Sport
Gallery | Goulburn Murray Bowls Region falls to Ovens and Murray in inter association challenge
Phones near explosion, last ditch reshuffles and some bumper bowls to boot.
That’s what transpired at the weekend as Goulburn Murray Bowls Region squared up with fellow country power Ovens and Murray in an inter association challenge for the ages.
As rain pounded down on the Goulburn Valley on Friday and Saturday, the scheduled venue for the exhibition — Wunghnu Bowls Club — was swapped for the covered greens of East Shepparton Bowls Club.
When Sunday rolled around, it was game on.
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Goulburn Murray's David Cartwright releases cleanly down the straight. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 7
Goulburn Murray's Guy Madigan gently eases into his rhythm. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 7
Goulburn Murray's Loris Houlihan gives it a bit of bounce. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 7
Goulburn Murray's Kristoffer Ferguson rolls with purpose and precision. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 7
Carla Miles played a hand in Goulburn Murray's opening win of the day. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 7
Goulburn Murray's David Cartwright barks out some instructions. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 7
Goulburn Murray's Jacob and David Cartwright exchange words and bowls. Photo by Rechelle ZammitGoulburn Murray started better in the men’s and women’s fixtures, taking out the morning matches 45-34 and 42-36 respectively.
But Ovens and Murray hadn’t come all that way to make up the numbers.
The visitors regrouped and grappled hard throughout the second and third games, both doing enough for a 2-1 result with the O&M men prevailing 139-133 and the women winning 139-123.
Result aside, the day doubled as a selection process for the Bowls Victoria Regions Sides Championships in Ballarat from January 10-12, with GMBR secretary Stephen McGregor noting the finalised squads will be confirmed later in the week.
“It’s a brilliant day and both regions get along so well,” he said.
“Being a trial day for our region’s sides, they do the same thing, so the selectors are there watching the players.
“It was very close. I think the (Goulburn Murray) ladies were a little bit overwhelmed I suppose, but the men, it was very close in all three games.”
McGregor also lauded the behind the scenes teamwork by Wunghnu and East Shepparton to co-ordinate the day on such short notice to produce an event that was enjoyed by all.
“I think I blew up my phone on Saturday with all the calls,” he said with a laugh.
“But it was brilliant in that we had Wunghnu and East Shepparton work together to make it into such a great day.
“Wunghnu came down and actually did the barbecue for lunch and East Shepparton provided the venue — it’s such a brilliant venue.
“Everyone was very impressed and you couldn’t believe that two clubs could throw it together in such short notice.’’