Bowlers from the Goulburn Valley, surrounds and well beyond had the rare chance to roll over the Parliament House greens on Thursday, March 21.
Ten clubs took representatives to the city to stage the inaugural Annabelle Cleeland MP Parliament Bowls Cup at Victoria’s oldest continuously used bowls facility.
The event was staged by state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland in conjunction with Peter Cunningham of Heathcote Bowling Club and 24 bowlers took in the lush scenery through a series of eight-end contests.
Avenel, Benalla, Euroa, Heathcote, Murchison, Nagambie, Seymour, Seymour VRI, Swanpool and Violet Town had its bowlers on the Parliament House lawns for the friendly hit-out, with plans already on the board for a 2025 edition.
Cleeland praised the event’s success, which involved a tour of the Parliament House facility, a meet-and-greet with fellow state members and a subsequent lunch.
“I want to thank all the bowlers who participated in an extremely successful inaugural tournament,” Cleeland said in a statement.
“It was important to me to welcome as many people as possible to the Parliament of Victoria to experience the wonder of such a historic place and to understand the impact that decisions made here have on our community.
“This tournament was a fun opportunity for camaraderie and friendly competition, with clubs joining together from all throughout the region.
“I look forward to continuing to share the joy of bowls and fostering connections within the bowls community as we prepare for another exciting event next year.”
No information is currently available to suggest whether the 2025 edition may be expanded or feature a greater overall volume of bowls.
Though the results were not front and centre within the day’s spirit, Swanpool’s Shayne and Sarah Mathieson were victorious alongside Euroa’s Bill Sargood and Heathcote’s Brian Taylor.