By Roland Smith
Last Thursday evening the final of the triples got under way under lights at the Lilydale Bowls Club. The fact that there wasn’t even a hint of breeze made it perfect for lawn bowls. The team of Sean, Gino and Rusty were competing against the crack team of Wayne, Vicki, and Jan. As the crowd grew just before the start there was a chance to speak briefly with some of the players. Sean’s team said that while being nervous they were very glad simply to have made it to the final. They were going to give it ‘their all’. And that they did, by winning the first 4 ends in a row, of an 18-end game. Indeed, half way through the Final after the nineth end, Sean’s team led 14 to 3 shots.
However, just as so often great teams do, Wayne’s side launched a comeback. Sean’s side was to win only one more end in the second half. The question on everybody’s lips was, would the 9-shot lead going to be enough? Wayne’s team kept clawing its way back up the score board… one shot at a time. It all came down to the very last bowl of the game. Wayne’s team were holding three shots, enough to tie the game thus forcing another deciding end. Sean needed to get his bowl into the mix of the opposition’s three bowls. One could cut the air with a knife as Sean released his bowl. That bowl made second shot, clinching a tense 2-shot victory! The final score was 16-14. Congratulations to Sean, Gino and Rusty, and commiserations to the gallant team of Wayne, Vicki and Jan.
Another amazing night at the Lilydale Bowls Club. Great bowling for the crowd to witness and a delicious sausage sizzle as well. And no, the members draw didn’t go off so it jackpots to $550 next Thursday night! The Lilydale Bowls Club invites anyone interested in trying lawn bowls to come to the Club on either Thursday evening from 4.45pm onwards or on Saturdays from 10.45am.
