This week’s state bowls playoffs in Bendigo loom as potentially highly lucrative for the Goulburn Murray contenders — and a group of women has made the perfect head start.
Representing a combined quartet from the Goulburn Valley Playing Area and the Murray Playing Area, the two Goulburn Murray Bowls Region branches, Shepparton Park and Numurkah joined forces in the women’s fours at the 2024 State Championships.
Jenni Hill, Jennifer O’Connor and Suzanne Tyson grouped up out of Shepparton Park, and Numurkah’s Kerrie Leask got on board the title-winning train.
It was a comfortable enough start, with the Goulburn Murray group making an electric start against fellow northern regional contenders from the Ovens and Murray district, winning through to the quarter-finals 19-9.
There, it trailed an Eastern Ranges team throughout the first half before sparking into life from the eighth end onwards, holding out for a 15-11 victory.
The semi-final meeting with Geelong required another comeback act despite racing out to an early four-shot lead, conceding in five out of six ends through the midway portion.
The Goulburn Murray side rallied back beautifully, reclaiming its four-shot advantage with an end to go and prevailing 14-11.
The Yarra region awaited in the final Sunday morning after three Saturday games and the decider see-sawed in a manner worthy of the occasion.
Heading into the final end tied at 13-13, the Goulburn Murray girls held firm when most needed with the decisive point to take the title.
Beyond the emotional celebrations and winner’s medals, though, remains a chance at the national titles representing Victoria.
Hill is understandably excited.
“We expected battles because some of the girls we played against had played in higher areas a few times,” Hill said.
“Anybody can have a good or a bad day and, as it turned out, on the very last end, we got the shot that gave us the game.
“Our last Saturday game had to be played under lights and it’s fair to say we all slept well that night to come out fresh Sunday morning — or fresh enough to do the job.
“It was tails up and off we go.”
Having to rally back in multiple knockout games demonstrated resolve and it partially boils down to the simple mindset Hill has adopted.
“Personally, I work on this idea: you're out there, you've got the game, you do your best,” Hill said.
“I was very lucky that our lead and second were very close to the jack all the time because it meant Kerrie and I were defending what was already there.
“We worked well as a team and supported each other beautifully.
“I believe if you’re out there, you’ve got a chance. All you can do is your absolute utmost.
“We couldn’t believe we'd actually done it and I don't think any of us didn't have tears in our eyes.”