When Wayne Roberts steps on to the green for Yarraville-Footscray in pennant bowls on Saturday, he will do so as the Victorian Open singles champion.
Roberts won the highly sought-after title at his first time of asking in a flawless week at Shepparton.
The 46-year-old was unstoppable en route to the final, in which he downed Mentone’s Dale Jones 21-8.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever played in the Vic Open singles so I’m over the moon,” Roberts said. “I’m very happy, very lucky; it’s been a big week in Shepparton.”
The lopsided scoreline doesn’t tell the story of the nerves felt by Roberts for the duration of the game.
The players traded shot for shot in the early stages before Roberts struck it rich to pick up a three and take a lead he never relinquished.
“It was a very tight game, a really good final,” he said.
Roberts comes from Manangatang, a remote town in north-west Victoria.
When he moved to Melbourne, he linked up with Glen Eira, before crossing to Yarraville-Footscray.
The Altona Meadows resident transferred to nearby Altona for a short stint before returning to skipper the ’Scray.
“Yarraville-Footscray is what I call my club,” he said.
Yarraville-Footscray’s 16-strong contingent played to a high standard across the board.
The men’s and women’s pairs reached the quarters, while the women’s fours, skippered by Donna Hill, were pipped by two shots in the semis.
Roberts was quick to deflect attention from himself to his teammates.
“The club’s had a big week,” he said, speaking at club celebrations at their Francis Street home on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Altona, led by young skip Dane McKinnon, won the men’s fours.
