Ocean Grove will be out to claim the double this weekend after winning the Geelong Bowls Region Midweek Division 1 premiership on Tuesday.
The elation of winning the midweek title against Torquay, 62 to 50, was short-lived with the Grovers now preparing to meet Highton in the Saturday Premier Division grand final, which will be played on Sunday.
Highton defeated Ocean Grove in last year’s grand final, by one shot while Grove won the previous year.
There’s something about these two sides. They keep meeting each other in grand finals.
Ocean Grove bowls coordinator and star player Tyson Cromie said both sides were experienced and thrived on playing at this time of year.
“I just think we’re both high quality teams and it probably sounds a bit silly, but the fact that we’re both getting back here means both teams know how to win and stand up in the pressure moments compared to some other clubs that might lack a little bit of experience.
“On paper, at the start of the year, you probably look at both teams and say they’re probably both favourites to get back to the grand final again, and it’s sort of worked out and that’s how it’s unfolded as the season’s going on.”
Ocean Grove won the round 4 encounter, but Highton won in round 11 before the Grovers took a direct path to the grand final with a nine-shot semi-final win.
Cromie said last year’s defeat by the barest of margins still hurt.
“There’s a lot in our team that are looking for redemption for last year,” he said.
“We had a couple of chances to win the game and unfortunately for us, last year didn’t go our way.”
Highton won through to the decider with a resounding preliminary final win against Torquay.
Scott McLachlan had a 22-shot win on his rink while David Priddle and Chris Ball also had wins.
This team will relish the chance to put more silverware into the trophy cabinet.
SUNDAY MARCH 16, 1PM
Premier Division
Ocean Grove vs Highton at Belmont Bowls Club
Division 1
Ocean Grove vs Lara at Belmont Bowls Club
SATURDAY MARCH 15, 1PM
Division 2: Ocean Grove vs Leopold at Geelong Eastern Park
Division 3: Drysdale vs Anglesea at Geelong Cement
Division 4: Highton vs Point Lonsdale at Geelong Cement
Division 5: Portarlington vs Norlane at Bareena
Division 6: Bell Post Hill vs Ocean Grove at Geelong Eastern Park
Division 7: Leopold vs Highton at Geelong
Division 8: St Leonards vs Portarlington at Bareena
Division 9: Highton vs Ocean Grove at Geelong
Division 10: Drysdale vs Clifton Springs at City of Geelong
Division 11: Eastern Park vs Highton at City of Geelong
Division 12: Torquay vs Geelong RSL at City of Geelong
