Bowlers back on deck at Drouin
The Drouin Bowling Club was filled with happy bowlers enjoying social competition, sunshine and trying out the new $255,000 synthetic green on Wednesday.
Just a week after re-opening after COVID-19, Drouin had a fully booked field of 40 bowlers playing a three-bowls pairs competition of 15 ends.
A lucky 20 members had use of the new green which was simply described as “beautiful” by many of those enjoying a game on Wednesday.
After upgrading its eastern green from grass to synthetic four years ago, club vice chairman Russell Dawson said the remaining grass rink was dug up after the Diggers Day competition in March.
The $255,000 project was funded by a $208,000 grant from the Latrobe Valley Authority as well as about $40,000 from the club itself.
Mr Dawson said gone are the days when the bowling club closed over winter, with play on grass green only viable between April to September. The two synthetic greens offer quick drainage, less maintenance, and opportunities for more bowls events.
Mr Dawson described the upgrade as a financial win, with the club set to recoup its contribution to the project in a year. The grass green cost the club $42,000 annually in greenkeeping fees. In comparison, the club’s synthetic green – maintained by volunteers – cost only $250 last year.
Most importantly, the club members are flocking to try out the new green and are voicing their approval.
“Not everyone is getting a game,” said Mr Dawson, adding that Wednesdays were booking out a week in advance. Those members unable to get a game gain first preference for Saturday competition which is also filling fast.
“We haven’t had a proper opening day but we will do that in September/October if things are back to normal,” said Mr Dawson who praised the work of club members and community members in securing the LVA grant.
The club has also received a $7500 grant from the Drouin and District Community Bank to install a shelter on the southern fence of the new green.
Mr Dawson said the club would next turn its attention to securing clubroom upgrades.
Whilst the West Gippsland Bowls Division competitions had concluded when COVID-19 hit, the club was unable to conduct its presentation night, AGM or two big fish and chip nights.
Despite a break in competition, Mr Dawson said club members had not lost touch with many practising as restrictions gradually lifted.
Although the clubrooms are currently closed and player restrictions are in place, the club may see bigger fields across winter with many members unable to make their annual holiday up north.
The new green can currently cater for a maximum of 20 players but is capable of running seven rinks once restrictions are lifted.
Mr Dawson praised Bowls Victoria and club members for support during COVID-19.
“The volunteers here are absolutely unbelievable,” he said. “It’s very much a hands-on club and we have a fairly good reputation as being a friendly club.”