MICK Gaut expects a special supporter on the sidelines if Timboon Gold advances to the Western District Bowls Division Saturday pennant grand final - his wife Sharon.
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"My wife won't go near the bowls greens, she reckons it's like watching grass grow," he said.
"She did mention this morning (Thursday) that she'd turn up if we make the grand final."
Gaut, 62, will skipper one of Timboon Gold's rinks in its preliminary final showdown against City Memorial Red at Terang.
He hopes he can call Sharon, his wife of more than 30 years, with good news post-game.
"It would be huge for us (to make the decider)," Gaut said.
"The two big Warrnambool clubs have had a monopoly on it for so long.
"It would be nice if someone else was in there and actually won it.
"For 20-odd years they've shared it. Koroit has come close."
Gaut said Timboon had been "starved for the big stage"
"It would be good if we could get there," he said.
"But we've still got to win this year first."
Gaut is a recently-retired dairy farmer who has moved to a Cooriemungle property.
He's also earned a promotion on the bowls greens.
"I've taken over just recently as a division one skipper," he said.
"I've moved up from third to skip. I am going all right so far, it's been good.
"It can be a bit stressful if we're under the pump."
Father-of-four Gaut joined the bowls club about 15 years ago, following in his late father John's footsteps.
He's been a mainstay at the club ever since.
"It is about the people, the mates," Gaut said.
"It is nice to win but better winning with your mates."
Gaut said his dad left a lasting legacy at Timboon.
"Dad was a club champion for years and eventually I got the urge to follow in his footsteps (and play)," he said.
"I regret I didn't start earlier. It would've been nice to play games with him."
Warrnambool Gold awaits the winner of the Timboon Gold versus City Memorial Red clash in the grand final.
The division one decider is at Warrnambool's Cramer Street greens on Saturday, March 14.
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