Liam Phillips

ANGASTON is the king of the Barossa and Light bowling world after claiming the Saturday division one, division 2a and 2b premierships after the season was called off at the conclusion of the regular season due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Angaston Bowling Club president and division one player, Ian Cockroft, said it was a special year to be a part of the club, with his division one side finishing a perfect 18 wins to zero losses.
“I think we had a pretty good year all-round, because as well as the three Saturday premierships, we claimed runners-up in mid-week division one, and also division three,” Cockroft said.
“It’s a bit of a hollow premiership when you don’t play finals, but our division one team didn’t lose a game all season, and we were comfortably ahead in division two, so I don’t think anyone can begrudge us being named premiers.
“We did have a couple of battles during the year, but most of the games were won fairly easily.
“The second-to-last round we played Tanunda, who finished second, and we had three drawn rinks and the last we won by 11 shots, which was the final result on their home track.
“So it wasn’t all smooth sailing, but we’re very proud of going undefeated.”
As for the secret to his club’s success, Cockroft said it’s simple – they like playing with each other.
“We did get a couple of division one players in this year and they’ve certainly added strength to our top side, and added depth to the sides below us,” he said.
“We’re not an overly big club, but we’re a happy club.
“People enjoy playing bowls in our club, and I don’t think you can understate how important that is… if you’re enjoying the game, it makes a hell of a difference.
“Other clubs have seen how compatible we are, and some are very envious; in fact one club has made a comment that they should ‘take a leaf out of Angaston’s book’.
“I guess now we’re the hunted as opposed to the hunter, but it’s a great feeling to know we’ve got a successful club.”