Team 1 Division 2
After a frustrating start to the season having lost 3 out of their first 4 games on the last end the Monbulk Bowling club top side finally got a much-needed W under the belt away against Warburton. Played in the shadows of the Majestic Warburton Mountain the bowling club which is one of the most picturesque clubs in the district is also renowned as one of the more difficult venue to win at, however this would be the battle ground for this must win contest. Despite not having won at Warburton in recent memory the Hawks produced what would be their best performance for the season to win the critical game 16/2 19 shots up and extract a collective sigh of relief from all concerned.
Jim Bras (22/10) led the charge supported by big games from his front-end Klaus Eisle and Irma Turner along with a great game by 3rd Eric Markham. Brian Smith ( 20/17) brought his best form leading from the front and providing inspiration to team members Kylie Bailey and Anne Ward who were amazing. Rob Wilson (21/14) rink locked horns with a strong opposition to win a high standard tight game, an environment Chris Clerici quite clearly was motivated by to produce his best game for the season. Dion Addison (13/16) rink provided some early team nerves getting off to a very Shakey start being 1-9 down early. However they steadied and fought back, but despite not being able to secure a win on his rink the performance of Dion and his allies Rob Espenberger, Calvin Connell, and Craig “Turbo” Ward did a great job of avoiding a blow-out then restricting the margin to help make this great overall win possible.
Team 2 Division 5
Croydon sitting higher on the ladder and probably more fancied visited Monbulk to play the Monbulk 2nd side, no doubt very confident of taking the points off the Mountain. However the Hawks hadn’t seen the script and decided this would not occur on their watch and they set about sending the visitors away empty handed. This was an impressive 16/2 78/70 win that elevates the side into the top 4 and one that hopefully will motivate them towards an even higher status as the weeks role on. In a solid 3 winning rink performance Graeme Goller (26/16) achieved the highest margin, and whilst their margins were not as notable the wins by Andy Smith (19/16) and Don Barnetson (16/15) were just as important in what was to be a close overall win. Peter Lee (17/23) rink didn’t win but certainly did their bit towards the cause.
Team 3 Division 8
In what was ultimately not to be their day once again the Monbulk 3s didn’t disgrace themselves playing away at Berwick, they put up one hell of a fight to go down by a single figure margin 2/14 58/67. Ron Bishop (26/17) did his very best to turn the result in favour of his team with his 9-shot win, and Yvonne Cowling (17/25) and Brendan Griffiths (15/25) ably supported by his wily old 3rd Peter Dowsett tried to the very end only to ultimately lament their narrow loss.
Tuesday Pennant
Team 1 Division 1
Having played on what has seemed to have been an infinite number of wet Tuesdays this round 5 contest in midweek bowls was finally blessed with a pleasant sunny day. However Monbulk were anything but pleasant hosts to the Visiting Mooroolbark side as the Monbulk team celebrated the fine weather by producing an equally very fine result winning 14/2 78/42.
The Rob Wilson rink (39/7) delivered the headline numbers for the week due to the outstanding play from Karen Wilson, Irma Turner, and Craig Ward. This trio are having a super season and that form was on full display in this contest. Jim Bras (22/14) midweek form continues to be strong with his rink playing well non better than Greg Myers who continues to impress. Brian Smith (17/21) couldn’t quite get over the line despite a late charge, but the performance was commendable.
Team 2 Division 3
Placed 3rd on the ladder and within touching distance of the top the Midweek 2s are having a good season with a positive winning ledger. And this good form continued when they racked up a 14/2 59/44 win at home against Lilydale. The very consistent Andy Smith (24/14) achieved the best winning margin with plenty of help from a solid support base of Peter Lee, Martin “Grumpy” Williams and emerging talent Lou Thomas. Ray Pike ( 20/11) has been the boss so far leading his rink to the most wins and again showed the way by registering yet another win, nice work by Ray Arts in the lead role. Don Barnetson (15/19) rink couldn’t quite do enough to secure the 2 points on offer falling just short but did enough to help the team cause.
Team 3 Division 5
Side 3 sitting on the fringes of the top 4 ventured to Healesville full of hope of improving that position against a team with a similar status. However they came up empty handed in a one-sided defeat 0/16 42/83 at the hands of the home side who obviously decided to double down in defence of their ladder position on their home patch. Bruce Cockerill (14/21) was defiant for most of the game putting in a fine effort but ultimately was defeated in the last few ends, however his and his teams good season continues to be impressive. Mike Harris (16/25) who is also having a solid season also couldn’t quite get it done this week. Sadly for Ron Bishop (12/37) and his rink they were soundly beaten and left the Healesville town licking their wounds. It would seem that the only positives that came from the Healesville trip that day was the pastry shop visit.
