As a club Berwick is seeing some fantastic results as we head into the 2nd rounds of the home and away season with many sides looking at playing finals this season.
After what was a sweltering day, the club had some very pleasing wins.
Side 1 v Clayton 2 Ladder position 1st
The ones hosted Clayton 2 and it was clear on their arrival that a few players had been dropped down from Premier League so the job could have been made a little tougher. The rink of Klooster, Clements, Ash and Josh McQueen flew out of the blocks and were well up early. With a couple of rinks down the big board looked very close but as the day wore on, McQueen powered away to help set up the win with a convincing 37-12 win. The ones now sit top of the ladder but that could be short lived if they don’t back up this win against a strong and consistent Cheltenham away on Saturday. With a few tinkering of the rinks they’ll be competitive and Carol Klooster continues her great form after being promoted.
Side 2 v Monbulk 1 Ladder position 2nd
The 2s hosted Monbulk and after being well beaten by them in Round 1 the 2s were keen to reverse the result and that they did! Winning 3 rinks and drawing the other, the 2s were dominant taking the overall win 99-69. The two rinks Skipped by Rob Morley and Tony French did the damage with convincing wins. The 2s now sit in 2nd place and travel to Heathmont in what one would expect as a good win, but they can’t afford at this stage of the season to drop the winnable games. With Narre, Cranbourne, Ferntree Gully and Monbulk hot on their heels they really need to consolidate the weekends win and continue to put a gap between 2nd and 3rd.
Side 3 v Pakenham 2 Ladder position 1st
The 3s consolidated top stop with a good win over Pakky on the weekend under the roof. 2 rinks up and 2 rinks down saw them take 14 points on win 92-70 overall. The rink of Dave Fitzpatrick, Jean Reddy, Carsten Jensen and Ken Graeber set the day up or the wickers and were well supported by Craig “Cranky” Mills rink who also won well.
With games coming up against Hampton Park and Cranbourne RSL, the 3s will need to be on their toes over the next two weeks as these were both tough games in the early rounds. If they can win the next two it’s highly likely they’ll secure a top 2 spot and a home final.
Side 4 v Noble Park 1 Ladder position 6th
What a disappointing day for the 4s. This was a game on paper you’d expect the 4s to win and win well! Unfortunately, on one rink win by 1 shot was all the 4s could manage away at Noble Park. They are only a game out of the four but it may be time for some changes in this group as it’s important they get a couple of wins up over the next few weeks to try and slide in to the top 4. With games against Beaumaris and Cheltenham in the next two weeks its going to be tough going for the 4s so expect change at the selection table this week.
Side 5 v Churchill Waverley Golf 1 Ladder position 7th
Another disappointing result for the 5s this week. All 4 rinks down and most of them well beaten except for the rink of Peter Riordon, David Conrad, Susan Balkwell and John Arboit who lost by the narrowest of margins. The 5s just can’t seem to gel with continual changes due to availability. Stability will help them but with COVID and players not committing to play every week it’s tough to get them consistent on the selection table. The 5s though, are providing great support to the higher sides and we will stick at it and hopefully see a win around the corner very soon.
Side 6 v Coatesville 3 Ladder position 1st
The giant killers!!! The 6s have been the surprise packet of 21/22 pennant season and they continue to win and win convincingly. This week they took all 18 points again on offer and dominated their opposition. They set it up with a huge win by the rink of John Wonnacott, Albert Bertoncello, Avril Steere and Pat Steere winning 28-10. They may be getting on and this could be the slowest rink in pennant but take them on at your own peril as they are dominating and being well supported by skips Helen Watson, Bill Stilo and Vaughn Smith. Keep up the great work 6s. Now 10 points in front of 2nd and 30 in front of third they should secure a home final in March
Side 7 v Keysborough (who forfeited) Ladder position 2nd
Side 8 v Brighton Beach Ladder position 1st
A six shot win overall probably secured a home final for the 8s. Now well and truly entrenched in the top 2 and sitting on top they are continuing to get the job done. They travel to Parkdale this week and a win is expected but Parkdale can put a good game together so the 8s will need to be at their best. They took 2 of the 3 rinks on the weekend with Kevin Fewster, John Stoker playing as a 2nd, Tom McDermott and Michael Ferey winning by 14 (24-10). Keep up the great work 8s. Its awesome to see.
So, with 5 out of 8 teams sitting in the top 2 it’s important we see as many as possible putting the time in on the greens during the week. Work on your weaknesses and get better with your strengths. 2021/22 weekend pennant could see some very good finishes to the season but it’s important to keep up the hard work during the week to ensure you’re at your best come Saturdays.
Go Wickers.