Winners are grinners: Division one premier Shepparton Golf.
Photo by
Zac Standish
Premierships and Shepparton Golf Bowling Club — they go together like two peas in a pod.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
On Tuesday afternoon, Golf added to its stacked trophy case in thrilling fashion as its division one midweek pennant side triumphed over cross-town rival East Shepparton in an Edna Harling Shield grand final for the ages.
A tight battle for the entirety of the day, neither team found itself able to pull away at any point, which led to the scores being locked away at 64-all at the beginning of the final end.
With the entire season on the line, Wayne Gribble and his rink two squad seized the moment for the Golfers, with the feats of third Robbie Betson set to go down in Golf folklore as he sensationally set the green up for his skip to finish the job.
In the end, the score read 14-68 to 2-64 in Shepparton Golf’s favour, with the match serving as the perfect climax to what has been an epic Edna Harling Shield season.
Keep up the good work: Lynn Cain-Barber.
Photo by
Zac Standish
Image 2 of 7
In the zone: Joanne Crowe.
Photo by
Zac Standish
Image 3 of 7
Send it on its way: East Shepparton's Mick Italia.
Photo by
Zac Standish
Image 4 of 7
Line it up: East Shepparton's Stacey Collier.
Photo by
Zac Standish
Image 5 of 7
Focused: Shepparton Golf's Paul Ledger.
Photo by
Zac Standish
Image 6 of 7
Down low: Shepparton Golf's Geoff Cobbledick.
Photo by
Zac Standish
Image 7 of 7
On song: Kel Beacon.
Photo by
Zac Standish
Golf team manager Ian McCarten was filled with joy and pride after the match and he spoke of his emotions as the game got tight over the final few ends.
“It is a fantastic feeling (to be premier), especially because there was nothing in it all day and it came down to the very last end,” McCarten said.
“It was just a great game, everyone watching was treated to an absolute belter, and in the end it came down to Robbie Betson as he moved the jack to allow Wayne (Gribble) to convert.
“Watching on it was without doubt a nervy few minutes, but to come away with the result I could not be more thrilled.”
With both teams firing on all cylinders, the match was always going to come down to key moments and which players could seize their opportunities.
Winning two of the three rinks, Golf was able to do that on a more consistent basis, as Kris Wright (25-24) and Gribble (22-18) showcased their ability to stand up in clutch situations to secure much-needed triumphs.
On the East side of things it was Goulburn Valley Playing Area hall-of-famer Stacey Collier who showed her class, as she pinched a 22-21 win in rink three to keep the Eagles afloat.
Having so much big-game experience on his side, McCarten said it was Golf’s ability to band together in the crucial moments that ended up being the difference.
“There was never more than five or six shots the difference, so what stood out most to me was the way we kept it throughout the whole match and waited for our moments,” he said.
“Everybody played their part in the end result which was pleasing, and I could not be more proud of everyone to be honest, we played wonderful bowls today.”
This result also served as redemption for the Golf division one side, after it fell to Tatura-Hill Top in last year’s Edna Harling Shield decider.
Having played in a host of bowls grand finals over the journey, McCarten said this victory would be tough to top in terms of satisfaction.
“We’ve actually played in the last six grand finals and we’ve won three, but for me this one stands out the most,” he said.
“They (East) were very good opposition and really took us all the way; to be level with one end to go, it showed just how much of a battle it was out there.
“Looking back on the year, we were a very motivated team that always enjoyed each other’s company and I think that is what led us to this ultimate success.
“For me and my career, this moment right now is as good as any I’ve had.”
