2017 Men’s Region Sides
Northern Gateway have won their fourth Men’s Region Sides Championship in five years and their third in succession with a 47-25 win over Sandbelt in the 2017 final at Corowa Civic Bowls Club.
The Gaters were unstoppable in Section B throughout the three days of sectional play, winning all seven of their matches before continuing their red-hot form in the final.
Big rink wins to Dylan Fisher and Nick McIntyre spearheaded the win – Ash Rowan winning his rink for Sandbelt.
Both teams had topped their sections with 7-0 win-loss records – Sandbelt beating Bendigo Campaspe by one shot in their final sectional to stay unbeaten.
Sandbelt won the battle of Section A’s undefeated teams in the final match of Day 2 on Saturday, beating Geelong by three shots to give themselves an edge.
But it took their 35-34 win over Bendigo Campaspe, coupled with Geelong’s defeat by Wimmera in the final sectional, to ensure their passage to the final.
Under the new format of Men’s Region Sides, teams were divided into two sections of eight. Each played the other in their section once. The winners of Section A and Section B then met in the final.
In an interesting fact, all 24 members of the two finalists’ teams were aged 40 or under.
Bowls Victoria would like to thank Corowa Civic Bowls Club for their hospitality, and to the Federation Council for their support of the event.
Bowls Victoria President Barb Gilbert presented Corowa Civic President Ian Bilney with a framed certificate of appreciation to thank the club for hosting this important event.
Result, final
Results, Section A
Ladder, Section A
Results, Section B
Ladder, Section B
