Highton claim 2022 BPL Cup crown
The BPL Cup will stay in Victoria for a second straight year, after Highton were crowned champions in a dominant final display at Club Pine Rivers on Thursday.
The Victorian team were too good for Armidale City in the national final, claiming a straight sets 6-4, 7-3 victory to be crowned champions.
The match was hard-fought, with the sides winning five ends apiece across the two sets.
It was large scores that proved the difference for Highton however, turning the game on its head on two crucial ends.
Trailing 4-2 going into the final end of the first set, Highton scored a two, doubled to four on their powerplay, to take out the first set.
Armidale once again took the early advantage in the second set, but disaster struck on the fourth end, dropping a five to make life difficult going into the final end, a task that eventually proved too much.
Highton skipper Dan Priddle was rewarded for an outstanding performance, named as the MVP of the final.
“It was a great team effort,” Priddle said.
“It’s fantastic for the club. We hope we’ve done you proud to bring the cup back to the Victorian state.”
“I think it’s a fantastic event, we’ve really enjoyed playing in it. The camaraderie of the event is fantastic. We’ve met and played against some fantastic bowlers and even better people.”
This year’s BPL Cup was one of the biggest yet, with more than 800 teams competing across more than 100 venues throughout the year in the hopes of getting to the position Highton have earned their way into.
Expressions of interest for 2023 BPL Cup preliminary round host clubs will open in the coming weeks, with details to be confirmed on bowls.com.au
