By Jack Rollings
Saturday pennant. The day was windy with erratic and swirly winds. The temperature was in the thirties – the hottest we’ve had this season.
Monbulk 1 played at home against Heathmont 2. Heathmont is a big club with six Saturday sides and many extra players to call on. Yesterday, Monbulk had ten players sidelined with injuries, illnesses, and a couple of holidays. Monbulk was struggling to field the full two sides.
It was a home match, one that Monbulk really wanted to win, and a few times during the afternoon that looked possible, with the composite board level and two rinks in the lead.
But Monbulk were overtaken in the run home.
Karen Rice’s team started slowly and didn’t start scoring until the fifth end. From there they stayed in touch, giving away one clanger, but restricting all the other losses. After the break they put a few wins together and were within striking distance with just four ends to go. But Heathmont were able to take those last four ends and finish with a solid margin. Monbulk lost the rink 11 shots to 21.
Brian Smith’s team had a close one, with level scores several times. With three ends to go, Heathmont picked up a 4 shotter, and that made a 4 shot margin, the biggest margin for the day.
Monbulk claimed the last two ends to finish with a draw 17 shots all.
Jim Bras’ team trailed closely for most of the game. Then, with six ends to go, they picked up a 3 and a 4, to put their noses in front. But Heathmont bounced back strongly and took the final four ends with some good multiples. Monbulk lost the rink 15 shots to 24.
Eric Markham’s team also stayed close for most of the day. Both sides picked up some multiples. With two ends to go, the scores were again level. And again, Heathmont finished stronger, just doing enough to take the ends and score the win. Monbulk lost 18 shots to 20.
Overall Monbulk lost to Heathmont 61 shots to 82, with only a single ladder point gained for the draw on Brian’s rink. It was disappointing to say the least. Monbulk is now sixth on the ladder. Next week they play away against Ringwood who aren’t much higher on the ladder. Yes, it’s away, but this is a
winnable round.
Monbulk 2 played away against Narre Warren 5. The dome at Narre Warren may have kept the hot sun off the players but it didn’t stop the wind. Conditions were tough, and Monbulk did amazingly well to prevail.
Peter Lee’s team won 12 ends but they trailed for the afternoon after dropping a 6 shot clanger early on and also a couple of 3s. They made a dash for the finish but were restricted to single wins when multiples were needed. Monbulk lost the rink 17 shots to 21.
Peter Koomen’s team won ten ends including a couple of 3s. On the twelfth end they got to the front but then dropped 15 shots over the next five ends to trail by 13 shots. In the run home they clawed back a few ends, but the finish line came too fast, and the margin was too great. Monbulk lost the rink
16 shots to 24.
Graeme Seymour’s team were the stars of the day. They dropped only five ends, all for minor scores, and their wins included a 3 and a 4. They kept growing the scoreline and ended the day with five straight winning ends. Monbulk won the rink 22 shots to 6.
Mike Harris’ team won twelve ends in what should have been a comfortable game. But they also dropped a 5 and a 4, making it a close game for much of the day. A good strong run of eight winning ends in the middle of the afternoon established a solid margin and Monbulk was able to take the rink
20 shots to 16.
Overall Monbulk won the round 75 shots to 67 with two rinks up. That was a mighty effort on an away pitch. It is their second win for the season, and they are now sixth on the ladder. Next week they play at home against Keysborough who are just below on the ladder. There is a chance of breaking into
the top four if they can score a win.
