A new-look Kyabram started its Allan Matheson Shield season on a high on Saturday, downing Tallygaroopna in impressive fashion.
Both teams’ first game of the 2022-23 Goulburn Valley Playing Area Weekend Pennant division one campaign, Kyabram took out three of the four rinks in a true statement win.
A dominant 104 (16) to 65 (2) result, the win was headlined by a 37-18 rink four victory, where skip Brent Reiner led his side to glory.
In rink one Kyabram secured a 25-13 win, while on rink three skip Connor Trewren picked up a 10-shot win.
While Tallygaroopna managed a two-shot victory in rink two it was not enough to get the reigning premier over the line.
Reflecting on the opening day win, Kyabram vice-president and selector Glenn Fields said it was consistent bowls that got his side over the line.
“Everyone was a bit rusty,” Fields said.
“They’ve not been able to practice as much with the weather and it showed.
“It was good, we obviously didn’t know how things were going to go with all the new recruits we’ve got in the side and the teams look very different to how they did last year, so it was nice.”
Fields said there was a good vibe across the four rinks, with the mix of youth and experience working well for Kyabram.
He said everyone was relieved to get the season started after a couple of delayed weeks.
“They (Tallygaroopna) had a couple of players out which happens from week to week,” he said.
“We’ll probably have a couple missing next round with different circumstances, but to knock off the reigning premiers that’s always a nice start and we have another tough one coming up next round against Shepparton Golf.”
The result puts Kyabram in third place on the table, two points off Shepparton Park and Shepparton Golf, while Tallygaroopna sits in sixth.