Three premierships in four years – possibly four if last year’s grand final hadn’t been cancelled in the wake of COVID-19 – saw Echuca etch its name in the history books as one of the most celebrated local teams in recent memory.
Beating Mathoura by 16 shots in last Friday’s grand final, Echuca premiership player and team manager Dianne Payne said the win had felt “surreal” to all involved.
“I think for most of the players, they were very disappointed not to play in the grand final last year,” she said.
“This year, I think we were just very happy to complete the season – and then to play in the grand final and win, it’s been a very good season for us.
“After what happened last year, I don’t think we wanted to waste the opportunity.”
With most of the team remaining the same over each premiership, with a few new faces added to the mix this year, Payne said Echuca’s success had come in large part to the trust players had in one another.
“We trust in each other, and we play for each other and like to play consistent bowls,” she said.
“We had confidence we could come through the winner, but we had strong opposition who we respected. It’s never a given on the day.”
But Echuca's winning strategy did in fact come together on the day, with all its team's rinks contributing to the triumphant win.
Leica Rooney, Pat Schram, Louisa Dean and Payne led from start to finish to secure a 20-11 victory, while Michelle Cunningham, Kristy Gillingham, Bill Cook and Robyn Tooley came back from 5-6 down to win by four shots.
Further icing off the team win, Roma Opie, Kerryn Evans, Lee Beattie and Sue Proctor stepped off the greens with a 17-14 win.
With plenty of local support on the day, Payne said the group celebrated its win with a small gathering back at the club.
“We had a good following, and the players really appreciated the support,” she said.
Payne thanked Campaspe Valley Bowls Division and Mathoura Bowling Club for hosting a wonderful grand final day.
In the CVBD division two midweek grand final, Rich River celebrated its own premiership success with a convincing victory over Mathoura.
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