By Jack Rollings
Saturday pennant, Round 12. Despite the near 36-degree heat, play continued on the bowling greens.
Monbulk 1 travelled to Heathmont and played on their middle grass green, fast but not as wide as Monbulk.
Brian Smith’s team won more ends and had a close battle throughout the day. With just two ends to play, the scores were tied at 19 shots all. Unfortunately, Heathmont grabbed the last two ends. Monbulk lost the rink 19 shots to 22.
Eric Markham’s team initially struggled, winning only two ends and trailing by 10 shots by the tenth end. They then gained momentum and dominated the latter half. Despite Heathmont’s scare with a 3-shot win on the second last end, Monbulk secured a 2-shot win on the final end, winning the rink 19 to 18.
Tony French’s team maintained their lead throughout the day. They won eleven ends to ten. Although this sounds close, Monbulk’s wins included four 3s, while Heathmont achieved mostly singles and doubles. At the halfway point, Monbulk was 8 shots ahead and they maintained this margin in the latter part of the game. Monbulk ultimately won the rink with 22 shots to Heathmont’s 13.
Jim Bras’ team performed strongly on the grass green and only dropped seven ends all day.They led by 9 shots a few times, but they did drop three clangers, allowing Heathmont to catch up slightly. Despite this, Monbulk won convincingly 21 shots to 16.
Overall Monbulk won the round by 81-69 with three rinks up.
Monbulk is fifth on the ladder, one win away from the top four. It is a tight ladder, with the top sides having just one more win than Monbulk. Next week Monbulk plays Ringwood, who are third. Last time, Monbulk lost to them by 27 shots, but this match is on Monbulk home turf, so there’s a lot at stake.
Monbulk 2 played at home against Narre Warren 5.
Norma Clerke’s team won 24 shots to 14.
Case Broekhof’s team won 25 shots to 14.
Andy Smith’s team lost 20 shots to 22.
Peter Koomen’s team won 23 shots to 13.
Monbulk won overall 92 shots to 63, with three rinks up. They are now fifth on the ladder, with six wins and six losses, and a slim chance of breaking into the top four with two rounds remaining. Next week, they play away against Keysborough, currently seventh with three wins. Keysborough will be striving to avoid relegation, while Monbulk aims to take that big step up the ladder.
