Goulburn Murray Devils ‘flap’ to maiden shield win

By Marcus Beeck

Jan 22, 2024

We’re number one: Goulburn Murray Devils celebrate their maiden Flapper Shield win.

Goulburn Murray Devils have taken out the Flapper Shield for the first time in their history after they defeated Northern Flyers Red in a scintillating final.

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The one-day junior bowls event was held on Wednesday at Sebastopol, Ballarat, as 12 teams from across Victoria converged on the regional town, hoping to claim the title.

The tournament got off to a tricky start after a heavy downpour of rain.

Fortunately for all participants the skies soon cleared and play began.

The Devils went undefeated during their round-robin stage before making light work of Geelong Giants Blue in their semi-final, making 14 shots to three.

In the final, the Devils drew first blood by taking the first rink five shots to one before the Flyers fired back by taking the second rink nine shots to five.

With everything on the line in the third and final rink, it was Josh Cartwright and his team of Hayley Hancock and Mackenzie Parsons that helped deliver Goulburn Murray the win.

Team manager Naomi Cartwright said she was impressed with how the team performed in the final, even though some Devils were first-year bowlers.

“There were a few that were quite nervous,” she said.

“There were a few first-year bowlers in the team; some (of the bowlers) have been playing for about six years.

“But for a couple it was their first experience bowling in front of a big crowd and they did really well.”

Next up for the Devils are the Under-18 State Championships in April at Club Sunbury.