Sport
12 October, 2023
Saturday pennant makes its return, with plenty of excitement on offer for competitors
The Saturday pennant is making its long awaited return tomorrow, with all 16 teams ready to compete for premiership glory across the two divisions. Last year’s division one premiers, Highland Tartan, will be looking to maintain their hold of the...
The Saturday pennant is making its long awaited return tomorrow, with all 16 teams ready to compete for premiership glory across the two divisions.
Last year’s division one premiers, Highland Tartan, will be looking to maintain their hold of the premiership, however, they are expected to face a fierce challenge from Dunolly Blue and Talbot Brown.
Meantime, Highland White and Highland Red swap places across the two divisions, with Highland White’s thrilling division two grand final victory over Carisbrook giving them the right to promotion, while Highland Red will be looking to bounce back after they were relegated.
Highland bowls secretary Jason Arthur was thrilled about the prospect of the season ahead.
“There is a buzz in the air surrounding Weekend Pennant. While Highland Tartan, Dunolly Blue and Talbot Gold will still very much be in contention in division one, Golf and Avoca are also serious contenders this season,” he said.
Another talking point in the competition will be the return of Carisbrook to their home rink after works were completed on the facilities throughout the 2022/23 season.
After Carisbrook took refuge at the Highland Society for the season, Arthur noted how excited the club was to be back on their home rink, with the club set to use the rink for the first time on Tuesday against Dunolly Blue, while the first Saturday game is set to be an October 28 blockbuster against Highland Red.
“I’ve spoken to a few Carisbrook players. They’re very keen to get back into it on their home rink,” he said.
There has been a number of changes across the Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields playing region over the off-season, however, for the Goldfields region, the status quo is staying for the time being.
A Regional Premier League has been developed, with eight teams participating. The make-up is currently sitting at seven Bendigo teams and one Campaspe team.
While the Goldfields region was approached in terms of entering a team, all clubs turned down the opportunity, as well as the formation of a combined Goldfields team.
Arthur says while there are opportunities for the Goldfields region to join, the clubs don’t want it impacting on the local competition for the time being.
“At this stage, the clubs feel the Premier League would be detrimental to the Goldfields Playing Area. While there are Goldfields players who would find the competitive nature appealing, there unfortunately is not enough of them,” he said.
“There are players who would love to join the Premier League, but there’s a minimum of 16 players required, and the clubs are worried about it impacting on the local competition.”
However, in more positive news, the area will be hosting the regional state events finals this season, with the best bowlers from the Bendigo and Campaspe regions making it to the Goldfields for the right to head to the state finals.
“The state events being in the Goldfields is a great opportunity for the local talent to showcase their skills, and it’s been well-received by players,” Arthur said.
“The singles have taken off, and there’s a lot of entries in those events. A lot of the finals with the Bendigo and Campaspe players coming over will most likely be played at the Highland, which would be good for the club and the area.”
Arthur has also noted the impact of Newstead joining the midweek competition, which has increased the number of competing teams to nine.
While the Goldfields Playing Area is looking at the benefits to 10-team competitions, the current plan for Saturday pennant appears to be set on two eight-team divisions.
“There has been talk about trying to get another couple of clubs to come across, but I’m not sure if that’s ever going to happen. We’d love to have a 10-team competition ,” Arthur said.
“The eight-team competition is a competitive mix though, although there is a challenge with the dwindling bowling memberships. We have had a bit of trouble growing the playing area, which is a challenge that every sport is facing in the area.”
The Highland Society will be hosting a double-header in the first round of division one, with Highland White’s first game to come against Newstead Blue, while Highland Tartan will have an intriguing encounter against Avoca Red.
Maryborough Golf Blue will host Dunolly Gold at home, while an early blockbuster between Dunolly Blue and Talbot Gold looks set to thrill.
Meantime, in division two, Dunolly Green open their season hosting 2022/23 runners up Carisbrook, while Talbot Brown will host Maryborough Golf Gold.
Highland Red’s first game in division two will see them travel to Maldon, while Newstead White will host Avoca Gold.