City v Country 2024 Wrap
DAY 1
In what has become a tradition at the annual ππΆππ π ππΌππ»ππΏπ event, play commenced under grey skies following 3mm of early morning rain. But the Bendigo East greens presented in conditions worthy of the talent taking to them.
The presentation of caps to new players was the first order of proceedings, with 18 inductees this year. Sam Atkinson, after representing Country in previous years, received a City cap alongside Mum, Sheryl. Brenton Coad also made his first appearance for Country, 10 years after playing his last State game.
Caps were presented to:
WOMEN
| CITY | COUNTRY |
| Samantha Atkinson | Sarah Braybrook |
| Sheryl Atkinson | Leonie Flynn |
| Akasha Fortune | Joelone Laukens |
| Hayley O’Reilly | Petria McGrath |
| Nicholle Wendt | Jane McMenamen |
| Kirsty Van den Hoff |
MEN
| CITY | COUNTRY |
| Anthony (Larry) Donohue | Brenton Coad |
| Bradley Gibson | Liam Crapper |
| Todd Trewarne | Ben McArthur |
| Vinnie McIlwain |
Once play got underway, it was the City Women who took the advantage into lunch winning the first game 81-55. While the City Men also took a one-nil lead into the lunchbreak, winning 91-70.
After enjoying the renowned catering of βGrassyβ and his prizewinning brisket, players resumed for the second game of the three-game series. Once again, it was City taking the cake, with both the Women, 81-68, and Men, 87-62, securing the Trophy.
This year we’ve gone totally paperless, with both live scoring of all rinks, plus electronic data collection and analysis for all player stats.
DAY 2
Under more promising skies, and with the Series already wrapped up on Saturday for both the Men and Women, play resumed with considerable vigour, both Squads with something to play for; City hunting a clean sweep and Country looking for some redemption.
In control, while close across a couple of rinks, the City Women clinched the final game leaving the weekend scoreline 86-71 and a clean sweep.
The Men had a see-saw battle, with scores drawn at times, but it was Country taking home the chocolates on Sunday morning, 66-61, leaving the Series scoreline 2-1 to City and some level of pride restored.
Bowls Victoria would like to thank Rob Clough and the all the volunteers at Bendigo East, Marc βGrassyβ Smith for his quality catering, Max Rowley who gave up his weekend to umpire, the family, friends, and bowls fans who made their way to support, and the volunteer Bowls Victoria personnel who gave their time.
π Results (live scorecards): https://bit.ly/BV2024_CvC
