STAWELL has claimed a narrow two shot victory in what was an enthralling finish to the Grampians Bowls Division 2015/16 season.
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A tight division one result was always on the cards at Aradale Bowls Club on Saturday.
The two teams had played three times this year, with the margins resulting in two, five and three shots in each of their encounters.
Chalambar had the bitter taste of defeat after being beaten in the 2014/15 grand final and with plenty of finals experience under its belt, was going into the game confident it could bring home the title.
It wasn’t to be however as Stawell claimed its first division one premiership in 70 years. Its last division one premiership was in 1946 in the Wimmera Bowling League.
The day began with the draw of the cards and some short welcomes from Graeme Sladdin, who was representing the GBD board. Chalambar won the toss and the first kitties were delivered.
On rink two, Chalambar’s Tony Carra was up against Andrew Sharp. Shane Todd was giving Stawell’s Neil Coates plenty of work to do on rink three and Roger Young came up against Don Austerberry on rink four.
With both teams being regular winners this season, it was going to be a great rink to watch.
Andrew Cray and Richard Harricks were the furthest rink from the crowd on rink five. The overall margin at afternoon tea was three shots with Chalambar having its nose in front.
The first sides to finish their allotted ends was the Shane Todd and Neil Coates rink, with Chalambar home by an impressive 16 shots.
Best players on the rink for the day were Adam Walker and Shane Todd for Chalambar. The next rink to finish were Roger Young and Don Austerberry. Both teams had some fine performances, with Chalambar finishing in front by five shots.
Andrew Sharp and Tony Carra’s rink were the next to finish. The Stawell team was in control for most of the day with some excellent draw bowling on their way to an 11-shot victory.
This left Andrew Cray and Richard Harricks with two ends to play. Chalambar was holding a three shot margin.
Cray played two perfect bowls on the second last end to give Stawell a chance, bridging the gap to one shot with one end remaining.
On the last end, the leads and seconds had delivered some close bowls. This brought the thirds to the mat. Neddy Jenkins trailed the kitty back two metres, giving Stawell the two shots they were looking for and he then drew another counter to give his side three shots.
It was now all left to the skippers to decide the winner. Richard Harricks decided aggression was the best tactic to use, which has been a trade mark of Chalambar over the years. He let the first drive go and with a few bounces and wobbles, it sailed through to the ditch.
Stawell skipper Andrew Cray drew another bowl behind the head and the premiership now rested with the Chalambar skipper.
Harricks released his bowl and another drive sailed past. This resulted in Stawell claiming the spoils by two-shots (90-88).
An excited Stawell team was presented with the premiership plaque and medals. The players returned to Stawell and celebrated well into the night.