Tara Murray
It took them two weekends, but Lancefield finally ended its premiership drought in the Central Highlands Bowls Division top grade.
Through to a third straight grand final, it was third time lucky for Lancefield which defeated Kyneton on Saturday.
The match had started the previous Saturday, but due to rain it had to be played over two weekends.
Lancefield took the win 71 shots to 51, after resuming with a 42 to 35 lead. Lancefield claimed two of the three rinks.
Lancefield’s Bill West said the side put the win beyond doubt early on day two of the match. West said he couldn’t recall in his 30 years in bowls a grand final being decided across two days.
“When it pours rain, there is nothing you can do about it,” West said.
“We had a seven shot advantage after the first day. We came out of the blocks on day two and played well when we needed to.
“The first few ends we won them and were more than 20 shots ahead. It was never in doubt after that.”
Aaron Young’s rink were the big winners of the day, winning 30-10. West said Young was a standout on both days and with that rink so far ahead it was always going to be tough for Kyneton.
Peter Linehan’s rink came from five shots down to win 21-19, while Jeff Holmes rink lost in the last end, 22-20.
The win reverses the result of 12 months ago when Kyneton beat Lancefield in the grand final.
West said the group was keen to make amends for that result.
“We had a few players win their first top grade premiership,’ he said. “I think 2013-14 was the last time we won the first division.”
Trentham claimed both the division 2 and division 23 titles, beating Romsey 57-54 and Woodend, 64-50 respectively.
Meanwhile, the CHBD will expand next season with Broadford and Kilmore joining the competition with the Central Bowls Division disbanding.
Kilmore beat Broadford in the division 1 grand final.
Tara Murray
