They were shoulder-to-shoulder in the bar and end-to-end on the greens.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hundreds converged on the Yass Bowling Club on Sunday for the ACT District Pennant Finals. None left disappointed.
The Adele Street venue showcased its greens - voted the best in the region - and cashed in behind the bar as some 186 bowlers and their partners, friends and spectators in general rolled into town for the occasion.
The club emerged with more than a boosted reputation and financial windfall: one of its pennant sides scored a grand final victory.
The Grade Four line-up notched a 75-30 win over rival Forrest, securing the ACT District pennant in the process. The victory came on the back of an undefeated season and minor premiership.
Understandably, the winners celebrated with gusto. The six foot wide pennant made its way up the club’s flag pole for a period and spent time draped over players’ shoulders. Songs were sung and beer flowed until late in the evening.
Those celebrations were reward for a faultless pennant season.
While form suggested the hosts had reason to be confident heading into Sunday’s fixture, nerves were present, pennant winning team member Rodney Wilson explained.
“I was a bit nervous - we all had a few nerves,” he said.
“Playing at home probably favoured us more. We knew what it was going to be like. It was good, everyone played their part.”
Women’s Bowls president, Linda Scott, knows the club back-to-front.
In years of bowling, volunteering and patronising the bar, she’s never seen a crowd quite like the weekend’s turnout.
“It’s the biggest crowd we’ve ever had,” she said.
“Unfortunately, we won’t get it for another seven years - at least.
“We got voted the number one and two greens in the ACT. Everyone was really appreciative, especially of the work that Danial Wilson [greenkeeper] does.”