General News
5 March, 2020
Midweek bowlers triumph
LAST year it was heartache for Camperdown Bowling Club’s Midweek pennant team, but this year it was joy as they secured a long-awaited premiership on Tuesday.
LAST year it was heartache for Camperdown Bowling Club’s Midweek pennant team, but this year it was joy as they secured a long-awaited premiership on Tuesday.
The side, which was a rank outsider entering the grand final, produced a stunning display to defeat Simpson 95-40 in the division two decider at Colac Bowling Club.
The win put aside the pain of grand final defeat 12 months ago, with Camperdown suffering a narrow defeat to Winchelsea.
Skipper Vicki Brebner said the feeling was “fantastic” around the group following the turnaround.
“We all got together before the game and Lenny (Searle) gave us a speech and said right we’ve got to jump on them quick, which we did,” she said.
“We jumped on them really and there was no stopping us (after that).
“It hurt last year, it really hurt but oh it was so good this year, (it was) sweet revenge.”
The Thornton Street-based club started the contest hot and remained hot for the remainder of the day, storming out to a 31-0 lead a few ends before the afternoon tea bell.
Simpson managed to open its account on the final end before the break, but the 30 minute spell failed to derail Camperdown’s momentum.
They continued to build upon their lead in the afternoon session, with Pam Atchison (37-14), Norma Weller (20-18) and Brebner (38-8) guiding the side home to a comfortable 55 shot victory.
“My rink got a really good jump and Pam’s got a really good lead,” Brebner said.
“I think Norma had the toughest rink but we just thought whoever got that tough rink that if they could just stay with them we might be able to carry them which she did.
“They ended up winning that rink, so we won all three rinks.”
Post match, Brebner once again paid tribute to the men for their efforts this season.
She said they had helped her side find its best synergy over the course of the year, with their grand final performance their best showing of the campaign.
“I think we’ve combined well and the men, as I’ve said we’ve had Norma and Pam skipping, have just guided them extremely well,” she said.
“We wouldn’t be there without them, I think the men have just helped us and we’ve all gelled together and what a game to put it all together in the grand final.
“Everything just came together, we just really outbowled them. They were absolutely shell-shocked and couldn’t get over it.”
Brebner said the club was thrilled to be on its way back to the top flight of the Midweek competition.
However, she said her side would have to adjust its approach slightly moving back up, given bowls was moving away from specific ladies and men’s competition.
“I think you’ve got to look forward to going back into division one because that is your pinnacle,” Brebner said.
“I think next year we’re going to have to have a good look and start picking, now that we’re back in division one, on merit.
“Midweek and Saturday pennant, it’s ladies’ and men’s pennant now, you’ve got to be picked on your merit.
“And I think if men want to play permanently on a Tuesday we’ve got to look at that and pick on your merit. I know some women might miss out but then they can play on Saturdays in division three.”
Brebner said the club will celebrate its efforts throughout season 2019/20 at their presentation night next Friday, March 13, which will be held at the clubrooms.