By Jack Rollings
Spanning from Warburton to Ashburton, Yarra Glen to Pakenham, the Eastern Ranges Bowls Region boasts 34 vibrant clubs, where competition thrives among seasoned bowlers.
Amidst the fervour of the open competition, the spotlight recently shone brightly on the Women’s Over 60s Championship, held at the prestigious Vermont South Bowling Club over a pulsating two-week period.
The tournament commenced with sectional play, each section featuring three talented contenders. Out of the 21 formidable entries in the women’s category, the battle for supremacy was fierce.
Jenny Holmes, representing Monbulk Bowling Club, emerged as a standout performer, triumphing in her section and advancing to the knockout finals.
In a gripping quarterfinal clash, Jenny faced off against Carol Protopapas of Heathmont, a seasoned champion with an illustrious record. The match was a nail-biter from start to finish, with Carol initially seizing control before Jenny rallied courageously, edging out a hard-fought victory, 21-18.
The semifinal showdown pitted Jenny against Barbara Vaughan from Mulgrave Country Club, herself a finalist in this year’s regional mixed pairs competition. Undeterred by Barbara’s formidable reputation, Jenny displayed mastery, commanding the game and securing a convincing 21-13 win to book her spot in the grand final.
Anticipation reached fever pitch as the final day arrived, setting the stage for a captivating duel between Jenny and Christine Battersby, also from Mulgrave Country Club. Despite an early deficit, Jenny staged a remarkable comeback, stringing together several winning ends to surge ahead.
The match ebbed and flowed with tension, featuring multiple lead changes until Jenny, in a thrilling finale, clinched victory by a razor-thin margin, sealing the match 21-19.
Upon receiving her medal, Jenny acknowledged that the game could have gone either way. She expressed gratitude to region legend Patty Whorlow for officiating the final and thanked the Vermont South club for hosting the event.
It was a well-earned win in a hard-fought competition, showcasing the high standard of bowls in the region.
