As the ‘Tally train’ rolls on, some members have taken a more scenic tour.
This is especially the case for star bowler Mitch Sidebottom, who took his talents to the lawns of Adelaide Bowling Club for the 2024 Adelaide Masters singles tournament.
The club has continued at full tilt since winning the Goulburn Valley Playing Area Allan Matheson Shield, taking the Goulburn Murray Bowls region playoff over Katandra West and earning a crack at state titles.
Sidebottom’s teammate David Daws has had plenty on his plate as well, heading off to the annual City v Country playoff and state Champion of Champions events, while both will form part of the team’s state fours contingent.
Sidebottom’s latest venture started fruitfully, sweeping his group stage competition on Easter Saturday with wins to the tune of 25-19, 25-12 and 25-13.
He had to fight through the first three rounds of finals on Easter Sunday, fending off Gary Mills 25-21 in the round of 32 before knocking over Garry Ball 25-19 to reach the quarter-finals.
There, he was pushed harder than in any other game in a tight 25-22 triumph over Tyson Wilson before rediscovering his top form in a breezing 25-13 semi-final win Easter Monday morning at the expense of Mark Armstrong.
The dream was not to be that afternoon; the Tallygaroopna star was denied by a bare 25-23 margin in the final as Gary Kelly took the Adelaide title.
Sidebottom considers himself enriched by the experience.
“I started off relatively slow in the first group game, but probably played my best game in the tournament in the second game against a bowler who’s played some internationals for New Zealand,” Sidebottom said.
“It took me a game each day to zone in and, in general, I got better as the day went on.
“You’re always better off playing those better players. You can gain something out of every situation you put yourself in.
“Hopefully in the future I can get it done in the final, but I always love challenging myself against the best.”
There will be plenty more challenges where that came from, too.
Not only does Sidebottom look to rejoin his squad for state fours and pennant finals, but the Australian Open is also on his itinerary.
There should be no reason to feel out of place after his performances in Adelaide, either.
“I was hoping not to embarrass myself in the final against quality opposition, but it was neck-and-neck,” Sidebottom said.
“I don’t think there were more than four shots in it the whole game. I was up 20-16 and had chances, but couldn’t finish it.
“They’re never beaten, those quality players.”