In the biggest game of the season Bairnsdale Blue defeated Lindenow (76-71) to claim the division one East Gippsland Bowls Division Saturday pennant flag at Bairnsdale Bowls Club on Saturday after more than five hours of gruelling play.

In what was one of the closest grand finals in recent memory, play went overtime by two hours as both sides wouldn’t give an inch.

In division two, Bairnsdale Blue defeated Lakes Entrance comfortably, 92-51.

Both sides fought hard but it was Bairnsdale Blue’s skill level that went to another level that Lakes couldn’t match.

Lindenow proved too strong for Lakes Entrance White in division three running out 53-31 winners while Bairnsdale defeated Lindenow Blue 61-33 in division four.

East Gippsland Bowls Division president, John Lewis, said it was a spectacular day of play.

“The day was absolutely brilliant and you couldn’t have asked for a better finish in the division one game,” Lewis said.

“This was one of the best grand finals that I’ve seen in the 15 to 20 years of being involved with the intensity and the bowlers involved.

“For excitement you couldn’t go past it.”

“The game was very close all day and there were hardly any shots in it.

“There was probably 10 shots in it all day and after the afternoon tea break Lindenow come out firing.

“They were picking up shots everywhere and at the finish it was dead level after a very close end where they were holding five shots. A Bairnsdale player come in and drew third shot to make it a tie.

“They all had to play an extra end and it was one rink to Lindenow with one shot and one rink to Bairnsdale with two shots.

“The other rink was a dead end. They had to play another end, although it was very tight Bairnsdale managed to get up in the end by one-shot.”

Lewis said the other divisions were also interesting to watch.

“In division two, Bairnsdale had a big win against Lakes Entrance and I don’t think Lakes performed up to its usual standards,” he said.

“In division three, Lakes was on top all season but Lindenow got up and rolled them and in division four Bairnsdale was too good for Lindenow.”

IMAGE: Bairnsdale Blue’s division one team secured a thrilling 76-71 East Gippsland Bowls Division grand final win over Lindenow at the Bairnsdale Bowls Club on Saturday. K189-174