of lawn bowls across the municipality, for a few reasons.

“Bowling is such an inclusive sport,” she said. “It’s a sport you can do at any age. Another thing I love about bowling is that it has a really good gender balance and it’s a sport that many females feel comfortable to play.”