Side 1 def Parkdale – 3rd
The 1’s bounced back strongly away against Parkdale. A big shift in attitude and positivity saw a great fighting effort from all rinks.
Ellard was well down early but fought back to be 1 down with 1 end to play while McQueen edged in front and Mills’ rink was neck and neck all day. Klooster, Bunnell, Edwards and Rich teamed up well to get a 16 shot margin and the 2 up, 2 down, 14pts overall.
A shock loss to Cheltenham now sees the top 4 pretty much set and only 1pt separating the top 3. The double headers commence this week so with Mulgrave at home and the Beaumaris away on Sunday the 1s must get 2 out of 2 to keep the pressure on.
Side 2 def Dandenong Club – equal 1st
The 2’s continue to show how good they can be and another great win over the top side Dandenong Club sees them both now on equal points.
With inclusions to the top side this week, there’ll be some tinkering with sides and these changes should only strengthen the 2’s with important games coming up.
The weekend’s win was mainly due to a 15 shot win by Oswald, Cantwell, Hughes and French. The twos play 3 of the top 5 teams on the run home. This is a very competitive section and with 3 other games this weekend involving top 4 sides playing each other, a win could get them a break and a cemented top 4 spot.
Side 3 def by Cranbourne RSL – 3rd
A couple of big rink losses hurt the 3’s chances of cementing their top 2 spot. Two losses in two weeks to top 4 sides mean the 3’s are really in need of a big win against Cardinia Waters this week to put a gap between the top 4 and the rest!
If not , they could actually see themselves fighting for a spot in the 4 after being on top of the ladder after round 8!
In some positive news for the club and the 3’s, it was great to see Jeff Janetzki back out on the green on a Saturday doing what he loves best. He’s been through a battle of massive proportions and to see him back out there this season is one of the feel-good stories of the season. Well done Jeff and it’s great to see you back out there.
Side 4 def by Cheltenham – 7th
Four losses on the trot for the 4’s this week and they are now desperate for a win.
We’ve said all season, across all grades, it’s tough to cover big rink losses let alone 2 on the same day. Cheltenham is strong club and it was always going to be a tough game. Only the rink of Lamble, A Jones, Rushton and D Fisher could manage a win.
Hosting Parkdale is a game the 4s’ can and should win so with some players back in to the 4s this week a win is a must and we’ve got them on top for the win.
Side 5 def by Narre Warren – 7th
Narre are knocking of the door of the four in this section so to go down by only 14 overall was a fair result for the 5’s.
The 5’s are working hard for another win and the efforts by those being given opportunities is a positive sign for these bowlers and the club. Another tough assignment this week as they travel to Upwey to take on their 2nd side but the fighting 5’s are always a chance and that was shown last when they beat the top side.
Side 6 def by Hampton – 2nd
A very narrow, unexpected loss by the 6’s this week going down overall by only 2 shots.
They’ve set up a home final already but it’s important they don’t get ahead of themselves at this late stage of the season.
One of the strongest pennant rinks in the club this season again nearly helped snatch a close one with Wonnacott, Bertoncello, A. Steere and P. Steere getting up easily again by 11 shots. The average age of this rink is probably 75 and it shows the importance of experience.
Side 7 def Mordialloc – 2nd
A 24 shot win by McClary, S. Korda, Jorgensen and Wood set up a big win by the 7s at home! T
hey took all 16 points and have now set up another home final for the club in a few week’s time.
They haven’t skipped a beat this season and continue to be very hard to beat. Away this week to Moorabbin they can wrestle back top spot.
Side 8 def Hampton – 1st
Another thumping given out by the 8’s this week taking all the points and all three rinks winning by 12, 15 and 16 for a 43 shot win overall.
We are not going to make a call on where the 8’s might finish in 4 week’s time when finals start as there is still only 1 game between the top 3 and two games between the top 5.
We don’t expect the 8’s to lose too many on the run in but we’ll save our judgement of a home final for another week or two after we some other results as well.
The run home
Only 4 games remaining for our 2s to 8s. It’s important we are all working hard to ensure our bowls are as good as they can be.
Get on the practice track, get some bowls down and keep enjoying ourselves.
Selections may also be based on qualification requirements for some bowlers over the coming weeks as we want as many bowlers as possible Qualified for finals. It is very possible that we could see as many as 6 home finals (we’ll deal with that if it happens) so get excited, be positive and support each other over the coming weeks and hopefully we see some amazing results by season’s end.