Tara Murray
The winning feeling continues for Deer Park as it claimed the Victorian Bowls League title.
Having won the event once before, the Parkers were keen to bounce back from a below par performance in the last edition.
They finished 2-1 after the round robin matches to finish in second in their group.
The Parkers then finished on top of section A in the finals weekend to win through to the grand final against Deer Park which they won 64 (19)-0 (3).
Parkers’ head of bowls operations Mark Casey said it was a pretty good feeling to win the title.
“It’s one of the most prestigious events in Victoria, so to win this title on the back of the metropolitan premier division and state pennant is something very special for our club.
“It’s tough competition so we all knew we had to be at our best to have success, last year we couldn’t quite reach those heights so it was pleasing to be able to watch the guys go to another level this year.”
Casey said the competition wasn’t easy and after a slow start had to be near perfect for the rest of the event.
“Once we made it through to the final, we were confident we could go all the way,” he said. “This win sets the club up for another great year ahead.”
The Parkers team consisted of Chris Ball, Matt Baus, Nathan Bush, Brenton Coad and Casey.
For Casey and Bush, they’ve been part of both titles,
“Nathan and I are best mates, so to win titles together is special,” Casey said. “He is passionate about this club, puts so much time into coaching our members so no one deserves it more than him.”
Matt Baus was awarded the player of the series award for his performance.
Casey said Baus was incredible.
“Ever since he started with us, he has been the ultimate professional. In this event, he led the team perfectly and certainly deserved the MVP award.”
The Parkers will now focus on the Bowls Victoria pennant season.
The club is aiming for three premier division titles in a row.
“Our preparations for the upcoming pennant season are well underway, the club has a number of practice matches over the next month before the season begins mid October,” he said.
“The VBL win gives us some nice momentum, as we know we will be the hunted this year after going back to back last season. It’s going to be a great challenge, but it’s one that we are going to enjoy.”
