A GROUP of students from Tongala and Kyabram primary schools have bowled over the competition at the School Sports Victoria Primary School Lawn Bowls State Finals.
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Though the forecast was for rain, the bowlers were very excited to have the opportunity to play for a state title in Melbourne last week.
Ky P-12 students Riley Locke, Josh Cartwright and Olivia Cartwright were stoked to bring home the B grand final trophy in convincing fashion, winning 14-3.
They were coached by proud dad Dave Cartwright.
About 45 family and friends made the trip down for the team from Tongala Primary School.
The youngsters opened the tournament with a strong performance against Cowes Primary School.
Tongala took an early lead, but rain set in and changed the conditions and a Cowes Primary comeback ended with a two rinks to one loss for Tongala.
An early lunch had to be taken as the rain set in, delaying play for some time.
The tournament continued, with the match against Williamstown Primary School starting in light rain which eventually cleared.
As the greens dried, Tongala’s game improved but the result was the same as the previous game, a two rinks to one loss.
Closing out the tournament, the school took on St Leonard’s Primary School.
Tongala got out to a lead, maintaining it until the second last end.
But again a late comeback saw St Leonard’s get the victory two ends to one.
St Leonard’s Primary would play off in the final and claim the SSV Lawn Bowls State Champions.
For Tongala, a playoff between seventh and eighth place saw them again fall by the slimmest of margins in another two ends to one loss.
While Tongala didn’t get a win in the tournament, Tongala Primary School’s Pete Tinning said the school had a strong performance.
‘‘Our students were very competitive against much larger schools,’’ he said.
‘‘The sportsmanship and conduct of our students was outstanding. Everyone who attended was very proud of our students as they never gave up in an effort to get a win at state level.’’
Most importantly for the students, the day was a lot of fun and a good challenge.
‘‘Besides getting soaked with rain in the first game our students enjoyed the whole experience and still thought it was a fun day.
‘‘Playing against the best primary lawn bowlers in the state was a challenge that proved that they were good enough to be there on the day.’’
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