Former Saint swaps footy for Bowls
Former St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna is proof that Bowls is ripe for a new era in attracting younger players. Former St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna is proof that Bowls is ripe for a new era in attracting younger players who seek a sport that’s fun, social and doesn’t interrupt a busy lifestyle.
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For the past three months, Montagna has been going for a roll at the Port Melbourne Bowls Club; playing in the Club’s mid-week competition.
Speaking on Triple M’s Dead Set Legends over the weekend, Montagna explained how he became involved in Bowls because of the social aspect.
“Exercise hasn’t been high on the priority list this year,” quipped Montagna.
“The Port Melbourne Bowls Club is the local watering hole, and I’d go and have a few beers there. They had a Tuesday competition and that’s my day off, so I filled in, and it just rolled from there. I played the last nine weeks of the season; culminating in a grand final,” said Montagna.
Unfortunately, it was a case of history repeating itself for the former defender when after playing 12 ends, the game was a draw.
“They aren’t short of lip down at the Port Melbourne Bowls Club, they were into me over another draw,” Montagna laughed.
When asked about his form, Montagna said he was a bit hit and miss.
“Late towards one of the ends we were down by two, and I rolled an absolute gem. My first bowl landed on the jack and got us one point back, then, my second bowl I rolled nowhere near it.”
“That’s the beauty of Lawn Bowls every roll is like it doesn’t matter what you do with the last one, it’s all about your next roll.”
With one extra game played to determine a winner, Montagna’s team ended up with the loss to another Port Melbourne side.
Listen to Leigh Montagna’s Bowls experience.
About the Port Melbourne Bowling Club
The Port Melbourne Bowling Club is just a hop and a skip from Melbourne’s city centre. Offering social bowling, barefoot bowling and bowls for beginners, plus drinks at Club prices, the Port Melbourne Bowling Club is a great place to play with your friends, family or colleagues.
The Port Melbourne Bowls Club
130 Spring Street, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207
T: 03 9646 2642
E: info@portmelbbowlingclub.com.au
W: www.portmelbbowlingclub.com.au
