The drought ends at Lockington

LOCKINGTON’S long wait for a bowls premiership has ended after its division four side took down Moama 76-59 on Saturday.

After 18 years without a Campaspe Valley Bowls premiership, Lockington completed its run from fourth on the table to grab the title.

Bowler Chris Stewart said the premiership win was for all the club’s members.

‘‘The club has only won three or four premierships in our history, it’s been a lean time and our numbers aren’t great,’’ Stewart said.

‘‘To win was fantastic, our club is a family affair and we have lots of relatives playing together. We’re one happy family after Saturday.’’

Lockington’s last premiership win came in 1999 in division five.

Stewart said the support the team had felt from members and supporters had been overwhelming.

‘‘There were a lot of excited players and supporters back at our club on Saturday night,’’ he said.

‘‘It was very gratifying to get that support, you make your own fun and we celebrated with a pizza and maybe a champagne as well.’’

The rink led by Phil Collins was the catalyst for the victory, recording a 37-15 scoreline to build a commanding lead.

The remaining two rinks were fought hard with a 22-21 win for Lockington and a 23-17 win for Moama, but the damage had been done and Lockington held on for a big victory.

‘‘Phil Collins really made the way for us, a 37-15 scoreline doesn’t really happen in finals,’’ Stewart said.

After sneaking into the finals by only a few points, Lockington defeated Deniliquin 73-70 in the semi-finals and then beat Mathoura 81-49 to make the grand final.

Lockington only qualified for the finals after Moama beat Echuca in round 17, and the irony of beating them in the grand final was not lost.

‘‘We might have to get them a thank you card or something, although they might not like that,’’ Stewart said.

The win represents a remarkable turnaround for Lockington having been beaten twice by Moama throughout the season including a 102-51 drubbing in round 13.

Stewart said it was pleasing the club could have success against a much larger opponent.

‘‘We struggle with numbers, our total membership is only around 33 or 34 while Moama has more than 200 members,’’ he said.

‘‘You strive to survive against clubs with big numbers and big money, you have to just enjoy the bowls and anything else is a bonus. We hope this win might encourage a few more locals to get down to our club and get involved.’’

And Lockington entered Saturday’s grand final with even more motivation after club president Tom Davis was taken to Epworth Hospital last week.

‘‘That’s what we said before the match, we’ll do it for Tom,’’ Stewart said.

‘‘He means a lot to our club, he’s a hell of a worker and he’s been president a couple of times and a selector. We might have to ease him off the presidential duties I think.’’

Stewart said he and his teammates would live it up after a very happy season.