By Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh revelled in a double dose of grand final joy in Central Highlands Bowls Division on Saturday.
On a day to remember for the club, Bacchus Marsh claimed the division 1 and division 2 titles within an hour of each other.
President Phil Minniti said the club was unsure whether both teams had ever been in grand finals in the same year, let alone both winning.
The division 1 side claimed victory against Lancefield.
Minniti said the side was able to hold its nerve when it counted late in the 97 (16)-83 (2) win.
“We did get out to a 20-shot gap, but they picked up two five shots in a row to bring the margin back,” he said.
“Our experienced players stood up and
no one panicked. We made sure we did the basics right and settled down and focused on not dropping another end like that.”
Minniti, Daniel Willis and Glenn Arthur skipped the winning rinks for Bacchus Marsh. Minniti said there wasn’t a standout in the win, with all involved contributing when they needed to.
The division 1 title is the club’s first in that division since 1989-90. Before that, the last title was in 1974.
“It’s been a long time between drinks,” Minitti said.
“It’s amazing that we haven’t had more success in that time. We’ve had some quality players … it’s disappointing not to have won more flags.”
The division 1 premiership came an hour after the division 2 side beat Kyneton Red
70 (14)-67 (2).
Barry Stenholdt and Ross Greening skipped the winning rinks for Bacchus Marsh.
Minniti said they were aware late in the division 1 final that their division 2 side had taken home the premiership. It was that side’s second premiership in three years.
“We knew the result and were all saying we wonder if we can get both sides up,” he
said.
Minniti said the premierships meant a lot, with the future of the club uncertain.
It has been in talks with The Avenue, which is also based in Bacchus Marsh, about merging.
Minniti said Bowls Victoria was expected to make a final call on the merger in coming weeks.
“It was a big night at the club,” Minniti said “If it’s our last year in the CHBD, going out winning division 1 and division 2 is fantastic.
“If we play CHBD next season, we will have two sides in division 1, which is always a challenge.”
In division 3, Romsey smashed Gisborne 96 (15)-57 (1).
