Ballarat Highlands go back-to-back winning 2022-2023 Boromeo/Lucas Shield
The 2022-2023 Boromeo/Lucas Shield between the Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region (BHBR) and Bendigo, Campaspe and Goldfields Region (BCGR) was played on Wednesday, 7th December 2022 at Smeaton Bowling Club.
The annual challenge between the BHBR and BCGR brings together the best lady bowlers from the two regions.
Both teams started off well in beautiful conditions at Smeaton with some excellent ends and great bowls being played.
At no stage of the game did either side have all rinks in front and at the lunch break Bendigo, Campaspe and Goldfields Region went in just a few shots ahead.
Following the lunch interval, the game continued to see-saw and the last hour of the contest saw the lead changing with almost every end.
With four of the six rinks completed, Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region held a 1 shot lead, which extended to 5 shots after the fifth rink finished, and the sixth rink still having 3 ends to play.
The final ends saw BHBR extend its lead to 11 shots for a great victory and win the shield for the second year in a row.
22-23 Boromeo/Lucas Shield Results
Anne Draffen rink: 19-17
Deb Stanaway rink: 22-9
Deb Gorin rink: 12-20
Liz Kierce rink: 17-15
Leah McArthur rink: 18-14
Sarah Braybrook rink 15-17
TOTAL: BHBR 103 vs 92 BCGR
On hand to watch the game were BHBR Chairman, Ian Guymer and Secretary, Wayne Morgan who despite last year’s win were optimistic with the challenge ahead at Smeaton.
“The BCG Region would be looking to avenge last years surprise loss to the underrated BHBR side and the game will be exciting and challenging for all,” Ian said.
“The event which recognises two outstanding players from both Regions was fought out over six rinks with experienced Liz Kierce once again up against Bendigo’s seasoned campaigner in Susan Howes, and today was no exception as each bowler slugged it out over the 21 ends, with Liz coming out the winner again.”
“Experienced bowlers Leah McArthur, Sarah Braybrook, Deb Gorin, Deb Stanaway and Anne Draffen shaped the games through their leadership and vast experience as skips for our region.”
“Our skips whilst they form the backbone of the team also have 18 other representatives out there today fighting for a future place in our Region sides event at Moama/Echuca in May next year, so will be giving it all to impress the selectors.”
“Our players never gave up and showed great self-belief after lunch to get themselves back in the game.”
Both Ian and Wayne, along with team manager Marilyn Blake were more than satisfied with the team’s performance.
Congratulations to both teams of ladies for a great day of bowls and a huge thanks to the Smeaton Bowling Club for presenting its club so well and for the wonderful catering that they provided.
Rink Results
| BHBR | RINK 1 | BCGR |
| Addy Ryan | LEAD | Colleen Maslen |
| Stacey Forrest | SECOND | Kaye Barker |
| Dusty Taylor-Irwin | THIRD | Olivia Cartwright |
| Leah McArthur | SKIP | Marilyn Stephenson |
| 18 | 14 |
| BHBR | RINK 2 | BCGR |
| Jill Hopper | LEAD | Megan Jennings |
| Yvonne Clark | SECOND | Pamela Hughes |
| Lynette Lock | THIRD | Desma Budd |
| Sarah Braybrook | SKIP | Kaye Rowe |
| 15 | 17 |
| BHBR | RINK 3 | BCGR |
| Rebecca Cooper | LEAD | Pam Limbrick |
| Denise Knight | SECOND | Pam Lewis |
| Beth Huntley | THIRD | Michelle Cunnington |
| Debbie Gorin | SKIP | Kerryn Evans |
| 12 | 20 |
| BHBR | RINK 4 | BCGR |
| Tricia Odgers | LEAD | Judith Davey |
| Janine Roberts | SECOND | Jan O’Bree |
| Jennifer Shepherd | THIRD | Sharon Koch |
| Debbie Stanaway | SKIP | Taylah Marron |
| 22 | 9 |
| BHBR | RINK 5 | BCGR |
| Donna Leeson | LEAD | Sheryl Howard |
| Helene Stenning | SECOND | Jenny Clough |
| Christine Plowman | THIRD | Helen Clough |
| Elizabeth Kierce | SKIP | Susan Howes |
| 17 | 15 |
| BHBR | RINK 6 | BCGR |
| Jodie Lythgo | LEAD | Kelly Norris |
| Eileen Spong | SECOND | Margot Brennan |
| Amy Newman | THIRD | Kathleen Wastell |
| Anne Draffen | SKIP | Leica Roiney |
| 19 | 17 |