By Tara Murray
Diggers Rest held its nerve to claim the Central Highlands Bowls Division division 2 title on Saturday.
The Burras were the favourites heading into the final, having claimed the minor premiership, but they had to dig deep against Kyneton.
After trailing early, the Burras came home strong to win 79 shots to 60, winning all three rinks along the way.
Ross Grant’s rink won 28-24, Bob Reidy’s won 23-19 and Mark Clohesy’s rink won 28-17.
Burras president Bill Deeble said it was exciting for the group, which celebrated long into the night.
He said he wasn’t sure the last time the club won a premiership, but thought it was at least 10 years ago, in the club’s early days.
“They were pretty confident going up there,” he said.
“We were behind in the first half of the game, but were able to come out on top eventually. It was a good game against a good side, with all three rinks winning.”
Deeble said they had set their sights on a premiership this year, after missing finals last season.
After losing their first two games, the Burras would lose just one more for the rest of the season. The Burras are now likely be promoted to division 1.
The last time the Burras were in division 1, a number of years ago, they failed to win a game.
Deeble said that would be the first goal for the club next season.
“It’s a new challenge for the club,” he said.
“We never won a game, so that will be the first step and to stay up there will be a challenge.
“There’s some pretty experienced bowlers in division 1, we will do our best.”
Deeble said anyone who wanted to join Diggers Rest should come down to their barefoot bowls sessions which run on Friday nights.
In the division 1 grand final, Kyneton beat Lancefield, 93 (14)-86 (4).
In division 3, Trentham beat Lancefield 64-57, winning two of the three rinks.
In Bowls Victoria pennant action, Bacchus Marsh suffered a last round loss to Deer Park 2 in division 2, section 1.
Already assured second spot, Bacchus Marsh had little to play for in the final round, losing 81 (14)-74 (4).
The two teams will face each other in a semi-final at Bacchus Marsh on Saturday.
In section 2, Melton finished the regular season with a win against Moonee Ponds, 101 (16)-70 (2).
Melton, which finished the regular season in third, will face Flemington Kensington in a semi-final on Saturday.
The grand finals will be held on Sunday.
