BERWICK BOWLS
Berwick’s Tuesday Pennant Open Division-2 side met Boronia on 10 March in the Division-2 grand final. The final was played at the Mitcham Club on a beautifully presented green running at 15-seconds-plus at the start and more than 17 seconds after lunch. To get to the grand final Berwick first had to win two sectional finals and then two post sectional finals, a huge challenge in itself. Boronia had also displayed sound form to reach the grand final so a close game was expected and a close game was delivered.
There was little between the two sides early on with Boronia going out to a small lead which was gradually reduced in a nip and tuck affair. Berwick held a one-shot lead at the lunch break with Berwick’s three teams all playing competitive bowls and the game still for the taking.
The green noticeably slowed after the lunch break and this produced problems up front for Doug Harlow’s rink with their third’s Jean Reddy and Skip Harlow having to limit the damage. Michael Adams’ rink traded shot for shot with the opposition and Joan Heggart’s rink established a small margin after her lead. Ninety-year-young super veteran Rodney Beevors swapped to the ‘narrow’ side and began to provide a start.
The large following of both clubs provided an exciting back drop acknowledging good bowls and coming to the wire it was neck and neck. Harlow’s rink then dropped a four as did Adams’ rink but this was partly offset by Heggart’s rink picking up a five. Both clubs traded shot for shot but Harlow’s rink staged a great comeback to reduce an eight-shot deficit with a few ends to go with a four on the last end to tie their game. Adams’ rink lost by the barest of margins, one shot, but Heggart’s rink was the anchor with Lois Adams drawing dead on the last end to ensure there was no coming back for Boronia.
Thanks go to the supporters of both clubs for the great atmosphere. Mitcham Bowls Club is to be congratulated on providing a wonderful bowling surface.
Final Score: Berwick 66 defeated Boronia 59
