By Jack Rollings
At last, a fair dinkum warm day. No jackets needed. Some gusty breezes, but not too bad.
Monbulk 1 played at home against Bayswater.
Karen Rice’s team gave away only 6 ends, all for minor scores. Bayswater didn’t get on the board until the seventh end. Monbulk wins included four 3s and a big 6. All the Monbulk shots seemed to just work – the draw shots, upshots, blockers, position bowls – it was a memorable magic day. Monbulk won the rink with a gigantic margin of 35 shots to 7.
Jim Bras’ team picked up a 4 on the first end and looked destined for a special day. But then Bayswater came back and equalled on the eighth end. After the break, Monbulk won the big scores – a 4 and three 5s, to grow a very decent margin. Monbulk won the rink 32 shots to 17.
Eric Markham’s team led strongly in the front half, giving away only three ends. But the fruit cake at halftime must have strengthened the Bayswater team because they came out in the back half and hammered Monbulk. Monbulk could only pick up three more ends. Scores were equal on the eighteenth end and then Bayswater edged in front of Monbulk. Monbulk lost the rink 14 shots to 17.
Brian Smith‘s team had the close one, with scores level several times. Going into the break Monbulk were trailing by 4 shots. After the fruit cake, Monbulk claimed a couple of 3s to equal. Bayswater fought back and took back the lead, but Monbulk steadied and took the final six ends to win the rink 25 shots to 19.
Overall Monbulk won 106 shots to 60 with three rinks up. They are well on top of the ladder with four wins and no losses. Next week Monbulk plays away to Healesville who are third on the ladder with two wins. This may test Monbulk.
Monbulk 2 played away against Ferntree Gully 4. This venue is renowned for being difficult for visitors. There is a wide and a narrow side, the wind is variable, and the carpet is not always running true. So, the Monbulk results were magnificent.
Graeme Goller’s rink had some big scores, both for and against. They gave away a 3 and three 4s, but also picked up four 3s, a 4 and a 6. Monbulk took the lead around the halfway mark and grew the margin to 14 shots in the back half. FTG picked up some wins to edge a bit closer, but Monbulk hung on to win the rink 28 shots to 22.
Alan Hamilton’s team was never headed all day. They dropped only one clanger and picked up one 3-shotter. Monbulk won the rink 19 shots to 13.
Don Barnetson’s team only won seven ends for the day but led throughout the front half because they picked up some huge multiples – a 4 and two 5s. In the back half, FTG’s consistency showed through and, even though the scores were sometimes close, Monbulk couldn’t get hold of the mat enough to frighten Ferntree Gully. Monbulk lost the rink 20 shots to 28.
Peter Lee’s team had a blinder. They only gave away 5 ends for the day, all for minor scores. And the wins included two 3s, a 4, and two 5s. They stayed on track, led all day and won the rink by a massive 35 shots to 9.
Overall Monbulk won 102 to 72 with three rinks up. They are now fifth on the ladder with two wins and two losses. Next week they play at home against Upwey/Tecoma who are yet to collect a win this season. Monbulk would have to be favourites on paper, but there are 1344 bowls to be put down before we see who claims the points.
Cockatoo/Monbulk played away against Mooroolbark 7
Graeme Godkin’s team led strongly in the front half, up by 9 shots at the halfway mark. Then Cockatoo/Monbulk came out and lost seven ends in a row. With two ends to go they were 16 shots all, but Mooroolbark grabbed the last ends, and Cockatoo/Monbulk lost the rink 16 shots to 20.
Allan Brooke’s team won seven ends including one 3 but also gave away three 3s. They won equal ends in the back half but couldn’t match the multiples that were given away. Cockatoo/Monbulk lost 12 shots to 27.
Ken Earle’s team won more ends, but the losses included two 3s, a 4 and two 5s. They were able to level on the seventeenth end, but Mooroolbark took the finishing ends. Cockatoo/Monbulk lost 20 shots to 28.
Mark Coulter’s team dropped only five ends for the day. But that included two 4 shot clangers. Nevertheless, Cockatoo/Monbulk led all day and picked up a couple of 3s and a 4. Cockatoo/Monbulk won the rink strongly 28 shots to 14.
Overall, Cockatoo/Monbulk lost 89 shots to 76 with one rink up. They are sixth on the ladder, still waiting for their first outright win. Next week they play at home to Eastwood Golf who are the only side below them on the ladder. This is the line drawn in the sand.
