Goulburn Valley and Murray collide at men’s Over-60 Inter-Association titles

Mar 25, 2024

Placement on the mind: Cobram's Laurie Vinecombe. Photo by Megan Fisher

Cobram over 60’s bowls enthusiasts hit the rink as part of the the men’s Over-60 Inter-Association Challenge.

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Shepparton Park Bowls Club hosted the men’s competition, which had neighbouring regions Goulburn Valley and Murray competing against each other.

Along with Cobram, Nurmurkah and Nathalia also were at the event.

Delightful conditions marked the occasion, with Goulburn Valley Bowls Association secretary Warren Snow a fan of the atmosphere.

“Twenty-eight teams are here, 14 from each region and we compete for a shield that goes to the winning association,” Snow said.

“It’s keenly contested, but in the manner of all over-60 bowls, it’s a friendly competitive environment.

“You can make friends with people in the other association and catch up with them year after year; it’s a good environment.

“There’s no ladder kept over the year and it’s a standalone weekly tournament independent of pennant and all the rest.

“This is the culmination to see which of the two associations is theoretically the best, but the Murray has had the wood on us over the years.”

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Lock and load: Numurkah's John Fleming. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Placement on the mind: Cobram's Laurie Vinecombe. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Cool customer: Mooroopna's Stuart Florence. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Cleaning up: Mooroopna Golf's Bruce Morris. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Send it: Numurkah's Jenny Stuart. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Surveying the scene: Dookie's Bill Kirkby. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Offering encouragement: Nathalia's Bev Hutchins. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Up to fate: Rushworth's Geoff Cruz. Photo by Megan Fisher

It was certainly a camaraderie-laden environment on the greens of Shepparton Park where, true to Snow’s word, virtually all in attendance were there to enjoy one another’s company first and foremost.

“It's totally a different environment to the pennant,” Snow said.

“There’s nowhere near as much riding on each game; it’s more of a social outlet to have a beer with mates and catch up with acquaintances.

“The competition is a secondary issue; the socialisation and getting over-60 bowlers out there meeting people and being active comes first.”

For what it is worth, though, the Goulburn Valley contingent took the chocolates over Murray, 399-356, with Katandra West shining one more time as the standout local side.