One emergency services team has bragging rights after what is hoped to be the first of many annual lawn bowls challenges.
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The Emergency Services Bowls Challenge Shield on Wednesday night saw first responders from across the region battle it out to raise money for charity.
Warrnambool Bowls Club bowls match committee member Dale Barclay said it was pleasing to see so many workers and volunteers enjoy the social night out.
There were 18 teams represented from groups including Ambulance Victoria, CFA volunteers and career firefighters, police, Warrnambool Surf Lifesaving Club, the State Emergency Service and South West Healthcare.
Mr Barclay said teams played four games of three ends with the overall winner taking out the main prize of $2000 for their chosen charity, which the bowls club donated.
The top honour was won by a Warnambool police team, skippered by Peter Pengrazio. Mr Barclay said the team's chosen charity to receive the $2000 prize money was the Warrnambool SES. Runners-up was awarded to a South West Healthcare team, skippered by Brendan Cooke.
Mr Barclay said there was plenty of banter between the different services as well as the teams within teams.
"Hopefully we can make this an annual event," Mr Barclay said. "We've got a shield (to present to the winning team) and we'd like it to become an annual event."
Money raised from entry fees, a raffle and a barbecue on the night were donated to the Warrnambool Surf Lifesaving Club.
Warrnambool SES unit controller Giorgio Palmeri said it was a chance to have fun, and prior to the game he hoped they could win and raise money for the SES.
"Usually we meet at crime scenes, car accidents and rescues in general and it's good for a change to catch up in a different setting," Mr Palmeri said.
Hamilton ambulance officer Rhi Davis said her team's prize money, had they won the challenge, would have gone to an appeal for Hamilton police Sergeant Mark Phillips whose wife Naomi was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer in October.
"It's all fundraising for a good cause," Ms Davis said. "This is the first one (bowls challenge) but I reckon it will be the first of many."
Warrnambool CFA volunteer Edith Smith didn't hesitate to join in when she heard about the challenge.
"I always chip in with things around CFA," she said. "It was a fun event we could get involved in and show the community that we're here. Especially as a volunteer, it's nice to show that we're here to help."
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