Two years ago, it was Warrnambool that shone brightest on the big stage, claiming the Western District Bowls Division midweek crown.

They now get the opportunity to try to repeat the dose after defeating Koroit Orange 74-61 in Tuesday’s preliminary final at Port Fairy.

“We didn’t expect to get there,” Warrnambool Gold skipper Helen Lock said.

“It feels good … we’re all really excited. Two years ago, we won it and we beat City. But there’s a few other players in there, a few new faces.”

Lock’s rink bolted to a 10-shot lead before Pauline Elliott was on the board. It proved to be a winning buffer, with Lock triumphing 23-13. “We were well ahead up until lunchtime, and they started to get a few shots, but then we came back and got a few more towards the end,” she said.

Judy Symmons defeated Faye Bolden 28-21, while Trina Dycer scored Koroit Orange’s only rink win, prevailing 27-23.

In division two, Warrnambool Blue pipped City Memorial Blue 74-71, winning just one rink to secure the narrow victory. In division three, Lawn Tennis Blue defeated Dennington White 49-41 and Terang Red defeated Lawn Tennis Gold 50-39.