Tuesday pennant saw Monbulk 1 who were in top position travel to Mooroolbark who were fourth in what was expected to be a close contest on their grass green.
Eric Markham’s rink picked up four shots on the second end to give them a five shot lead. Their opponents then won seven of the next 11 ends to close the gap to two shots after 13 ends. Some good bowling from Anne Ward, Klaus Eisele and Karen Rice saw the Monbulk rink gain control and win by 10 shots.
Peter Koomen’s rink was level on the tenth end and then won the next two ends to take a three shot lead. They then lost the next six ends to fall behind by eight shots. They made up some ground in the next two ends but went down by five shots, 15 to 20.
Jim Bras’ rink found themselves four shots down after five ends. They then picked up 10 shots in two ends to lead by six shots. However, they then dropped seven shots in the next two ends to be one shot down. Little then separated both rinks for the rest of the match and scores were level with the last end to play. The Mooroolbark rink was able to take the shot and win the rink 23 to 22. Monbulk won the close contest by four shots, 59 to 55 and have consolidated their position on top of the ladder.
Monbulk 2 played Dandenong at home hopeful that a win would keep their finals hopes alive.
Eric Furby’s rink had the better of the contest early and led by seven shots after nine ends. A great change came over the game with the home team winning only two of the last twelve ends to lose by nine shots, 14 to 23.
Jim Anderson’s rink was only one shot in arrears after nine ends. They then lost five of the next six ends to trail by eight shots. They made up some ground in the final ends but lost by four shots, 16 to 20.
Graeme Goller’s rink struggled early against some good bowling and found themselves twelve shots down after 12 ends. They then picked up five shots on the tenth end, but never really threatened going down by 13 shots, 12 to 25.
Monbulk lost the overall by 26 shots, 42 to 68 and any chance of playing finals.
Monbulk 3 played Croydon at home in what turned out to be a close contest. While the home team won the majority of ends the number of multiple shot losses cost them victory.
Bruce Cockerill’s rink was one shot in front after eight ends, but then over the next eight ends dropped 14 shots which included three clangers and eventually lost by nine shots, 17 to 26. Mike Harris’ rink found themselves eight shots down after seven ends. They then clawed themselves back into the game and by the fourteenth end scores were tied.
The Monbulk rink then picked up a couple of multiples to win by five shots, 26 to 21.
Alan Brooke’s team started well and led by seven shots, after eleven ends, but when they dropped a six on the thirteenth end scores were level. The Monbulk rink then found themselves two shots down going into the last end, but were able to win the end with the game ending in a tie.
Monbulk lost the overall to Croydon by four shots, 63 to 67.
