Bowlers embrace the State Championship experience

By Tayla Kershaw

FIVE hard fought matches were played by the Wonthaggi Bowls Club at the State Championships in Moama recently.

Wonthaggi Bowls Club qualified for its position in the championship after winning the Midweek Pennant premiership for the Strzelecki South region.

The local bowlers earned their ticket to Moama after defeating the confident Strzelecki North winners Newborough at Newborough.

It was a hard road to get Moama, and there were trials still to come when some members of the Division 1 team were unavailable to compete.

Several Division 2 players were qualified to take their place, and the club put the extra effort in with Sunday sessions to allow the new team to bond and mentally prepare for the challenge ahead.

Wonthaggi faced Middle Park, Cobram, Portland RSL and Lakes Entrance, culminating in round five, in which they battled it out with a professional Bendigo outfit. 

“We were very competitive (at Moama) and the clubs we played all had their full-strength teams, so we did pretty well,” club president Allan Ireland said.

“You have to test yourself against the best.”

Although there were no wins on the board, bowlers representing Wonthaggi were delighted with the experience, and extremely proud of what they had accomplished together. 

“It was a great experience. Not everybody gets a chance to do it in their lifetime, and if you get the chance to do it, you grab it,” Dot Stein said.

“Playing with this group was absolutely wonderful.”

The bowlers were also thrilled to be well supported by family, friends and local spectators.

“I watched and I was so proud to see our bowlers playing against these champions. They put up a good fight,” Arthur Parker said.

All matches and scores were livestreamed through Bowls Victoria, so even those who couldn’t make it on the day were able to be part of the action. 

The bowlers also felt they gained valuable experience from playing at a venue like Moama and thanked the club for its welcoming hospitality.

Great appreciation was also extended to everyone who prepared to send the team to Moama and volunteered their time during the championship.

Wonthaggi Bowls Club enjoyed a successful pennant season with four divisions across Midweek and Saturday Pennant represented in the finals series.

With president Allan leading by example, the club continues to pride itself on offering a strong and happy environment to both its members and the community.

“Everyone is here for the right reasons. There’s no magic pill that makes a happy club. Sometimes the harder you try, the worse it gets, but you just have to let things evolve,” Allan said.

The club continues to attract members with its supportive atmosphere. 

“I joined the club during Covid. I didn’t know anyone in town, and I thought it would be a good way to meet people. I found I really enjoyed the game. I’ve only been bowling for a few years,” Denise Silver said.

“(Being a member of Wonthaggi Bowls Club) has been great. The club is very sociable, friendly and welcoming.”

The club offers social bowls twice a week, as well as free coaching.

However, Allan credited barefoot bowls as the ideal pathway for new members.

Barefoot bowls has changed the game by allowing more people to participate in a relaxed, commitment-free environment. 

The bowls club is also increasing its public profile by opening its rooms to the public, most recently hosting the Wonthaggi Primary School’s trivia night.

Coming into the winter months, the activity at Wonthaggi Bowls Club will continue with social bowls and Triples events, which will prepare it for the next competitive season of pennant starting in mid-October. 

Wonthaggi Bowls Club congratulates high achievers

WONTHAGGI Bowls Club would like to congratulate its high achievers for the years 2023/24.

Craig Fisher had a great season, winning the Wonthaggi Bowls Club Championship and the Strzelecki Section Championship. 

He then paired off with Caroline Donohue, where they won the Mixed Pairs in the Strzelecki Section – a great effort from a good pair, good members and good people.

Lo and behold, Caroline teams up with Joy Phillips, Jan Jeeves and Robin Denis (Phillip Island) to win the Strzelecki Fours.

It was a great effort from the individuals to represent the club and gain the highest honours.