The Goulburn Valley Devils under-18 squad competed at the Junior Provincial Championships in Daylesford this week, giving a great account of themselves.
The Flapper Shield is the most prestigious prize in the world of junior bowls in Victoria and the Devils held their own against the best of the best on Wednesday.
Against last year's winners, the Northern Flyers, in game one the Devils battled hard but went down on two rinks and drew one, but bounced back well after lunch to beat the Central Highlands Rangers 3-0.
Jacob Cartwright, Charlie Boswood and Brayden Hall were the headline act in the clash, coming from 1-10 down to storm to a 15-12 win.
The Eastern Eagles were up next and, after another clean sweep, fingers and toes were crossed for other results to fall in the Devils’ favour, but eventually the GV outfit had to settle for second in their section.
Among the squad with Cartwright, Boswood and Hall were Henry Boswood, Riley Locke, Josh Cartwright, Liam McInnes, Ben Fletcher, Jorja Ponton, Hayley Hancock and Josh Locke.
Other members of the Devils were busy in South Australia competing for Victoria in a test series.
Olivia Cartwright and Bailey Leask lined up in the under-18 squad for their state, while other familiar faces Cam Keenan (Rochester), Katamatite product Curt Hanley and East Shepparton's Stacey Collier also took to the McLaren Vale greens.
In other news, teams have been confirmed for the 11th Bowls Premier League event, on in Moama next month.
Host outfit the Murray Steamers have brought in New Zealand international Jo Edwards and local favourite Michael Walker, with Ellen Ryan unavailable and David Ferguson moving to a coaching role.
The Perth Suns have also made a change with Ross Dempsey taking over as coach for the unavailable Pieter Harris.
The BPL kicks off on February 25.
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