The Goulburn Valley Playing Area Allan Matheson Shield was a significant milestone for Tallygaroopna — but it wasn’t close to enough.
The accolades continue to roll in for the club and its individuals as a silverware-littered season nears its end.
By the time Tallygaroopna earned its Matheson Shield minor premiership, Mitch Sidebottom had already won the GVPA’s singles title, while David Daws became the men’s Champion of Champions within the region.
Knocking over Shepparton Golf to claim the shield served as the beginning of new prospects and, with a busy calendar, some took longer to work out than others.
Tallygaroopna met Katandra West last week in the Goulburn Murray Bowls Region’s weekend pennant playoff, ending the Murray minnow’s fairytale run with an emphatic 83-44 victory.
While Katandra West was rightfully proud to claim a rink from its titanic foes, the GVPA champion never felt destined to stop there.
It was much the same for Daws in his pursuits.
“It was great; we congratulated each other on our successes, but unfortunately, there had to be a winner and a loser,” Daws said.
“We got across the line, but it was a great game played in really good spirits.”
Having scooped the regional Champion of Champions, Daws had to wait an extra fortnight after the main regional finals event to settle his score last Sunday.
Settle he did.
Murray representative Paul Glanvill of Berrigan proved no match after Daws made a scintillating start across the first eight ends and never looked back from there, earning a solid 25-10 victory.
“Paul played here two years ago and beat another Tally boy in that final, so I knew he was going to play well and he did,” Daws said.
“The score doesn’t reflect what a good game it was and he should be proud of how he played.
“Bowls is a fickle sport where the score can be a long way apart and not reflect the quality of the game.”
Next up for Daws is the City v Country affair, where he and Shepparton Golf’s Brad Orr will suit up against the metro area’s best.
“We’ll go up there to belt City around again, fingers crossed,” Daws said.
“I think we’ve beaten them twice from the first three, so hopefully we get across them again.”
Beyond that is a trip to the 2024 State Championships alongside his Tallygaroopna counterparts, part of a nine-day carnival putting Victoria’s best in the mix across various divisions.
The event runs from April 13 to 21 at Bendigo East Bowling Club, with the men’s Champion of Champions finals to be the main event alongside the women’s pairs.
“I'm lucky enough to play in the fours alongside Guy (Madigan), Mitch (Sidebottom) and Brett (Wright),” Daws said.
"All you can do is try and play your best with confidence, but a lot of good bowlers will be attending.
"I'll give it my best crack in the Champion of Champions. It'll be down to whoever's lucky enough to have a good day.”
Rounding out the burgeoning playoff schedule is the final crack at state titles at Moama, set for early May.
Though far off, preliminary discussions are in progress and some difficult selection decisions are inevitable.
"We've had chats about it, but the worst thing is you can only play 12 people because they have three rinks instead of four,” Daws said.
“It’s very sad to drop four, but everyone has indicated they'll be there, so we'll go up, enjoy the weekend and hopefully share in some success.”