By Jennifer Holmes
Monbulk Bowling Club 1 played away at Chirnside Park in the Saturday 20 October pennant.
All the rain, coupled with drainage problems, meant that Chirnside Park had the ‘green closed’ sign on its grass green.
They had to play on Chirnside’s top synthetic green, which is the same surface as the MBC bottom green.
So, it was just like playing at home for Monbulk and that meant that Chirnside Park lost the advantage of a home ground.
Monbulk took advantage of that benefit.
The weather was cold, wet and very windy.
There were some wild shots from both sides, but there were also some good tight heads.
Andrew Bell’s rink had a draw after a close game throughout.
Brian Smith’s rink came from behind to get up with a four-shot win.
Richard Cookson’s rink led all day to win by 16 shots – in fact their opponents were cheering on the second last end, when they reached double figures.
But it was Peter Koomen’s rink that was MBC’s best, winning 31 shots to 14 – even after dropping three on the last end.
Overall Monbulk won 98 shots to 61, which is a great result for an away game.
That puts the side one spot higher, into sixth place on the ladder.
Monbulk 2 played away against Berwick.
It wasn’t MBCs day and it wasn’t just the weather.
Eric Furby’s rink lost 17 shots to 23.
Peter Francis’ rink lost 19 shots to 23.
Case Broekhof’s rink lost in a close one, 19 shots to 21, and Jim Anderson’s rink had a tough one, losing 12 shots to 20.
Overall, MBC lost 67 shots to 87, making the day a reality check.
There are plenty of sides eager to knock MBC off the perch.
That loss pushed the club from top spot down to third spot on the ladder.
Monbulk 3 played at home against Bennettswood.
The ramps were brought out because the visiting side included a wheelchair bowler with one leg. Alan Hamilton reported that the ramps worked well, and the wheelchair bowler put on an inspiring performance.
With one rink up and one down, Monbulk had an overall win, 49 shots to 30.
Peter Hiscox’s rink had a close loss of 17 shots to 21.
Doug Elliott’s rink had a strong win 32 shots to 9, so the side stays in fourth spot on the ladder.
