Day to cherish for Manning family as three generations play in same team

The trio of Mick Manning, his son Leigh and his son Charlie for the first time all played in the same team in Bendigo's home game against Golden Square.

For Mick, it was a proud day and one of his highlight achievements throughout a career with the club that began in 1985.

Mick and son Leigh have played plenty of games together as division one team-mates in recent years - including in a premiership - with a number of unavailabilities last weekend as the club battles through the impact of COVID creating an opportunity for Charlie to step up and get his opportunity in the top side.

"It was a very special day for the family," Mick said on Thursday.

"Charlie got his opportunity on Saturday and he did quite well, which was good.

"It was a great honour to be able to play in the same team with Leigh and Charlie.

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"I had previously played in the same team as my dad (Alf) towards the end of his career and twin brother (John), but never had we had three generations play together."

Mick and Leigh played in the same rink together skipped by Lee Harris, while Charlie was part of the rink skipped by Bendigo coach Frank Byrne.

The already special day for the Manning family was made even more memorable by the result in which Bendigo was able to break through for its first win of the season, defeating Golden Square 77-72.

"We've struggled a bit this year and don't have the depth that we used to, so to get up and have our first win for the year was terriffic," Mick said.

The Manning family has a long history with the Bendigo Bowls Club, with one of the greens named the "Alf & Mick Manning Green".

"I've been associated with the bowls club for most of my life," said Mick, who was awarded life membership of the club last year.

"My dad was the greenkeeper from 1952 onwards and as young kids we basically grew up around the bowling green.

"I took up bowls in 1985 and have gone on from there and still love the game and my involvement with the club.

"I'm the greens director of the bowling club, so I'm up there nearly every day doing something. Over the years I've just about taken on every position at the club except president... I'll steer clear of that role."

After its breakthrough win last Saturday Bendigo has the bye in this weekend's round 11 of the Bendigo premier division.

* Saturday's games - Golden Square v South Bendigo, Castlemaine v Inglewood, Kangaroo Flat v Bendigo East, Eaglehawk v Moama.

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