After a decade of drought, the Armadale Bowling Club’s top side has the chance to bring home the flag this Saturday.
In fact, in a miraculous turnaround, four of the club’s five teams are playing in the Pennants this week.
“It’s been a long time – it’s great for the club. The ship is steering in the right direction,” Men’s captain Chadd Hunt said.
Last year the third division (top) team finished one rung above last on the ladder after winning only two games all season.
This year, they’ve gone from near wooden spooners to minor premiers after triumphing in all but one game.
“Last season, clubs were beating us by a shed-load and we finished on -500, and this year we’re +500 – we’ve turned around 1000 points in our aggregate in a single year, which is unheard of in bowls,” Mr Hunt said.
“I’m pretty hopeful that we’ll take the flag this year in our top side – and the other teams all have a good chance too.”
After an impressive season, the top team earned an automatic promotion to the second division for next season.
“I’m hoping in the next two years we’ll be back in the first division,” Mr Hunt said.
The club’s fourth division team also finished up as minor premiers, meaning they too will automatically be promoted.
While the fifth and sixth division teams will be playing off for a promotion and Pennants flag at their respective grand finals.
Mr Hunt said there are a number of reasons for the coup.
“We’ve had a few imports this year – we’ve got four or five top players who could be playing Premier Grade, but have come back to help us out,” he said.
“They’ve really given us direction.
“We’ve also had some good luck with novices.”
And the new committee has restored a good deal of faith in the club again.
“The players have really stepped up this year – there’s a renewed passion for the club,” Mr Hunt said.
“And there’s a lot of excitement right now – obviously we haven’t had finals fever for a long time. It’s really uplifting.”
Armadale Bowling Club will be hosting the fourth division Pennant grand final at 1.30pm today (Thursday).
It will also be a home grand final for both the third and fifth division teams on Saturday, with the top team playing two games for the flag from 9.30am, and the fifth division game beginning at 1.30pm.
Everyone is welcome to come and watch the magic happen.
