The Gippsland Bowls Regions junior development squad, the Gippsland Geckos, recently participated in the Doug Kneebone Tournament at Club Sunbury.
Coach Nigel Plunkett and two teams of Gippsland’s best young lawn bowlers headed to Sunbury on Wednesday, October 2, to compete against players from all over the state in an under 18 lawn bowls tournament.
The teams put in a huge effort competing against some of the state’s top players and should be congratulated on their sportsmanship, though not everyone took home a win they learned valuable lessons about trying their best and supporting each other.
Plunkett emphasised the importance of enjoyment over winning.
“Lawn bowls tournaments are about improving skills and navigating the day. It was a great opportunity for everyone to learn and grow,” Plunkett said.
The competition was contested by 26 teams comprising 104 players from junior squads representing 11 different regions under the watchful eye of the man himself, Doug Kneebone, along with his wife Joy.
At the conclusion of the day’s play the results were close with third place getters the Northern Flyers finishing just one shot behind runners-up the Bendigo Dragons, with the Goulburn Murray Devils taking out the event.
The Geckos are keen to add some more players to its roster, so whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, the welcoming community is perfect for everyone under 18.
Training is held fortnightly at Bairnsdale Bowls Club on a Saturday at 10am.
Star Gecko, Paynesville Bowling Club’s Ayla Romanin, is part of the Victorian side selected for this week’s National Junior Championships at Club Tweed in Queensland.
Romanin represented the state earlier in the year in a test series against New South Wales and Queensland in August at the same venue.
