Last Tuesday the weather presented very hot conditions for pennant for Monbulk Bowling Club.
Monbulk 1 was playing at Chirnside Park and both teams agreed to start one hour earlier to try and avoid the hottest part of the day.
Scores across all rinks were tight early but Monbulk eventually got on top to win the overall by eight shots, 62 to 54.
Eric Markham’s rink had a tight battle for the first half of the game but then powered away to win by 12 shots, 24 to 12.
Richard Cookson’s rink also produced a good second half to win by seven shots, 25 to 18.
Andrew Bell’s rink had a difficult day losing by 11 shots, 13 to 24.
Both Monbulk 2 and Monbulk 3 did not complete their games due to the heat and will share the points with the opposition.
All Monbulk teams maintain their positions in the top four.
On Saturday, third-on-the-ladder Monbulk 1 played at fourth-placed Lilydale.
Monbulk started slowly and this proved costly.
Dion Addison’s team took a while to get into the match.
By the 14th end they had won only three ends and were down seven shots to 24.
Then they won the mat and started changing up the length.
That was the trigger – they were able to win the next six ends and got to within seven shots.
At the finish they went down 17 shots to 26.
Eric Markham’s rink also started slowly.
By the halfway mark they were down two shots to 14.
After the break they came out with more confidence, won a few ends, including a massive five, but ended up going down 15 shots to 24.
Richard Cookson’s team also struggled in the beginning.
At the break they were down seven shots to 13.
In the back half they came good, only giving away three ends.
They levelled by the 19th end and then won the last two ends to finish up with a win 23 shots to 20.
It was a strong comeback.
Andrew Bell’s team lead all day.
The front half combination of Geoff Petersen and Kevin Crehan revelled on this green, always giving Andrew something with which to work his magic.
The team picked up some good multiples and ran away with a strong win 26 shots to 13.
Overall, it was a thrilling finish – Monbulk had been down all day, but on the last couple of ends got within striking distance.
Overall, Monbulk failed by just two shots, 81 to 83.
That loss pushed Lilydale into third position and Monbulk into fourth.
Monbulk 2 travelled over to Keysborough to take on Dandenong RSL, with Monbulk occupying top spot on the ladder.
Eric Furby’s team played a tough rink and went down by six shots, 16 to 22.
Peter Donders’ team lost 12 shots to 19 and Graeme Goller’s team lost 10 shots to 19.
Peter Francis’ team was the shining light for the day, winning by four shots, 21 shots to 17, with the overall result being a loss by 18 shots, 59 to 77.
That loss has meant the side lost top spot on the ladder and is now sitting third, but with less than a game between the top three sides.
Night Owls bowls is in full swing on Thursday nights.
A number of people, including many new bowlers, enjoyed the warm night under lights and had a great deal of fun.
The bowls starts at 7.30pm, with casual dress and flat soled shoes advised.
Bowls can be provided. Single players or teams can be accommodated.
Call the club on 9756 6183 to play, sign up in the foyer at Monbulk Bowls Club, or arrive at 7.15pm ready for action.
