Tara Murray
Kyneton Golf has claimed back-to-back titles in the Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region Highlands division 1 competition.
After coming from fourth last season to claim the title, Golf finished second behind Romsey, which claimed the minor premiership for a second straight season.
Romsey won the first final between the two teams, before Golf beat cross town rivals Kyneton by 15 shots in the preliminary final to set up a rematch with Romsey.
Kyneton Golf’s experience would shine through in the final and were able to run away with the win after the break, winning 68 (16)-44 (0).
Ray Wilkinson’s rink won 21-15 against Matthew Brundell’s rink, Adrian Plowman’s won 25-10 against Cameron Austin and Anthony Barker’s rink won 22-19 against Aaron Young.
Golf president Toby Barker said they were thrilled with the result.
“It’s fantastic,” he said on the bus back to their home town for some celebrations.
“It’s the exact same 12 as last year. We were the underdogs but we always thought we were a chance on grass.
“Everyone bowled well. Romsey has never won one [division 1 title] and we’ve won a lot, the pressure was on them.”
Barker said they got off to a good start before the margin being just two shots at tea time.
He said they were then able to run away with it to come away with a comfortable win and were able to celebrate the achievement.
Barker said that everyone bowled well and that there weren’t any standouts.
For Romsey, it’s another case of what might have been after being the top team during the regular season for a second straight season.
It was a big weekend for Golf.
In division 2, Kyneton Golf 2 was dominant in the grand final against Romsey 2 on Saturday.
Golf won all three rinks on the way to a 69 (16)-49 (0) win.
Colin Scott’s rink won 23-17, Richard Buckley’s rink won 26-15 and John Trounce’s rink won 20-17.
Barker said that group came from fourth to win the title.
He said overall they were really proud of what the club has been able to achieve. While on the way back to Kyneton after the win, he was told that’s 11 titles since 2001 for the club.
“I’ve never played at a better club,” he said. “We won’t lose anyone for next year so we’ll go again.
“We are a close knit club.”
Meanwhile, Lancefield 2 was crowned the division 3 champions, winning 64 (16)-52 (0).
Keith Webb’s rink won 21-15, Geoffrey Stewart’s rink won 24-23 and Peter Shannon’s rink won 19-14.
