By Eric Markham
Monbulk Bowls Club faced tough conditions and opposition over the weekend.
Monbulk 1 travelled to Ringwood on Saturday to face a tricky green, howling winds and intermittent rain and hail.
Eric Markham’s rink bowled well early and led by 10 shots by the twelfth end before Ringwood came within two shots on the last end.
The Monbulk rink soon steadied and won by three shots, 19 to 16.
Richard Cookson’s rink led by three shots after the thirteenth end but then won only two of the next eight ends to go down 14 to 17.
Brian Smiths rink was level after fourteen ends but they then lost eight shots in the next three ends to lose by seven shots, 17 to 24.
Andrew Bell’s rink was down by seven shots after 10 ends but fought back to level the scores with two ends to go.
However, Ringwood steadied and the Monbulk rink went down 17 to 22.
Ringwood won the overall 67 to 79.
Monbulk 2 played Croydon at home with big swings in scores across numerous rinks.
Case Broekhof’s rink was 15 shots down after seven ends but staged a comeback, only to go down 20 to 21.
Eric Furby’s rink took control early and ran out winners, 23 to 14.
Graeme Goller’s rink had a close tussle early but grabbed the win, 22 to 12.
Norma Clerke’s rink was one shot down after fourteen ends but won the next five ends with a couple of multiples to win 21 to 13.
Monbulk claimed victory by 26 shots, 86 to 60 and top spot on the ladder.
On Tuesday Monbulk 1 played the highly fancied Vermont South away on their new green.
Eric Markham’s rink was down by eight shots after four ends and it looked like being a tough day.
However, they turned things around and only lost three more single ends for the day to win 28 to 13.
Richard Cookson’s rink won the majority of ends but dropped several multiples which meant they lost by 15 shots, 14 to 29.
Andrew Bell’s rink had a close contest throughout the day but Vermont South grabbed two shots needed to draw the rink and tie the overall score at 58 shots each.
Monbulk 2 played away at Eastwood Golf and found the home side too strong, going down 43 to 68.
Monbulk 3 played at home against Eastwood Golf and had a convincing 55 shot win, 91-36.
