KitchenWise Classic

KitchenWise again rolled into the new year in classic style.

As our cabinetry team resumed work after our holiday closure, bowlers from across the Goulburn Valley returned to the greens for the 2025 KitchenWise Classic at Shepparton Golf Bowling Club.

The one-day fours event – popular for its spot on the calendar, atmosphere, and $3000 total prize money – was contested by 24 teams from across the region on Saturday, January 11. 

“We’ve proudly supported the event since 2013,” KitchenWise director John Gribble said. 

“It’s usually on the second Saturday in January, the week before pennant competition re-starts after the holiday break.”

John, a pennant player and bowls co-ordinator at Shepparton Golf Bowling Club, said the KitchenWise Classic was quality competition with a fun atmosphere.

The tournament’s festive tone is set to music from the ’60s to ’80s, courtesy of the sound system placed in the middle of the two greens for the day.

“It’s a great atmosphere,” John said. “The green keepers, kitchen staff, and all of the volunteers put in a lot of work to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

Shepparton Golf Bowling Club president Jock Hastie said the KitchenWise Classic was “a well-respected and fun tournament”.

“The KitchenWise Classic helps players return to form after the holiday break, in time for the second half of the season," Jock said.

"The greens are really well prepared, and we get entries from good teams.” 

Jock recalls a discussion with John before the inaugural KitchenWise Classic, 13 years ago.

“I said, ‘John, are you going to put a team in? People would probably like to see you play - and beat you!’ ”

On convincing John to play, Jock joined his team, along with Wayne Gribble (John’s dad).

“There’s a lot of friendly rivalry, because everyone wants to beat John and his team!” Jock said.

The 2025 event was a close contest: five teams were undefeated after three games. After playing their final ends, the team skipped by John won the tournament.

Having now won the KitchenWise Classic twice (plus a second and third place) since 2013, John's team naturally had to contend with friendly banter. “It’s about time the others tried to beat us,” John said, laughing.

Jock, who is well known on the greens for his sense of humour, added: “The opportunity is there for those teams to beat us, so maybe they need to practise more!”

Placegetters: KITCHENWISE CLASSIC

Winner: John Gribble, Glenn Power, Wayne Gribble, Jock Hastie. (Shepparton Golf Bowling Club).

Second: Wayne Dagger, Nev Manton, Mick Hanna and Dean Jones (Composite team, Shepparton Golf Bowling Club and Tallygaroopna bowlers). 

Third: Neil Macklin, Lynton Stephens, John McKenzie and Mick Kirk. (Wunghnu).

Fourth: Alan Dove, Mick Cummins, Paul Trewren and Jimmy Solanki. (Shepparton Golf Bowling Club).