Dennington bowler Maureen Drennan earned an unrivalled new title on the green yesterday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 62-year-old was heralded Warrnambool and District Ladies Bowling Association’s (WDLBA) Champion of Champions after toppling seasoned performer Margaret Sumner 25-17.
Drennan first faced Linda Creek in the semi-final at City Memorial Bowls Club yesterday morning.
Battling both a chilly breeze and her Port Fairy opponent, Drennan prevailed 25-17.
Terang’s Sumner also advanced to the decider after
dismissing City’s Dorothy Gleeson 25-15.
In her final debut, Drennan knew she would have to focus to outclass Sumner.
“You always have to bowl your best when you bowl against Margaret — and you need a bit of luck,” she said.
“But I was determined I was going to enjoy the game and play well, which made me relax a bit.”
Drennan “got off to a good start” and was up by four shots before Sumner made a move.
The Terang force quickly jumped to a three-shot advantage.
“After that it was shot-for-shot until we reached 15-all,” Drennan said.
“I managed to get a little bit of a break and held on.”
Drennan, who was playing in her second Champion of Champions tournament, made an effort to roll consistently.
She refused to think too far ahead.
“I tried not to focus on winning,” she said.
“I learnt that a long time ago.
“(Instead) I just went through the same process for each bowl.”
Drennan is the first lady bowler to take home the Champion of Champions crown to the Dennington Bowls Club.
As she works on Tuesdays, she misses out on the WDLBA pennant competition.
Rather, the talented player lines up for top Western District Bowls Association men’s side Dennington Red on a Saturday and plays indoor bowls on Monday nights.
Drennan said the extra bowling time helped her winning cause yesterday.
“I wasn’t ready to drive for a while (because) I was very excited,” she said.
“It was great to bowl well and actually win it.”
Sumner, who has won the Champion of Champions prize on “13 or 14” occasions, congratulated Drennan.
“Maureen was just too consistent. Her first bowl nearly always hit the kitty,” she said.
Drennan will represent WDLBA at the group finals in February.
