Paynesville has redeemed its defeat in last year’s Gippsland Bowls Region Weekend Pennant superleague grand final by going one better in 2024/25.
Playing inspired bowls, “The Villains”, as they like to be known, eclipsed last year’s nemesis Paynesville easily in the decider at the Heyfield Bowling Club.
Paynesville skippers George Lambos and Jack Sharman were successful in their first two ends, while Mark Challman took the points in the first four.
The Villains quickly established a lead of over double figures, Bairnsdale narrowing the gap to two midway through the contest, but Paynesville responded running out convincing 70-49 winners.
In was an incredible effort from the Paynesville team, who snuck into the finals in the final round after defeating Stratford.
They have won three finals to clinch the title from fifth place on ladder, taking their current winning sequence to four after not being able to put together more than two wins in a row during the home and away season.
In contrast at times Bairnsdale looked almost unbeatable during the round matches, but it was Paynesville who managed to peak at the right time of the year.
The feature of Paynesville’s play is the enthusiasm it brings to the greens, with the constant banter of encouragement, which drowned out anything coming form the opposition in all three finals matches.
The Villians won all three rinks, led by Jack Sharman, Simon Kiss, Rhonda Sadovsky and Glynis Bugeja who had the measure of Brian Casey, Peter Rowe, Danny Prazza and Stephen Scroczynski all afternoon, winning 21-11.
Peter Fiske, John Clark, Darren Martin and George Lambos had a great battle with Geoff Woodward, Trevor Melotte, Stewart Pyers and Brad Montant, winning 25-21.
Some of the by-play between Fiske and Melotte was particularly entertaining, with Fiske having the last laugh.
Lacey Kiss, Michael Better, Darren Aurisch and Mark Challman got the better of James Clay, Adam Easton, James McCausland and Neil Watts, victorious 24-17.
The composure and poise of 11-year-old Lacey was on display for all to see, having another great game with big things expected from her in the years to come.
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Paynesville will represent the Gippsland Bowls Region at the State Championships at Bendigo in April.
DIVISION TWO
The day just kept getting better for the folk from Paynesville, winning 65-60 over Maffra despite just winning a single rink.
The outstanding effort of Garry Williams, Ella Kiss, Peter Hardy and John Budge to win 25-9 was enough to see Paynesville win a close contest, which saw Maffra fight back after looking set for easy defeat several times.
Winners for a gallant Maffra were Peter Harris, Alan Felmingham, Brian Wain, Geoff Crawford (25-20) and Shirley Millard, Craig Sellings, Lucy Dalli and Geoff Kay (26-20).
DIVISION THREE
Bairnsdale got its regional pennant, but it wasn’t the one it was after, with Bairnsdale 4A proving too good for a gallant Stratford, 47-33.
Kerry Moulang, Sue Wright, Keith Caithness and Danny Downie, led the way for Bairnsdale, 29-16. Dianne Williams, Paul Brooks, Colin Creber and James Dunn joined in the celebrations, 18-17 victors.
DIVISION FOUR
There was some glory for the northern conference with Maffra proving too good for Metung 45-35.
Maffra took both rinks, with Ryan Crawford, Jennifer Harris, Michael Chislett and John Waddell prevailing late 20-19, while John Nicholas, Branko Longin, Brian Hiho and Eric Fixter were easy 25-16 victors.
