After winning the Eastern Ranges over-60s pairs in October, Andrew Bell and Eric Markham from the
Monbulk Bowling Club went to the City of Frankston Bowling Club to take on the other 15 regional champions from around the state.
The competition decided the state pairs champions for 2018.
The Monbulk pair defeated the West Coast pair from Portland in the first round by seven shots.
They then defeated the highly fancied pair from Bendigo in the quarter final in a long and tense match.
The Monbulk pair then played the Northern Gateway winners from Sunbury in the semi-final, but the opponents proved too good.
Bell and Markham finished the championship in equal third place.
In Tuesday pennant, Monbulk 1 was able to maintain its position on top of the ladder by defeating third-placed Yarra Glen in a keenly contested match by 26 shots, 74 to 48.
Peter Koomen’s rink was in control all day and had a resounding win by 25 shots, 37 to 12.
Andrew Bell’s rink got back on the winners’ list with a comfortable win by 10 shots, 23 to 13.
Eric Markham’s rink started poorly and was unable to make up for a slow start, losing by nine shots, 14 to 23.
Monbulk 2 was in third place on the ladder and played fourth-placed Mooroolbark at home.
Monbulk controlled the contest for most of the game, winning by 32 shots, 79 to 47.
Eric Furby’s rink was again in great form, winning by 21 shots, 37 to 16.
Graeme Goller’s rink continued its good run of form winning by 12 shots, 23 to 11.
Peter Francis’ rink went down by one shot in a tight affair, 19 to 20.
This win enabled the team to strengthen its hold on third spot on the ladder.
Monbulk 3 was in second place on the ladder played third-placed Eastwood Golf at its opponent’s venue and was greeted with a very slow green.
Barry Adhead’s rink used the conditions to their advantage, with Greg Meyers and Craig Ward both playing well and this gave their rink a win by 19 shots, 26 to 7.
However, Don Barnetson’s rink had trouble all day, losing by 18 shots, 11 to 29.
Mike Harris’ rink kept things reasonably tight but eventually went down by eight shots, 11 to 19.
This meant that Monbulk went down by seven shots overall, 48 to 55, and lost second place on the ladder to Eastwood Golf.
Night Owls bowls started last Thursday and it was a terrific night, the club said.
It starts at 7.30 pm. Participants should dress casually and wear flat-soled shoes.
Bowls can be provided and players of all abilities are encouraged to attend to have fun and enjoy the game of bowls.
Single players or teams can be accommodated.
Call the club on 9756 6183 to play or sign up in the foyer.
