Peninsula Bowls Division lights the way

by Team BV

Music, pizza and hamburgers for players and spectators courtesy of the divisional board, and a high-quality evening’s bowls.
Peninsula Bowls Division has provided a different, entertaining and successful departure from traditional bowls competitions with its recent Twilight Pennant 5s competition, involving 16 men’s and eight women’s teams from across the Mornington Peninsula.
Women’s and men’s competitions ran concurrently over eight weeks with finals on the ninth night – all under lights at the host clubs Mt Martha and Mt Eliza.
The finals night produced a magnificent spectacle enjoyed by the players and numerous spectators, played in superb conditions in a carnival like atmosphere at Mt Martha BC.
Music all night, with players and spectators treated to local pizzas, hamburgers and sausages – all compliments of the Peninsula Division Board.
PBD Chairman Geoff Hooper, a driving force in the venture, said: “What the tournament demonstrated is that all clubs, from the smallest to the largest are able to field competitive teams when only a small number of players comprise the team.
”There is still a place in bowls for women’s and men’s competitions in addition to the open or mixed competition.
“This series could not have been the success it was without the outstanding efforts of event coordinators and PBD Board members Pauline Summer-Hayes and Stan Sliwinski and the amazing team of volunteers at the two clubs. Fantastic effort by all involved.”
The event ran women’s and men’s pairs and triples concurrently at each venue in the twilight under lights, the rules were simple and the games ran to strict timelines.
Bowls Victoria Director Phil Gude who played in the event said: “I see this tournament as a blueprint for others interested in creating excitement and a cooperative spirit in their Regions.
“This was a badly needed action in the Region and I am hopeful it will lead to bigger and better things in the future but for now, hats off for the Peninsula Division Board and its tireless committee who created a fantastic series.
“The Peninsula Division demonstrated that with drive and initiative a great competition can be added to the season.”