Master and Apprentice Triples magic at VO2026
Our VO2026 Master and Apprentice Triples team took to the ‘blue lagoon’ at Trafalgar Bowls Club yesterday, on a day that started out in misty conditions, then after the fog lifted the sun shone all day, until the final few ends of play when the thunder rolled in and lightning cause a brief delay for just a few matches.
For our competition winner, Dan Phalp from Bell Post Hill Bowls Club, having the opportunity to bowl with the legendary Matt Flapper and his good mate, Bowl For Your Lives founder Shane Hafner, in his first Vic Open, was “just unreal”.
“I can’t thank BV enough for the opportunity”, said Dan. “This is the highlight of my bowls so far. To play alongside Matt in an event like this was incredible, to have the co-founder of BFYL (Shane), which is also something I’m a supporter of, was extra special. They were great support and made it easy for me to fit in and feel relaxed. The boys both said on paper we had a tough section, I don’t know these guys but I know we were not far away which was great”.
The three did fine themselves in a pretty tough section, lining up for round one against Blair Davidson (Clayton), Mark Armstrong (Pialba) and Christopher Carswell (Bundoora). While they lost that battle 17 – 11, but it didn’t dampen their spirits and they came out firing in round two against the Middle Team of Tim Morris, Peter Snyders and Frank Tomaino, winning 20 – 8.
Their final round clash against the Yarra Glen trio of Dene Milner. Liam Thurkle, and Paul Tirant was a ripper! Dan, Shane and Matt came back from 16 – 5 down after eight ends, put the foot down to take it to 16 – 17 with one end to play. Unfortunately things didn’t go their way, dropping 1 on the last.
Shane Hafner, BFYL, said of the experience, “it was just fantastic, and we’re definitely keen to go again next year with another novice bowler”.
And the big man himself, who always gives his time to new bowlers, Matt Flapper said of the day, “Today was sensational, as we all know you can’t win them all, but we certainly asked our opponents a few questions today and were not far away. Dan was terrific to play with, a great competitor and a terrific bloke, there may have been a few nerves but that settled quickly. He has a bright future in this sport. Shane partnering up with us was a great outcome as well, someone so passionate about the game but also BV’s charity partner”.
Dan dropped into Traralgon Bowls Club today to watch some of the Knockout action, and even did a short stint on commentary to talk about his experience.
We thank Matt and Shane for taking Dan under their wing this year, and we look forward to seeing them back together again next year, with another newbie. Gotta love the Vic Open!
