2025 City vs Country Wrap
The fifth edition of City vs Country commenced Saturday under blue skies and on Bendigo East greens in immaculate condition, having just played host to ten days of the State Championships. With the Series past results split at 2-2 apiece, a little more was on the line with the winning Side boasting an advantage and the claim to best in the State (at least for one year)!
Debutants for 2025 were:
| CITY WOMEN | COUNTRY WOMEN |
| Melanie Allen, Mentone | Amy Hodgetts, Stawell |
| Jessica Alvaro, Brunswick | Sharon Jarvis, Hastings |
| Ellie Johnston, Lilydale | Hayley O’Reilly, Ocean Grove* |
| Chelsea Pollock, Melton | Kirstie White, Stratford |
| Samantha Robinson, MCC | |
| Courtney Thompson, MCC |
| CITY MEN | COUNTRY MEN |
| Brad Foote, Mentone | Josh Cartwright, Wunghnu |
| Luke Lamont, Lilydale | Harrison Keely, Cohuna Golf |
| Craig Mills, Yarraville-Footscray | Matt Lawrence, Queenscliff |
| Ben Simmons, Yarra Glen | Seb Monahan, Queenscliff |
GAME ONE
In the Men’s Series Country took three of the four Rink wins in and claimed the overall 87-74. First time Country Side Captain, Tyson Cromie, led his Rink to win 32-18.
The Women’s Series saw the Rink results split 2-apiece, with City claiming the overall 85-78. It was a seesawing battle with Country making up much ground in the late ends. The very experienced Brooke Edwards skipped her City Rink to a 31-14 win.
GAME TWO
Game Two saw two very different outcomes. The Country Women reversed the Game One result with an emphatic 91-59 win. A very strong result following the seven-shot defeat in Game One.
The Men’s game was live until the last end with the City Men claiming the win 75-66. After Country took the first game by 13, the Sides were very close with only four shots separating them after 168 ends of bowls.
GAME THREE
The Women’s decider was went to the wire with Country holding off City 82-73, giving Country the Series win, two games to one. With two Rink wins apiece, it was the margins that ultimately made the difference. Congratulations Country Women taking the tally to three Series to two, overall to date.
The result was reversed for the Men, with City pegging back an early Country lead for a 10-shot victory win an end to spare, 91-81. City ultimately claiming three of the four rinks and 2025 bragging rights.
It was the first time in five years that Series wasn’t swept by one Side. Full results are available on BowlsLink
* Dual Cap holder
