SHE might be turning 80 next month, but Central Wendouree’s Joyce Barnes just keeps getting better with age.
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Barnes’ latest success at Ballarat district level came via way of a win in the final of the Ballarat District Bowls Division state two-bowl triples at her home club yesterday.
She, Heather Hopkinson and Lyn Maple outclassed their Mt Xavier opponents 17-16, stealing two shots on the final bowl of the day to notch a come from behind win in the 18-end match.
“I’ve been in pretty good form and it was really enjoyable to get the win yesterday,” Barnes said.
Barnes, who spent the first eight years of her bowling career at Webbcona, moved to Central Wendouree 15 years ago and has since never looked back.
During her time there, she has won two club singles championships and three pairs titles to go alongside her two state triples and two state fours titles.
As of the 2013-2014 pennant season she has been bowling for 24 years, and in that time has not missed a single game of pennant.
“I love pennant because it’s a chance for me to put my best foot forward and represent my club in a team environment,” Barnes said.
“The bowling club has been a godsend for me – the social side has been a great outlet.
“I don’t plan on retiring on any time soon – not unless I absolutely have to.”
While Barnes is spending this division one season in Central Wendouree’s less successful B team, she has been an important member of its pennant teams throughout the past decade and a half, notching up six flags across divisions one, two and three.
She has also spent time in the roles of club president, vice president and on the match committee.
michael.pollock@fairfaxmedia.com.au