Saturday Pennant round 11
In what was to be the hottest conditions of the season was to also produce the most heartbreaking of days for the Saturday teams. All three teams were to go down on the last end of their matches.
The first team Division 2 had an amazing crack to go down on the last end by the narrowest of margins 1 shot 4/14, 71/72. The close encounters just refuse to full the way of the Hawks with this being the teams 4th loss under 3 shots . There was a lot of motivation to defeat the visiting Ferntree Gully and revenge the only blow out of the season the first time the teams met. Unfortunately despite a big rev up prior to the game in what was a high standard game the Monbulk team were slow out of the blocks, but in what has been a hallmark of the side they worked hard to claw back the early deficit. At the break, the advantage was 17 shots to the Gully, however upon resumption the Hawks set about working on the margin, which they did slowly till it came down to the last end the one which ultimately found the gallant Monbulk just falling short. This was probably the highest standard match of the season with testimony to this being the lowest scoring opposition score to date. Rob Wilson (22/15) had a top win with Ray Pund and Karen Wilson both having strong games. Jim Bras (17/16) fine season continues as he piloted his rink to a tough narrow win. Shaun Wilson (16/17) struggled to get a foothold in this low scoring contest for the majority of the game until they made a late charge by grabbing 10 shots in the last 6 ends to just fall short. Eric Markham produced one of his best games in the heat to support his team. Dion Addison (16/24) battled hard however could not get the cards to fall his way in this one.
Team 2 division 5
The 2s travelled to Warburton to play at one of the more picturesque but difficult greens around, and much like the top side this was a low scoring affair the came down to the wire. The Hawks only managed to win the one rink that of Peter Lee (19/16) however the combined losing total of the other 3 rinks was just 6 shots. Andrew Smith (16/17) who was supported well by James Anderson, Ray Aarts and Louise Thomas who had a very good game. Graeme Goller (17/19 ) and Case Broekhof (16/19) can considrer themselves a bit unlucky to go down as can the side in the overall loss of 3 shots. 2/16 68/71
Team 3 Division 8
The Third side unfortunately were to complete the trio of close finishes that didn’t fall the clubs way in round 11 by losing by 3 shots. Also having to contend with the hot conditions at Monbulk this team flew out of the starters blocks to establish an early break that appeared to have the home side heading for a big win. However the visiting Berwick side were having none of it as they steadied to turn the game into a fight to the last end. Frank Mileto ( 20/15) was vocal in his support of his team all day trying to spur his teammates over the line Frank was also great with bowls in hand playing a top game. Mike Harris ( 25/23) continues to impress with another win one made easier with great support from Graeme Godkin, Darren Ward and the reliable Kaye Lee. Unfortunately, Mark Knight (16/26) went down despite best efforts from himself and Ross Goodman who both played very well. 4/12 61/64
Midweek Tuesday Pennant round 10
Team 1 Division 1
The midweek matches this week kicked off with division 1 travelling to Lilydale to play on a surface very similar to Monbulk so confidence was high. Quite clearly Jim Bras ( 29/17) rink of Rob Espernberger, Greg Myers, and James Anderson took a likening to the surface as they lit it up against their opposition dominating throughout in their great win. Rob Wilson (21/29) rink was in the game throughout only to be beaten over the last few ends. Brian Smith (11/30) might like to pretend this one didn’t happen as they were outplayed by a better opposition on the day. Despite the loss 2/14 61/72 the side still sits 3rd on the ladder.
Team 2 Division 3
A big fixture with the top of the ladder Monbulk side travelling to play the 3rd placed Mooroolbark in a game with plenty at stake. However not impressed by the ladder status of Monbulk the Mooroolbark side presented a welcome that was not very friendly as they proceeded to help themselves to maximum points out from the match and pocket some valuable shots difference for themselves 0/16 43/64. Despite not capturing the 2 points on offer for the rink win Ray Pike (16/17) and his team of Don Barnetson, Andrew Mackie and Ray Aarts produced a fine performance to be the best performed Monbulk rink just going down by the barest of margins. Graeme Goller ( 13/20) battled hard for no reward, and Andrew Smith (14/27) can scratch the day down to experience and reload for next week’s encounter. Despite the loss and a slight narrowing of the gap the top spot still belongs to Monbulk and look out next weeks opposition as the team rebounds.
Team 3 Division
We had to finally wait till the end of the page to celebrate a win in what was a week of heartbreak for the Hawks. But to the rescue comes team 3 with their impressive 8 shot home win over the visiting Croydon 14/2 66/58. Sitting just out of the 4, Monbulk 3 are having a good season with Mike Harris (26/17) playing a major part in that racking up another win, no doubt being well supported by Des Ray, Frank Mileto, and Tristan Berry. Ivan Baric (25/21) more than did his job playing well to steer his rink to victory, with a lot of help from Kylie Bailey who played brilliantly. Bruce Cockerill ( 15/20) went down but worked hard to keep the margin manageable for the overall win and he and his rink of Ray Pund, Peter Dowsett and Maria Baas can very more than pleased with their effort.
