By Jack Rollings
Round 5. Monbulk 1 played away against Mooroolbark 1. The Mooroolbark green was flooded in the recent rainstorms. The flood water flowed from the football oval at the back of the bowling club. It lifted the synthetic carpet – unplayable apart from a couple of rinks in the centre – insurance job. The ditch walls of the two grass greens showed the level of the flood water with a ring of debris stuck to the carpet like a dirty bathtub. Luckily the clubroom was spared any damage. Before today Mooroolbark 1 was on top of the ladder with four wins and no losses. After today, a similar situation but with five wins. Still the only side with no losses. But Monbulk gave them a decent scare today. And the big board showed Monbulk in front, not far from the finish line.
Jim Bras’ team went into the lunch break with a 3-shot lead. After the break, the opposition won more ends, but Monbulk players were able to claim a few good multiples. They hung on and won the rink 23 shots to 20.
Eric Markham’s team struck an ex-Premier league player, Frank Limb. Frank and his team proved to be a challenge for the Monbulk bowlers. They dropped three 3s, a 5 and a 6, while also picking up a 4 and a 6. Every time Monbulk drew close and put the pressure on, Mooroolbark would come good with a multiple. Monbulk only dropped four ends in the back half, but one of those was a big bad 6 on the second last end. Monbulk lost the rink 21 shots to 30.
Brian Smith’s team started slowly but managed to level on the seventh end. Then they picked up a 5 shotter and were looking good. In the back half they could only pick up four singles and Mooroolbark edged closer. In the end, Monbulk just held Mooroolbark out to take the win 16 shots to 15.
Overall, Monbulk lost a close one 60 shots to 65 with two rinks up. They are still third on the ladder. The next match is at home against Croydon 2 who are only a few points below.
Monbulk 2 played at home against Noble Park 2
Eric Furby’s team had level scores several times. With two ends to go, they were 2 shots down, and that’s when they won a beautiful 5 shotter. Noble Park won a double on the last end but not enough to kick Monbulk off the perch. They won the rink 21 shots to 19.
Graeme Goller’s rink also traded the lead spot several times. With two ends to go, they won a big 4-shotter and looked home and hosed, but Noble Park managed to grab 3 shots on the last end to take the game to a draw 24 shots all.
Peter Koomen ‘s team won thirteen ends including five 3s. On the tenth end, they were 10 shots all. In the back half, Monbulk took the lead and grew the margin. They won the rink 28 shots to 16.
Overall, Monbulk won 73 shots to 59 with two and a half rinks up. They are now second on the ladder, less than a game below top spot. Next week they play at home against Mulgrave CC 6 who are down near the bottom of the ladder. This could be Monbulk’s chance to shoot for the top spot.
Monbulk 3 played away against Yarra Junction 1. It was a close one but Monbulk was pipped on the big board. Monbulk lost 55 shots to 69 with two rinks up.
Barry Adshead’s team struck some tough opponents. They took several clangers off Monbulk and seemed to have answers for everything. Monbulk lost the rink 12 shots to 38.
Bruce Cockerill’s team led for most of the day. They were able to bounce back whenever the opposition won the mat. The end was close, but Monbulk hung on to win the rink 20 shots to 18.
Mike Harris had a strong lead all day, picking up a 3, a 4 and a 5, and only giving away one clanger. Monbulk won the rink 23 shots to 13.
Monbulk is now fourth on the ladder. Next week they play away to Ferntree Gully, who is at the bottom of the ladder. The game will be played on woven carpet, similar to Monbulk’s home ground.
