It’s only early but we’ve been at it for 5 weeks now with 2 rounds in.
A big congratulations firstly to all our weekend pennant bowlers. After 3 practice matches and 2 rounds the positivity around the club is fantastic, the performances so far very good and a lot to like about where we are at as a club. Club culture at the moment is at an all time high and you should all be congratulated for being a part of this.
During the season we will give a few brief rundowns of where each side is at and a bit of a summary of what’s to come.
SIDE 1 – Div 1 Sect 4 (Ladder position 1st) 2 wins
Its been one of the better starts for our top side for some years. Two big wins and maximum points in both games to date see’s them in a great position early. Our new recruits have settled in well and it’s obvious that they’re inclusions are having a big impact. With two big games coming up with Beaumaris this week and perennial rivals pakky on Friday 3rd December under the pakky roof it will be important for the top side to consolidate their two wins first up. It’s a competitive section and we are hoping for good things this year from our one’s.
SIDE 2 – Div 2 Sect 5 (4th) 1 win 1 loss
After a tough first up game against Monbulk at Monbulk in tricky conditions the 2nd side bounced back strongly this week. 4 rinks up and maximum points over Heathmont. There is a few in the 2s that are really staking a claim for promotion to the top side in what is going to be a tough side to crack into. Our depth is the key for the two’s this season and availability is going to be important. With a couple out this week and a couple back into the side, we expect a bold showing from the magoos as they take on local rivals Dandy Club 2s. If we can settle the side down over the coming weeks they’ll be right there at the end of the season.
SIDE 3 – Div 3 Sect 6 (3rd) 1 win 1 loss
A narrow win first up against pakky 3 and very narrow loss last week against Hampton Park’s top side the 3s see themselves sitting 3rd on the ladder early on. The section is strong with 4 club’s top sides and 2 others 2nd sides the 3s will need to be on their toes every time they step on to the green this season. BUT……the club’s depth is better than ever and we think that with some continuity in selection, the 3s have a great opportunity to play some great games against the good opposition in the section. This week sees them take on Cranbourne RSL 1s who have had 2 strong wins against Cardinia Waters 1 and Chelsea 1. Back on our home deck we’re predicting a close one and a win to the wickers.
SIDE 4 – Div 3 Sect 7 (2nd) 1 win 1 Draw (washout)
The 4s shared the points in round 1 then played last week at home against Beaumaris 2s and got the win with 14 points. A great effort as Beauy are a strong club. Our 4s sees some of our newer bowlers who have shown talent and those wanting to take the next step paired with some experienced back ends. We’re hoping this is a great combination and we see some of these bowlers climbing through the sides this season. They’ll all need to be up and about this week going to Cheltenham 2 who have had strong wins first up and are going to be tough to beat. After last weeks win they’ve proved already they can match it with the strong bayside teams. Could be a nail biter this one!
SIDE 5 – Div 4 Sect 6 (4th) 1 loss 1 draw (washout)
A tough section for our 5s this year. Strong teams in Narre 3 and Dandy Club 3 look to be strong along with Churchill Waverley 1s will see our 5s need to win some of their games against these 3 to really challenge. They’re capable, no doubt but again, as we know, availability in the sides above them week to week will determine if we can settle the rinks to see if they can produce some consistency in results. After a single figure defeat overall last week by Dandy Club they come up against Narre 3 this week on our home turf. We’re picking the 5s in an upset this week.
SIDE 6 – Div 6A Sect 6 (4th) 1 win 1 loss
We are up and about with our 6s this season!!! After receiving the forfeit from Coatesville in Round 1, the 6s went to neighbours Narre last week only go down with the last bowl of the day. A little luck our way and the result was different but that’s bowls. This side has a great chance we think to finish top 2 or 3 this season and after last weeks close defeat they take on Hampton 4 at Edwin Flack this week and we’re predicting a big win.
SIDE 7 – Div 7 Sect 7 (2nd) 2 wins
This team could be the surprise packet!! They should be on top after Moorabbin has received full points twice for 2 forfeits but rounds 1 & 2 have shown the 7s are a live one this season. They’ve been reasonably settled for a few weeks and we think they will continue their winning form this week when they travel to Mordy to take on their 4s. Great start by the 7s and keep an eye on this one.
SIDE 8 – Div 7 Sect 8 (5th) 1 loss 1 Draw (washout)
It’s Bayside or bust for these 8s! They’ve probably copped the worst of it when it comes to changes after the 2nd round but a narrow loss last week sees them still in a good position. We think they’ll bounce back this week at Hampton and kick off what we hope will be an exciting and hopefully rewarding season for the 8s. Changes with unavailability and late minute pull outs will make it hard but we think the 8s will be there about’s.
Tough to keep it any shorter with 8 sides but good luck to everyone this coming week and remember…….it’s not about you, it’s about your rink, your side and ultimately, your club.