By Tara Murray
It’s been a successful return to the Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region Highlands competition for Mt Cottrell.
The club had been playing in a metro west competition, but decided that the Highlands competition this season as it was a better fit going forward.
On Saturday, it played off in the division 3 grand final.
Selector Mick Matthews said the season had exceeded all expectations.
“The Highlands competition was short one team and they had a bye,” he said. “They asked us to come across.
“We’ve been really impressed with it and we’re really happy. We had some players, like my wife, who have started playing this year and have been able to hold their spots.
“Some of these players have never made a grand final ever, some have never played sport before.
Matthews said the decision to switch competitions in the off season was made to make things easier for the Thornhill Park-based club.
“We only have 24 members and in the metro competition there were four rinks and 16 players,” he said. “At times we struggled for numbers.”
“We were travelling to places like Williamstown and Port Melbourne, we had been in that competition for about nine years.
“In the Highlands competition, it’s only 12 aside and it means we’ve got plenty of players.
“We have to travel a bit further, but it’s less stressful.”
While it was a successful season in making the grand final, Mt Cottrell was unable to come away with the premiership.
Kyneton 3 was too strong, winning 64 (14)-55 (2).
Des Roche was the winning skip for Mt Cottrell, with his rink winning 26-20.
The club is hoping with the results this season would allow them to attract more players to the club for next year.
The club will have social bowls start on Saturday March 22 till end of September with everyone welcome.
Registration is at 12.30pm, for 1pm start at a cost of $10 and a sausage sizzle afterwards at 1307-1349 Mt Cottrell Road ,Thornhill Park.
