It was a disappointing result for the Gippsland Bowls Region at the Bowls Victoria Region Sides Championship at Ballarat last weekend.
Both the men’s and women’s side finished on the bottom of the ladder after the pool matches and didn’t qualify for the finals.
Competition was tough as the region’s top bowlers took on the best from across Victoria, including the strong metropolitan competitions.
The men started their campaign with a draw (44-44) against Ballarat Highlands.
Jarrad Sergi, Geoff Aitken, Stephen Sroczynski and Brad Montant lead the way with a 16-9 victory, well supported by Phillip Crowder, Stephen Brill, Daniel Hudson and Bradley Lancaster, who triumphed 14-13.
In round two, Gippsland tested the strong Geelong region before relenting late, going down 54-41, Crowder, Brill, Hudson and Lancaster impressive 24-9 winners.
The tournament concluded with a 63-37 loss to the Yarra Bowls Region.
The men’s gold section was won by Bendigo Campase who defeated Goulburn Murray by one shot in a thrilling finale.
In the silver section, Yarra defeated Sandbelt, 41-34.
Eventual winner, Ballarat Highlands, were too good for Gippsland in round one of the ladies, prevailing 52-34.
An improved performance in round two saw Gippsland get within eight shots of Metro West, losing 36-44 with Julie Simpson, Kirstie White, Leonie Flynn and Joanne Martin winning their rink 14-12.
Gippsland broke through for a well-deserved win in round three, 41-39 victors over a gallant Goulburn Murray.
Julie Simic, Sharon Hall, Margery Nathan and Rhonda Sadovsky 16-12 winners, with Martin, Flynn, White and Simpson saluting 14-13.
The gold section in the female division was won by Eastern Ranges, who defeated Ovens and Murray 45-39.
In the silver section, Ballarat Highlands were too good for West Coast, winning 54-38.
Weekend pennant resumes this Saturday with finals places up for grabs with three rounds remaining.
Paynesville will host Orbost who will be desperate for victory to stay in contention.
Sale 1 is at home to Metung, while Sale 2 will visit Stratford with plenty on the line for the visitors.
West Sale should account for Howitt Park at home, as should Bairnsdale over Lakes Entrance 2.
Lindenow has plenty on the line when Maffra makes the trip up the highway, while Lakes Entrance 1 will be keen to continue to build momentum when it makes the trek to Heyfield.
