Brad Orr and his teammates became the first Central Goulburn Murray Region weekend pennant side to be crowned Champion of State Pennant when they defeated Bendigo East in Sunday’s final at Moama Bowling Club.
Golf motored through the early part of their sectional draw on Saturday, winning 44-29 against City of Frankston and 46-41 against Kerang.
The Golfers then bested Wodonga 50-41 and Traralgon 43-30 to remain undefeated across the first day of play and set up a do-or-die clash against Essendon on Sunday morning.
Orr and his troops proved up to the mighty challenge, claiming a 34-33 triumph to book their spot in the biggest pennant match of the season.
The Goulburn Valley Bowls Division outfit continued to deliver on the green, charging past East to etch its name into the history books of not only its own division, but the entire state.
‘‘Without a doubt it was (a great feeling),’’ Golf coach Orr said.
‘‘To be the first to do it from CGM is a fantastic achievement and the boys were pretty happy about creating history. They deserve all the accolades they get.’’
When looking through the previous winners of the State Pennant Championship, regional teams are few and far between — making Golf’s triumph even more impressive.
Altona and Melbourne have claimed the title since the event returned from a two-season hiatus in 2017, with Clayton, Ocean Grove and Melbourne again the three winners before the break, and Orr said the format should not be put on the backburner again any time soon.
‘‘I think it’s an event that every club and every team would strive to get to, it’s the pinnacle in team sport and it’s what everyone plays for,’’ he said.
‘‘You’ve obviously got the state champions week, but to have 12 to 16 blokes all playing as one and striving to win, I certainly think it’s the pinnacle of our sport.’’
Golf’s midweek pennant team will have their own chance at glory this week at Moama and are looking to join Shepparton Park (2004-05) as CGM winners of the championship.
‘‘The boys did a really good job and hopefully our midweek side can continue on this week,’’ Orr said.