Saints’ bowlers ready to take to mat

HEATHCOTE will again field three teams across this season’s pennant bowls action run by Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields Region this summer.

Round one of the 2023-24 season for Midweek Pennant will be played on Mondays and goes from 16 October 16, while Saturday Pennant starts on 21 October.

There will be two line-ups representing Heathcote in Bendigo’s leg of Saturday Pennant, and another team in midweek pennant played on Mondays.

Long-time member and bowler at Heathcote Bowling Club, Greg Speirs said members were looking forward to the challenge of another pennant season.

In next Monday’s start to Midweek Pennant, Heathcote hosts Golden Square in Division Two.

Across the season Heathcote will be vying for wins against Bendigo East, Castlemaine, Harcourt, Strathfieldsaye, and White Hills.

It will be a hive of activity on Heathcote’s greens this Saturday when intra-club practice matches are played from 1pm.

“Our lead-up to the season included the annual practice match against Kyneton Golf at Heathcote a couple of weeks ago,” said Spiers.

“Last Saturday we played at North Bendigo in the annual challenge match in which Men’s Shed have cast a Shield to play for.”

Training for Heathcote’s bowlers is on Thursday nights and social bowls is played throughout the week.

There will be a home game and a trek to Inglewood on October 21 when Heathcote starts Saturday pennant.

“Division three is home against Bendigo. It’s a club we usually have a closely fought match with,” Speirs said.

In Division Six, Inglewood and Heathcote meet first-up.

A member of 30-plus years, Speirs took on lawn bowls after calling an end to his days playing football and cricket.

There’s many reasons for him and others to bowl in pennant or socially.

“For me there is the enjoyment of playing the game and the bowls fraternity is so welcoming,” Speirs said.

“Being with your mates, participation, and just having fun are what it’s all about.”

Some of the long-time bowlers at Heathcote include John McGillivray and Grant Baker.

“There is also Alice Knight who would be nearing her 40th year with the club,” Speirs said.

The club has three levels of membership available. Full member in which you can play pennant, social playing member, and social member.

Formed in 1904, Heathcote Bowling Club will mark its 120th Birthday next year.