By Eric Markham
Monbulk Bowls Club was back in action last week, with all three teams taking part in hard-fought battles to begin the new year.
Monbulk 1 took on Lilydale at home in Round 11 and escaped with a close win after trailing during the first half of the contest.
Brian Smith’s rink was behind early but gradually gained the upper hand to lead by six shots with three ends to play.
However, they dropped a five and then a six to lose 24-20.
Richard Cookson’s rink found themselves two shots down with two ends to play, but then won the last two ends with a five and one to take the rink 19-15.
Eric Markham’s rink began the contest well but then fell apart to drop 22 shots and trail by 16 shots at the break.
They then lifted their game to get within three shots with three ends to play but eventually lost 30-26.
Andrew Bell’s rink built a lead after the fourth end and then maintained control throughout the game to win 20-10.
This gave Monbulk the overall victory 85-79 and enabled them to maintain second on the ladder.
Monbulk 2 travelled to Mitcham and found itself in a very tough contest.
Case Broehof’s rink established a handy lead before trailing by two shots with two ends to play.
The Monbulk rink then won the last two ends to win 21-20.
Norma Clerke’s rink battled hard throughout the day but faced a nine-shot deficit with six ends to play.
The rink then rallied to win four of the next five ends to go down 20-15.
Eric Furby’s rink maintained a strong start to win 23-15.
Graeme Goller’s rink established an early lead before Monbulk pegged back.
Goller found himself three shots down when he stepped up to bowl.
With the overall points at stake, he coolly drew the shot to give Monbulk overall victory by two shots.
However, his rink ended up going down 26-24.
Monbulk 3 travelled to Warburton and found the going tough.
Alan Brooke’s rink lost 31-15 while Peter Hiscox’s rink went down by one shot in a tough battle.
Monbulk lost the overall, 49-32.
