‘All strength to Shepp’ | Bowls State Carnival proves a hit in Mooroopna

This was the second year in a row that Greater Shepparton was bestowed with the honour of hosting the Victoria extravaganza, with Eastern Ranges having been the location for the 2024 edition.

Speaking from the men’s and women’s sectional games event at Mooroopna Bowls Club, as part of a bumper six-day spectacle between May 7-12, organiser and club stalwart Darren Kelly described his delight at seeing participants of all ages taking part.

“It’s been great for the Mooroopna Bowls Club, having the greens full,” he said.

“Lots of players and raising money for the club, there’s people from all over Victoria here – they’ve travelled from far and wide – from Gippsland, down the coast, all the way up to Mildura.

“The move to the Goulburn Valley means it’s here for three years, so it’ll be here next year too.”

The games were devised in order to give novice players with three years or less experience an opportunity to compete in an event of this scale, while also meeting other like-minded members of the wider bowls community.

“Over the last few days, there’s been a great mix of bowlers, from kids through to middle aged bowlers so the future looks very bright for some of them,” Kelly said.

“It’s really good to see the youngsters taking it up too – becoming a younger sport.

“We’ve had lunches for everyone, with 60 bowlers today, 84 yesterday and 84 the day before, so it’s been a very good fundraiser for the club outside of bowls season.

“The hotels must be full, so it’s great for the wider region.”

Alex Martin, of Loch and District Bowling Club, was one such bowls enthusiast who had made the trip up to Greater Shepparton in order to participate in this garland event.

Originally a native of Glasgow, Scotland, he previously was a soccer coach for more than three decades before carving out a new niche out on the green in recent times – joining more than 300 people taking part at the weekend.

“We’re a small country town with only one green, this is very new to me because we don’t have grass in our league,” he said.

“So I was very fortunate, to win the first game and that’s put me through to the next game which I’m really appreciative to get through to the next round – thought I on for a tanking because the other guy plays on grass.

“Although I could scratch myself with coaching there was only so far you could get involved once (the players) cross the white line.

“I was a soccer coach for 38 years and I thought I could scratch the itch that way – to be back being competitive and out there, it’s been great.

“I wish I’d started it earlier and all strength to Shepparton because this is only the second year they’ve had this and it must bring in a lot of money, as every hotel is full.”

In addition, Karingal Bowling Club assistant secretary Luke Ludlow encouraged other potential enthusiasts to consider taking up this popular pastime, having done so himself just three months ago.

“You don’t have to be someone that’s bowled for years to be competitive,” he said, after making the trip from the Mornington Peninsula.

“I did some barefoot bowls for a birthday party – I used to be a ten-pin bowler, so I enjoyed it and joined my local club as a New Year’s resolution and haven’t looked back since.

“Up here has been great, everyone’s been so welcoming and it’s a very social game – a lot of people love it to socialise with their mates, others like to compete so you can take it as little or far as you want to.

“It’s a really great sport and it’s one of the few where it doesn’t matter if you’re four or 90, you can play.”