"COMETH the hour, cometh the man.''
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So said an emotional Taree manager-coach Gary Betts to his charges before the start of the annual bowls clash between washed up footballers from Wingham and Taree, played this year at Taree West BC.
There was considerable pressure on the Taree side.
They had a number of top liners unavailable while they were facing a star-studded and super confident Wingham side led by Craig Martin. Wingham was hell bent on reversing the trend since the challenge started in 2009 of the home side winning every time.
However, Betts need not have worried. The Taree players responded to the task magnificently.
They were around 40 shots clear after the opening round of matches and maintained the advantage in the next two to score a comfortable 264-177 win. The Bridgey's Sportspower Shield is back where it belongs - in Bridgey's Sportspower.
Betts, typically, refused to take any credit for the comprehensive victory.
"The players did it all,'' he said.
"There were a couple of them who weren't in great form going into today. I'll admit I was a bit concerned.
"But I need not have worried. They were all superb.
"Now we'll see if we can win away from home next year.''
An ashen faced Craig Martin initially refused to comment on his side's shock defeat.
However, he said reports that members of the club's women's league tag side would be asked to play in next year's challenge were incorrect.
"I categorically deny that,'' he snapped.
"It'll be different next year. A few of our boys struggled with the synthetic green today but we'll be okay at Wingham in 2015 where we know the conditions.''
The teams have now met on six occasions for three wins each. It will be Taree's chance next year to create history.
Betts is already planning the campaign and is keen to organise bonding sessions, coaching weekends as well as employing a sports psychologist to speak to his players.
"It'll be the ultimate challenge. But I believe we can win in Wingham,'' Betts said.
"And bowls will be the winner. I'm sure of that.''
"They can plan all they want,'' Martin snarled.
"They won't beat us at Wingham. Trust me.''
We'll know the answer to that in 12 months.