“WHEN it’s a two-horse race, the outsider always wins.”
It was the line which Joan Anderson delivered yesterday.
It came after her comments on Monday that Warrnambool Gold was 100-1 to win the Warrnambool and District Ladies Bowling Association grand final.
If the skipper had bet on those odds, she would be a richer woman.
The underdog prevailed yesterday as Warrnambool snapped City Memorial Gold’s undefeated streak in the most important match of the season.
The sides drew twice in the home-and-away rounds while minor premier City got up in the second semi-final, earning favourite status for the season decider.
But it counted for nothing yesterday as Warrnambool triumphed 70-56 at Dennington.
“We didn’t have any stars, we just had 12 triers,” Anderson said.
Her rink — which included Kellie Bowles, Pat Boyd and Colleen Haberfield — was the stand-out, recording a convincing 28-14 victory over Denise Hillier.
“We got away to a good start and were able to maintain our lead,” Anderson said.
“It gave the other rinks a little bit of leeway.”
The other rinks were hotly-contested, with Warrnambool’s Faye Bolden overcoming Joan Stevenson 27-26 while City’s Kaye Maddern defeated Bev Hayes 16-15.
Warrnambool Gold met at the clubrooms yesterday morning before heading to Dennington.
“We had one of our men, John Leishman, give us a pep talk,” Anderson said.
“He just said that we’ve worked hard to get here, so we shouldn’t waste the opportunity.
“I think everyone took on his advice.”
After hugs, kisses and high-fives, the team went back to the clubrooms yesterday afternoon for its premiership celebrations.
“We hope everyone will behave themselves but I don’t think they will,” Anderson laughed yesterday. “It’s been such a great season and as chairman of selectors, I couldn’t ask for a better lot of ladies.”
City Memorial, which was aiming for a four-peat of premierships, was gracious in defeat. “Well done to Warrnambool,” spokeswoman Karina Ellery said.
“They played well and we didn’t. They were the better team on the day and deserved to win. It was disappointing to win all season and then lose the grand final but that’s what happens in sport.”
In the division two final yesterday, City Memorial Blue was too strong for clubmate City Memorial Pink, winning 86-63.
Beryl Duncan lost to Monica O’Shea 26-27, Barbara Bibby defeated Sally Madden 33-16 while Heather Jensen defeated Lorraine Dakin 26-20.
Port Fairy endulged in cake and wine after claiming the division three premiership.
It overcame Warrnambool 54-38. Margaret Arnold edged out Louise Davidson 30-20 while Lyn Harris defeated Veronica Anderson 24-18.
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