Sport
Goulburn Valley bowls products Brad Orr and Olivia Cartwright enjoy success at state level
Whether it is on the football field, the cricket pitch or the bowls green, there is no bigger thrill for any local sportsperson than to pull on the ‘Big V’ and represent Victoria.
And for Goulburn Valley bowls products Brad Orr (Shepparton Golf) and Olivia Cartwright (Tatura-Hill Top) that honour was bestowed upon them last weekend as they plied their trade for Victoria in its recent test series against Tasmania.
Taking place at Melbourne’s Karingal Bowls Club, both the men’s and women’s teams enjoyed great success, with the former securing a 5-0 series triumph and the latter a 4-1 victory.
In the men’s side, Orr took his place as a second in rink one and was one of the standout performers in his team’s dominant victory.
Cartwright was the lead in rink two, with the young gun showing maturity well beyond her years as she continues to rise through the ranks as one of the state’s up-and-coming stars.
No stranger to the state arena, Orr said it was an honour to don the ‘Big V’ and have some success.
“It was great to be back in the state fold, our last series over in Tasmania 12 months ago was cut short due to COVID-19, so it was good to get the games completed and come away with a win,” Orr said.
“I always enjoy being able to catch up with the guys from all over the state you don’t usually get a chance to see, so when you walk out as one representing Victoria.”
Reflecting on the bowls itself, Orr said the team and his rink in particular had great synergy throughout the weekend, leading to the dominant triumph.
“I thought we all backed each other up well, if the lead wasn’t on at one time the second was on and it flowed on from every end which was pleasing,” he said.
“The feeling among the team was really good and everyone just played their role and played it well.”
While Orr was the only Goulburn Valley representative on the men’s team, he was still able to share the weekend with a fellow local as Cartwright strutted her stuff in the corresponding women’s games.
He said she is one of the brightest young talents in the region and is excited to see her career unfold.
“She’s obviously got a bright future and is the perfect age to be able to make something out of it,” he said.
“It was hard to see how she went because I was concentrating on my own game, but I’m sure she’s mixed it with the best and took a lot out of the experience.”