Unflappable: Australian bowler Matthew Flapper.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Some of the best bowlers from across Victoria and the nation battled it out at the weekend at the inaugural Byers Invitational Classic Pairs event.
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Bowlers descended on Shepparton Golf Bowls Club for the two-day tournament that welcomed competitors from Melbourne, Moama, Gippsland, and even an Aussie international.
But despite the illustrious names and star-studded talent, which included Australian representative Matt Flapper, it was only fitting a local name was inscribed on the inaugural pairs competition trophy.
Down low: Shepparton Golf’s Mack Trewren.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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In the zone: Shepparton Golf’s Brad Orr.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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In the zone: Shepparton Golf’s Brad Orr.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Winding up: Australian bowler Matthew Flapper.
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Megan Fisher
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Likes what he sees: Shepparton Golf’s Brad Orr.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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On its way: Moama’s Stuart Anderson.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Soft touch: Wangaratta’s Ian Brimblecombe.
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Megan Fisher
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Line it up: South Bendigo’s Liam Crapper.
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Megan Fisher
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Working his magic: Moama’s Dennis O’Bryan.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Cool and collected: Deniliquin’s Wayne Parks.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Focused: Shepparton Golf’s Brett Foley.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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On the mat: Moama’s Dennis O’Bryan.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Shepparton Golf coach Brett Foley and his good mate John McCarron, a Glenroy talent, edged out the quality field to secure a historic 2023 Byers Invitational Classic Pairs tournament.
Speaking on the Monday following his triumph, Foley said the inaugural event was a hit within not only the GV bowls community, but with competitors from across the state.
“It really was a great weekend. There was no complaints; the weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed themselves,” Foley said.
“Local bowlers got the chance to play against some of the best bowlers going around. We had people come from Melbourne and Moama which was really great to see.
“I’m sure after that we will see them (competitors) all look to come up and play.”
Foley believes the event has the potential to one day become a massive draw card on the summer bowls calendar.
“Yeah I think so ... I think it will slowly build into something really special,” he said.
“Massive thanks to all of the sponsors who helped make the event possible, especially Byers Electrical.”
In terms of the action on the greens, two pairings looked a class above and managed to win all six games to qualify for the final.
Foley and McCarron faced up against classy Wangaratta bowler Ian Brimblecombe and Deniliquin’s Wayne Parks and managed to do the business to claim bragging rights and the $5000 prizemoney.
“John is a quality bowler and we’ve been good mates for a while now, so it was nice to win that with him,” Foley said.
“We gelled well and after the first day we sat in fourth or sixth and were just cruising along. We were lucky enough to reach the final against two quality bowlers in Ian and Wayne.
“Those two had a great weekend and were stiff to come second.”
In third place it was former Golf coach and champion GVPA talent Brad Orr and his partner Tyson Cromie, while GV pair Connor and Mack Trewren walked away in fourth place.
Foley and the rest of the local stars will be back in action this weekend for the return of the Goulburn Valley Playing Area weekend pennant season.
