‘Country strong’ has been the victorious feeling two out of three times in state representative bowls, so can the regional squad knock Melbourne’s best over again?
Bowls Victoria has announced men’s and women’s squads for the annual City versus Country representative game and district players will feature again.
Bendigo East Bowling Club will set the stage for the yearly fixture on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7.
Goulburn Valley faces will lead the line, with Shepparton Golf standout Brad Orr no stranger to the occasion.
Tallygaroopna’s Goulburn Valley Playing Area Allan Matheson Shield winner David Daws, who claimed the division’s Champion of Champions title this season, is also named in the 16-strong side.
Daws and Orr skipped opposing rinks in Saturday’s epic shield decider, with Orr claiming the chocolates in his side’s only triumph across the game.
Orr said they have shared many representative squads and have forged a bond.
“We’ve won numerous premierships and region titles together, David and I,” Orr said.
“It’s always good to have a game with your mate and he’ll be one of the real quality bowlers attending that weekend.
“I’ve been to a few state trials in the past, but the players get behind it and treat it like a real competitive game.
“It brings the best out of everyone.”
With Victorian opportunities potentially open to those who impress selectors at these kinds of representative encounters, this is hardly an exhibition game.
Even in the absence of club bowls, there remains a busy calendar ahead for the likes of Orr and Daws if things work out.
“I'll be heading down to play singles and pairs in the Vic Open next week,” Orr said.
“It is a full-on calendar, but everyone’s well aware of the jam-packed nature of the schedule if you choose to do it that way; nobody has to if they don’t want to.”
The women’s Country squad has overlooked Goulburn Murray Bowls Region talent entirely in naming its team of 16 to take on Melbourne’s top females, but saved room for a trio of Moama bowlers — Olivia Cartwright, Cassandra Millerick and Emma Simmonds.