SWAN Hill Bowls head coach Brian Mansbridge admits Murray Downs is “the side to beat” after going down to the ladder leaders on Friday night.
Murray Downs proved why they are the dominant side in Division 1 Pennant after overcoming a slow start to win the Inaugural Summertime Pools Annual Pennant Shield.
“Murray Downs were a level above tonight and proved why they are the side to beat this year,” Mansbridge said.
Murray Downs is hungry to avenge last season’s grand final loss to Swan Hill after going through the season unbeaten, and flexed their muscles with a 72 shots to 57 win.
Despite the loss, Mansbridge was pleased with how the evening went, with the event created to promote the game of bowls and try and break up the status quo.
“The night was a great success, with a big thank you to Josh (Thornton) and Murray Downs for getting involved,” he said.
Held under lights at the Swan Hill Bowls Club, the match was the first played between the two sides at night, with the fixture expected to continue under lights moving forward.
Play started at 5.30pm with the afternoon sun quickly being replaced by the facility’s lights as the clash ended around 9.30pm.
Bowls Victoria country manager of north west Bowls Josh Thornton said a decent sized crowd turn out to watch the two sides play under lights.
“It was a great night, the positives outweigh the negatives that is for sure,” he said.
“There are some things to work on, but all in all the night was about showing some innovation and initiative and to change things up.”
Swan Hills Bowls Club president Brian Richardson was pleased with how the night was conducted, and the way both teams went about their bowls.
“Firstly congratulations to Murray Downs, they were far too good and also to Brian and Josh for organising all this,” he said.
“Also a big thanks to Summertime Pools for jumping on board and sponsoring the event.”
Despite the decent crowd attendance there is room for growth, with Friday night being an extremely busy night for events in Swan Hill with the Kookaburra Cup Grand Final being held alongside the Gary Ablett Jnr Night at the Swan Hill Football Club.
Moving forward it is hoped that regular matches could be played during the season under lights, especially during the summer months when the usual Saturday afternoon conditions can be hot for players.
