The greatest of all time is officially coming to Kyabram.
Nine months after its first failed attempt Kyabram Bowling Club has finally been given the green light to host Scottish world champion Alex Marshall in a marquee Friday night fixture against East Shepparton on December 2.
Widely-regarded as the ‘’GOAT’’ of lawn bowls, Marshall’s record speaks for itself, having claimed a record-breaking six World Indoor Singles Championship titles, five Commonwealth Games gold medals and seven World Outdoor Championship gold medals during his illustrious career.
Currently in the region plying his trade for Moama Steamers and trying his luck in the Victorian Open, the 55-year-old agreed to the one-off match with the Bombers after being in constant communication with club officials during the past year.
Thrilled to finally be hosting the showcase event, Kyabram Bowling Club vice-president Glenn Fields explained how it was able to secure Marshall’s services this time around.
“We kept in constant contact with him after last year, we had a more extensive chat when he arrived in the country prior to the summer season and he told us he was keen to come and play a one-off match,” Fields said.
“He was available on December 2, which worked out great for us, because we had a home game scheduled for the Saturday, and East Shepparton was more than happy to come over on the Friday instead and play against him.
“All the forms were then signed off by Bowls Victoria and we are thrilled to finally have it all confirmed.”
As for why Kyabram was granted the promotional permit to recruit Marshall this time around, Fields said it all came down to timing.
“I think it just got too late in the season last year with it being after Christmas, everything was set going into finals and if you read the rules of the association you can’t be given promotional permits after Christmas,” he said.
“We tried hard last year and, unfortunately, it didn’t get over the line, but it spurred us on for another crack this year and we were able to get it done.”
On the green Marshall will add to Kyabram’s embarrassment of riches as it looks to continue its bright start to the division one weekend pennant Allan Matheson Shield season.
Fields said having a man of Marshall’s pedigree on the green with the squad for the one-off match would be of great benefit as the Bombers prepare for a tilt at premiership glory.
“I think he might just add a little bit,” Fields said light-heartedly.
“It will certainly strengthen the side and he will be just another skip to add to our arsenal.
“Everybody is super excited to get out on the green with him and I’m sure all our players will take a lot from the experience.”
But while Marshall will add a lot on the green, his influence will arguably be more profound off it, as Fields said his presence would be important in promoting bowls throughout the region.
“It’s a bit like Ronaldo walking into your local soccer club, it’s a bit surreal that arguably the best player ever to play is coming to a little country town in Victoria to play, it speaks volumes of him as a person,” he said.
“To be able to promote bowls in the region like this is a wonderful thing and we couldn’t be more excited to be the club able to host him.
“Hopefully we can get a big crowd down on the night, we’ll have the bar and barbecue running, and the people of the Goulburn Valley can see some world class bowls.”