By Jack Rollings
Saturday Pennant resumed for bowlers after the Christmas break. It’s now the pointy end of the season – only four more home and away matches and then it will be finals.
On Saturday it was warm, no jumpers needed, and hardly any wind, perfect for bowling.
Monbulk 1 travelled to Mooroolbark who have been on top of the ladder for most of the season. Monbulk was sitting fifth and a good win could have pushed the side into the top four. But it was not to be. On the day, and on their home green, Mooroolbark showed their class by out drawing the Monbulk bowlers on three of the four rinks and even scoring some blowout results.
Eric Markham’s team won eight ends and picked up a good three and four shotter. However, in the ends they lost, they gave up three threes, a four and a six. With five ends to go, Monbulk trailed by just six shots, but Mooroolbark steadied and won the race home. Eric’s rink lost 16 to 27.
Jim Bras’ team had their toughest showing for the season, winning just five ends for the day. On several ends, they were holding some good multiples, but the Mooroolbark skip was able to draw off the shot with accurate line and length. At the break Monbulk trailed by just three shots and a comeback seemed possible. But, after the break, Monbulk didn’t win an end and struggled to contain the losses to single shots. Monbulk lost the rink six shots to 25.
Brian Smith’s team also struggled to get on the scoreboard, winning just six ends for the day. Mooroolbark’s wins were mostly multiples, so the scoreline moved along quickly, leaving Monbulk with an overwhelming challenge. Monbulk lost the rink nine shots to 27.
Tony French’s rink had the close match, with scores level several times. Both sides won a similar number of ends and both sides picked up some multiples. Going into the last end, the scores were 19 shots all, and the Monbulk skip was able to grab a single shot with his final bowl of the day. Monbulk won the rink 20 shots to 19.
Overall Monbulk lost 51 to 98. It was a convincing win by the ladder leaders. Monbulk is still fifth on the ladder and still with a chance to play finals. But time is running out and some good wins are needed. Next week the side travels to Boronia. This is a must win match.
Monbulk 2 played at home against the local Cockatoo side. Cockatoo have had a strong season so far and have the highest score difference of all the sides in their section. But on Saturday they were facing Monbulk on Monbulk’s home green.
Andy Smith’s team had a strong front half and led by eight shots at the break. In the back half, it was Cockatoo who won most of the ends and gradually reduced the margin. Going into the final end Monbulk led by just a single shot, so the game was up for grabs. Monbulk steadied and took the end with one shot, to win the rink 18 shots to 16.
Graeme Goller’s team had a day out. They dropped just six ends for the day and picked up several good multiples. They kept up the pressure and won the rink 27 shots to eight.
Case Broekhof’s team struggled in the front half, winning just two ends and trailing by 11 shots. After the break, they came back a bit stronger, even picking up a four shotter on the last end. But the Cockatoo lead was too great and Monbulk lost the rink 14 shots to 24.
Don Barnetson’s team had a close match all day. Even though they didn’t win as many ends, they did manage to pick up three threes and two fours. With just three ends to go, scores were 17 shots all. Monbulk managed to win the race home and win the rink 22 shots to 19.
Overall Monbulk won 81 shots to 67 with three rinks up. Monbulk is now on top of the ladder, nine ladder points beyond second place. They are in a good position to play finals if they can maintain their form.
Monbulk 3 also played at home. They faced up to Healesville who are above them on the ladder and proving difficult to beat on the green. But on Saturday, it was Monbulk’s day, and they won on all three rinks.
Graeme Godkin’s team won a similar number of ends to Healesville but they won some great multiples to edge their score along at a fast rate. Monbulk won the rink 29 shots to 21.
Mike Harris’ team won more ends, and they also won some good multiples. After the break, Healseville picked up the pace, but the Monbulk bowlers managed to stay with them and maintain the margin. Monbulk won the rink 27 shots to 14.
Chris Sullivan’s rink seesawed through the front half and were seven shots all at the break. After the break the two teams still paced each other. The difference came when Monbulk managed to grab a big four shotter to build a margin from which Healesville couldn’t recover. Monbulk won the rink 17 shots to 13.
Overall Monbulk won 73 shots to 48 with three rinks up. Monbulk is now sitting inside the top four. Next week they play the top side Mitcham, but it will again be on Monbulk’s home turf. This will be a great opportunity to cement that finals position.
