Yarragon greens on top
Yarragon Bowling Club greens are the envy of the competition after being selected to host both the Saturday and midweek division one grand finals.
As more clubs turn to synthetic greens or employ greenkeeping staff, Yarragon relies on a volunteer brigade led by greenkeeper Sam Mazza.
“It is many years since the division one grand finals have been played at a club without a professional greenkeeper,” said West Gippsland Bowls Division chairman Michael Holroyd. “It is a mighty effort to be considered worthy of holding a grand final at Yarragon.”
After three to four years of hosting lower division grand finals, Mr Mazza was thrilled to hear Yarragon would host not one but two division one grand finals.
“I’m getting a lot of good feedback from people, my head’s getting that big,” laughed Mr Mazza. “But I really appreciate the feedback. That’s what we like to hear.”
“We’re a small club. I do my best to prepare a green that people are happy to bowl on.”
With a dairy farming background, Mr Mazza started as club greenkeeper in 2009 and has learnt his trade from the club’s previous greenkeeper as well as other greenkeepers across Gippsland.
“It’s all been a long process. There’s a bit more to it than just growing grass,” he said.
Now semi-retired, Mr Mazza’s greenkeeping role is a big yearround commitment.
“I suppose I would spend 20 hours per week during the summer months,” he said. “Just maybe twice a week in winter.”
Mr Mazza said club president Russell Weekley was a big contributor with other club members helping where they can.
He also praised the club for purchasing a new automatic sprinkler system three years ago as well as a new mower.
Mr Mazza has played for Yarragon in the Saturday pennant competition for about 14 years.