The decision was made due to the player numbers required in each competition.
Club president Graeme Nurse said the issue had been raised at the May 8 annual general meeting and after three weeks of research, members had voted to request a clearance from the Goulburn Murray Bowls Region to the Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields Bowls Region.
Stanhope has divisions one, three and six teams in the GMBR’s Goulburn Valley playing area and is hoping to join the Campaspe playing area of the BCGBR for the 2023-24 season.
The club finished sixth in the eight-team division one competition last season with four wins, but was highly competitive in division three, where it won its way into the second round of the finals.
The club also hosted the divisions one and two grand finals on its rinks last year, as well as having the honour of 2022-23 Goulburn Valley singles champion Tim Hancock among its playing ranks.
Joining the Campaspe competition would put the clubs against teams from Tongala, Moama, Rochester, Echuca, Rich River, Deniliquin and Moama, requiring a similar amount of travel to what is currently experienced in the GV competition.
“We have sent a letter to the region to let them know our intentions. We expect a decision to be made at their next board meeting on June 26,” Nurse said.
He said the club’s future was in the hands of the board.
“The main reason behind the proposed shift is the fact the Campaspe competition requires only 12 players at division one level,” he said.
“In the GV we need 16 (four rinks) in division one, 16 in division three and 12 in division six.”
Stanhope has a proud history in Gouburn Valley bowls, with more division one flags than any other club.
However, it has been 23 years since its most recent division one premiership.
"To be competitive in the GV, you need 14 to 16 division one bowlers. Not to suggest it will be any easier in Campaspe, but we only need three rinks,“ Nurse said.
Stanhope sporting clubs have traditionally been on the border of leagues and associations to the east and west of the town. The football and netball club have been involved in three different leagues — Goulburn Valley, Heathcote and Kyabram District.
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