'Experience can trump youth, but sometimes youth just picks up things quicker.'
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That was the assessment of Ballarat skipper Zach Stewart after defeating Webbcona by 19-shots in the Ballarat District Bowls Division Premier Saturday Pennant competition.
And it certainly seemed the case as the Ballarat bowlers, most of whom are under 40, adapted to the warm conditions following a three-week layoff at Webbcona Bowling Club.
Ballarat skipper Zach Stewart said it was pleasing to come out on top.
"There was a bit of rust to start with, a lot of blokes haven't been able to practice because of the rain so it was really rewarding to have a win," he said.
"I'd already missed one week, then we missed three in a row, so it's nice to come out and beat a side on their own green - pretty happy."
Ballarat managed three rink successes on the day, with Ballarat skipper Wes Lennecke leading the way with an eight-shot win over Webbcona's Tony Lang.
Stewart's men produced a consistent performance to beat Leah McArthur by six shots, while Brad Fothergill produced a come-from-behind effort to overcome Barry McArthur .
"You never expect to win all three rinks, so it was really good," Stewart said.
"Wes had a good day and Brad played a cracker - he was one shot down on the last end and won the rink by four shots.
"It was an even sort of spread and everyone had a dip."
The win marked the fourth of the season for Ballarat which has only lost one game thus far.
With two wins coming against teams from the now abolished Geelong-Ballarat Premier Bowls competition, Stewart was confident his side could match it with anyone.
"We've got a good 12 blokes at the moment, we're settled in, we've added Wes into the mix who has fitted in nicely and there is a good feeling around the group," he said.
"We're confident, we've got great camaraderie and if you bring that into any group you're going to get results."
Elsewhere on Saturday Ballarat Memorial Sports continued its run of good form with a 10-shot win over Buninyong.
The defending premier managed two ring successes, with BMS skipper Luke Whitehead leading the way with an eight-shot win over Buninyong skipper Mick Storey.
Graeme Simpson managed the only rink triumph for Buninyong, in what was a dark day for the club.
Top-placed Sebastopol showed no signs of slowing down with a seven-shot victory over Learmonth.
Mt Xavier recorded its first win of the season by defeating Central Wendouree, while Victoria crushed Creswick by 40 shots.