Victoria’s premier group of bowlers, including a handful of locals, gathered in town at the weekend for a run-through ahead of an interstate meet this weekend.
Members of the Victorian under-18 representative side took the greens at Shepparton Park on Sunday, featuring Kyabram-based standouts Charlie Boswood on the boys’ side and Mackenzie Parsons in the girls’ squad.
The open side was present a day prior at Shepparton Park as well featuring a handful of the most recognisable names on the scene, with Tallygaroopna ace Mitch Sidebottom qualifying for the development side, while familiar names like Olivia Cartwright made the women’s open team.
Image 1 of 7
Mackenzie Parsons represented Moama colours at the state training session. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 7
Jacob Brighton joined Parsons in Moama representation. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 7
Perennial standout Koby Cromie was on hand representing Yarrawonga. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 7
Marlie Malcolm, 15, was a metro representative for Mitcham. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 7
Geelong's Taiia Devlin, 16, travelled further than anyone to take part. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 7
Barham's Kane Wilson was another border representative. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 7
Deer Park's Bailee Randell, 16, rounded out the boys' contingent. Photo by Rechelle ZammitThe two divisional teams are bound for lush Club Tweed in New South Wales, where they will meet Queensland and NSW sides in a state Tri-Series program from August 2-4.
With the calendar inching towards pennant season once more in the Goulburn Valley Playing Area, Shepparton Park president Kelvin Rogash outlined what it was like to play host to the state’s best.
“We had the open and development sides on the Saturday, and then the over-60 and para state squads on Sunday alongside the juniors,” Rogash said.
“The state coach was here having the squads bowl against one another in teams, so there was a fair bit of competitiveness; it was a bit of practice, but they were aiming to do some selection on positions.
“All the selectors were identifying the best shots and recording on tablets to examine later on.
“On Saturday, they had a sports psychologist talk to them for an hour or so; it was a pretty full-on experience overall with a bit of joviality but mainly competitiveness.
“We had that Antarctic breeze on the Saturday, but the Sunday being not as cold, they were able to stay outside as they wanted to.”
With a raft of major events under its belt in recent times, Shepparton Park has certainly earned a reputation within the bowls scene as a premier destination.
Without being overtly boastful, Rogash is certainly proud of the esteem his club’s facilities are held in by players and officials alike.
“It’s a well-earned status for us. We’ve held the Australian Open here twice and we held the Vic Open here for 10 years before it was shifted to Gippsland,” Rogash said.
“We do enjoy hosting the top bowlers and the Goulburn Valley Playing Area has a lot of good quality bowlers here as well.
“It’s good that Bowls Victoria has such a high regard for Shepp Park and it’s good to showcase the facilities to those bowlers who might not have played in those Open tournaments.
“Hopefully, some of those who came along to watch have picked up a few pointers for the pennant season here.”