The final match of the championship in Novi Sad brought a true sporting drama, filled with numerous changes of momentum and uncertainty until the very last throws. The question of the winner was decided only in the closing moments, when the Jedinstvo DEKO women’s bowling team showed great character and secured a historic title.

After the performances of the opening pair, Eva Loci (394) and Izabela Kirti (353), the Jedinstvo DEKO bowlers held a narrow advantage of six pins (747:741). However, Marija Šoltiš (348) and Matilda Nađ (352) were unable to preserve the lead, allowing Vrbas to enter the final decisive round with a 12-pin advantage (1,459:1,447).

Two former youth national team players, Julijana Zavarko and Đenđi Kiš, faced a very difficult task – to overcome the deficit of 12 pins against Franciška Pejović and Angelina Delibašić and turn the result in favor of their team.

Inspired by the support of their fans, Zavarko and Kiš delivered an outstanding performance. Julijana Zavarko was particularly impressive, finishing her game with an exceptional 412 pins, 28 more than her opponent Franciška Pejović. At the same time, on the neighboring lane, Đenđi Kiš completed a confident performance with 381 pins, defeating Angelina Delibašić by ten pins.

Jedinstvo DEKO – Vrbas 2,276:2,216

Jedinstvo DEKO:
Eva Loci 394, Izabela Kirti 353, Marija Šoltiš 348, Matilda Nađ 352, Julijana Zavarko 412, Đenđi Kiš 381

Vrbas:
Danica Šatara 341, Zorica Pašajlić 400, Pava Zaharjanska 362, Agneš Boroš 356, Franciška Pejović 386, Angelina Delibašić 371

The two leading bowlers of Jedinstvo DEKO not only erased the deficit but also secured victory for their team with a final score of 2,276:2,216. With this triumph, Jedinstvo DEKO became the first champion of the newly formed state – the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FR Yugoslavia).

Historic Victory and Statements After the Match

The best-performing player of the match, Julijana Zavarko, told the Belgrade newspaper Sport after the game:

“There is no need to overcomplicate things; everyone showed what they were capable of at that moment. Since we are the stronger team, victory was inevitable. We are certainly happy with the championship title, and I hope we will continue in the same way next season.”

Đenđi Kiš, who made a significant contribution to the victory, briefly commented:

“We came with the intention of winning, and we achieved that. I am happy because we reached our goal. This team is capable of bringing even more joy to our loyal supporters.”

The greatest reason for celebration also belonged to coach Laslo Makra, for whom winning the title was the perfect gift for his anniversary – 25 years of working with women bowlers. Immediately after the match, he told Sport:

“Although the Novi Sad bowling alley suited the Vrbas team more, my girls showed much greater determination and deservedly reached a great triumph. I believe that better psychological preparation was decisive, and most importantly, quality was on our side. I expected this title, I believed in our bowlers, and this is my reward for all the effort invested. I am overjoyed, just like everyone else.”

The celebration of the championship title, attended by numerous guests and friends of the club, was held on 14 May 1993 at the Youth Center in Bačko Gradište.

Photo: The First Trophy Is Never Forgotten – Jedinstvo DEKO Bowlers