By Tara Murray
Kyneton saved its best for last in the Central Highlands Bowls top division, to break a premiership drought.
Having been smashed by Lancefield in the semi-finals, Kyneton was hoping to turn around the result and claim the premiership on Saturday.
It was a much closer affair this time, with Kyneton winning 93 (14)-86 (4).
Kyneton president Bob Short said the playing group was determined to step up.
“In the second semi-final, they beat us by 47 shots,” he said.
“It was a big win and we hadn’t beaten them all year.
“Lancefield were firm favourites heading into the grand final. Our guys were determined to put in a better effort than last time.
“The whole team bowled really well.”
For Kyneton, Mark Smoljo defeated Aaron Young’s rink 23-22, while Andy MacDonald claimed a 28-16 win over Jeff Holmes.
Barry Godbolt and Peter Linehan were the winning two skips for Lancefield.
Short said everyone played well in the grand final, with their being no standouts.
The premiership is Kyneton’s first division 1 premiership since the 2010-11 season. Some players from this season’s team were part of the last premiership.
Kyneton’s division 2 side suffered a heartbreaking loss to Diggers Rest in the grand final.
After leading midway through the match, Kyneton lost 79 (16)-60 (0).
Short, who was part of the losing Kyneton side, said they were beaten by a team that was better on the day.
Kyneton’s top two teams will also play in midweek grand finals this week.
Short said they couldn’t have imagined the season they would have.
“We’ve got seven teams this season and five have played finals and four teams have made grand finals.”
In division 3, Trentham beat Lancefield 64-57, winning two of the three rinks.
