Benalla’s Kerri Laesk recently returned to the Rose City with a 2024 Women’s Fours State Lawn Bowls Championships.
Ms Laesk, who represents Shepparton Park, said she never expected to make the final, let alone win.
“We had won the Goulburn Valley State Fours," she said.
“Then we had a play-off against the Murray Goulburn area winners, with whoever won going on to represent the region in the Victorian Championship.
“And we won. So we went all the way to the finals in Bendigo.”
Ms Laesk said she didn’t think they’d even get through the first game.
But as the wins kept coming, the team’s confidence increased.
“In the finals we won the first game, then came up against some big guns from Melbourne.
“’That game went right to the last ball. We had been leading most of the game, but they were coming back.
“It was nerve-racking, but we stayed relaxed and got over the line.
“Then we managed to win the final.”
The team will now represent Victoria at the national championships, which will be held in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.