Terang lawn bowler starts 30th year in the sport

The 76-year-old, who played in Terang Green's Western District Bowls Division season opener against Dennington Jets on Saturday, said Betty had returned to the sport after 18 years and was now playing socially.

"This year my wife has come back to bowls and it's made it even more special," he said.

Johnson, who is based at Purnim, said they were "very" competitive when they hit the greens together.

Bowls has taken Johnson across the south-west but he settled at Terang after deciding a smaller club was best for him.

"I started bowls at City Memorial Bowling Club and I've played at three or four other clubs but I have played the last 13 years at Terang," he said.

His persistence and dedication to the sport paid off last year when "after 30 years of bowling I won the club championship".

Johnson said it was a "very thrilling, very close" final.

"It was won on measure on the last end," he said.

Terang Green started its 2019-20 Western District campaign with a 83-38 away loss to Dennington in unpredictable weather.

Johnson, who plays third to Jamie Heffernan, conceded the team faced a steep challenge.

"We'll be battling," he said.

But Johnson said he was lucky to be in Heffernan's rink.

"Jamie is probably the best player in the club," he said.

"He's just the best draw bowler."

The grand final rematch was the highlight of the opening round with City Memorial Red edging out Koroit Blue 70-69 under the Dome in Cramer Street.

City Red only won one rink but it was enough to get it over the line with Neil Crispe's team producing a 31-20 victory over Scott Boschen and co.

Brendan Keane (24-19) and Brian 'Blackie' Lenehan (25-20) were the rink winners for Koroit Blue.

Mortlake Blue's one rink win was also enough to overcome Timboon Gold on the road, 72-64.

George Draffen's team beat Shayne Pudney, who has crossed to Timboon for the 2019-20 season, 30-16.

In other round one games, Port Fairy Red defeated Warrnambool Blue 76-53 and powerhouse Warrnambool Gold lost to City Memorial Gold, 74-68.

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