Gisborne Bowling Club is through to its first Central Highlands Bowls division 1 grand final after beating reigning premier Kyneton Golf Gold on Saturday.
Skip Glenn Johnston jnr says the club is buzzing.
“We had 60-70 people here to celebrate, but we aren’t going over the top.
“There’s still a job to do. We’ve been in and out of the top division for 35 years with at least 20 of those years in that division [without making a grand final].”
The result against Golf Gold was convincing in the end, with Gisborne winning three rinks in the 110-76 victory.
Johnston said getting a good start was the key to shutting out any nerves against a more experienced side.
“Kyneton Golf is one of the premier clubs in Victoria so we definitely needed to jump out of the blocks,” he said
“We’ve been starting slowly in recent weeks. My rink had been five or 10 shots down early in the previous three or four weeks.
“Yesterday we got an early buffer and it paid off.”
For more pictures of the final between Gisborne and Kyneton Golf Gold, CLICK HERE
Johnston jnr said Gisborne’s new green had played a big part in the club’s turnaround this season, both in the players’ form and in attracting new faces.
“Everyone has been able to practise regularly on a quick green,” he said. “Last year the green would be shut a few days a week.”
Gisborne will face either Kyneton Golf Gold or Bacchus Marsh in the grand final in two weeks’ time.
Meanwhile, Sunbury is hoping for some luck as it looks to break back into division 1 of Bowls Victoria pennant after losing the division 2 grand finals for the past three years.
The club’s Dave Glennon says he hopes momentum the club has had in the regular season will continue into the finals.
“We’ve won nine or 10 in a row and the club is vibrant,” he said.
“All but one of our teams are in finals and three of those will play at home.”
Sunbury’s top team easily accounted for Lalor (2), 107 (18) – 54 (0) in the final round of the division 2, section 2 regular season
Elise Cowan won 22-11; Mark Cowan won 20-13; it was a 24-19 win for Brad Janner; and Brad Willoughby’s rink won 31-11.
The win is Willoughby’s ninth straight since returning to the side.
Sunbury will play Glenroy at Sunbury on Saturday.
The winner of that match will meet the winner of Fitzroy Victoria (2) and West Coburg in the sectional grand final on Sunday.
