A state pennant win has marked an emotional week for an Ocean Grove Bowling Club champion who lost his grandmother just days before the event.
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Pavey, who only a few weeks ago won the singles event at the $100,000 Victorian Open, stepped onto the greens at Moama Bowls Club last weekend for the Champion of State Pennant event with emotions running high.
Club co-ordinator and teammate Tyson Cromey said Pavey showed nerves of steel, helping steer the Grovers to victory over Deer Park, 43-39, just days after the death of his grandmother.
Ocean Grove Bowls Club coach Matt Flapper and Grover champion Brad Pavey after his Victorian Open singles victory. Picture: Ocean Grove Bowling Club.
“They had her funeral on the Friday and he played Saturday and Sunday,” Cromey said.
“He was obviously a bit upset but he did a fantastic job to push through that.”
It wasn’t the only subplot from a thrilling conclusion with Cromey facing off against his brother Coby, after defecting from Deer Park.
Ocean Grove Bowling Club members celebrate their victory. Picture: Ocean Grove Bowls Club.
His father Tim was also named as an emergency for Deer Park.
Another Grover, Carl Hanna, who had played all season, missed the championship event after injuring his knee at work.
Cromey said it was “neck and neck” over the closing stages of the decider on May 7, with the squad well served by skippers Pavey, club coach Matt Flapper and Peter Loe.
“It was pretty tight, it came down to the second last bowl of the match,” he said.
“They were in front for about 70 per cent of the game.
“It was neck and neck until the end where we got our noses in front.”
Ocean Grove Bowling Club members were ecstatic. Picture: Ocean Grove Bowls Club.
On the club’s Facebook page, Flapper said it was a “weekend full of emotion” for multiple reasons.
Flapper said the championship was without doubt the best team event to be part of in the state, their efforts were “nothing short of elite” and it was another “proud moment” for the club.
“To say I am proud is an understatement, everyone that represented our club across the four days did so in the most professional way,” Flapper said.
“The effort and commitment you all make to our club is exceptional.
Ocean Grove Bowl Club won the Victorian Champion of State Pennant event. Picture: Ocean Grove Bowling Clubng.
“Players become state champions that may have never dreamt they would be good enough or if it could happen to them and to be able to assist in providing that opportunity is extra special.
“We play a game that continues to challenge us, a game that is always providing opportunities to learn.
Club member Jen Le Cerf won the novice singles at the state championships in April. Picture: Ocean Grove Bowls Club.
“Our supporters rode every bowl, highs and lows and always backed us in.”
The club’s Midweek Champions of State Pennant team also came second to Frankston at the event.
It caps off a huge two months for the Grovers with Pavey winning the singles division at the $100,000 Victorian Open in early April, while Jen Le Cerf took out the novice singles and Maddie Jacobs crowned the Under 18 pairs at state championships, both last month.