Bowls a family affair at Webbcona Bowling Club
Bowls is Australia’s most accessible sport and suitable for all ages to play. It is also a great way to bring families together – at least at Webbcona Bowling Club.
The club started the 25/26 pennant season on Saturday with two rinks of families playing together in the clubs two top sides.
In Division 1 there was the debut of the Bedggood family rink with lead Julie (Mum), second Aiden (youngest son), third Ned (Dad) and Skip Ryan (eldest son).
“It was our first time playing as a family rink,” said eldest son Ryan.
“I’ve played with all family members individually, mostly with dad – probably close to 50 games – playing third to me over the years, but never all in one rink together.”
Playing with family a rare opportunity
Although the team suffered a narrow 11 shot defeat to Ballarat Memorial Sports Club (BMS), it was still a fantastic day to be back on the green with family and teammates.
“I really enjoyed the fact that it felt like such a rare achievement to do it at division one (top division in our area) level and couldn’t remember a similar situation in my 15 years playing in the area,” said Ryan.
“The cohesiveness of a rink of family is second to none and all know how to get behind each other. Didn’t really have a negative to it as I just tried to enjoy the occasion and make the most of it.”
Unfortunately, this will be the only time the Bedggood family will be playing as a full rink as son Aidan has accepted and moved interstate for a job in Perth.
“Dad, Mum and myself, at this stage look like staying together for the foreseeable future so we will inherit a new second who can be an honorary Bedggood.”
More family rinks for WBC
In the Webbcona Bowling Club Division 2 side, the Ballard rink took to the green with teen daughter Georgie leading, Mum Tammy as second, Dad Darren as third and honorary Ballard Ross Boag as Skip.
The Ballard family took up bowls 3 years ago, first was Tammy then Georgie and finally Darren. Tammy Ballard enjoys the chance to play together as a family.
“I love playing as a family. We don’t always get it right, and everyone has their off days, but we know how to support one another…ultimately, we’re building memories for ourselves, moments our family will share for the next 30 years,” said Tammy.
That sentiment is echoed by Darren Ballard.
“For me family sports are always better to do it together and stay connected forever,” he said.
“I would always say to people, bowling or any sport that you can do together with family is very special and never say no to it, you can’t get back the special times you can make.”
For daughter Georgie, playing bowls is an opportunity to meet new people.
“I like playing with my family, but bowls is also great when I get to play and meet other people,” she said.
The Webbcona team went down to Creswick on the big board, but still had a great day together.
“Bowls is a unique and inclusive sport for all abilities, genders, ages and for families. What better way than to spend a Saturday than together as a family out on a green.”
