By Jack Rollings
The weather defied predictions. There was a sprinkling of rain early on, then some more serious precipitation later in the day. In between it was warm, not windy, and quite good for bowling.
Monbulk 1 travelled to Healesville. The green is a sand-filled synthetic. Quite narrow and not as fast as Monbulk’s green.
Brian Smith’s team started well and was still leading going into the seventh end. And that’s when Healesville got moving and claimed a five shotter to take the lead. From that moment the game started slipping away from Monbulk. Healesville grew their lead and won twelve ends to Monbulk’s nine ends. Monbulk lost the rink 14 shots to 25.
By the end of the day, Eric Markham’s team had won a similar number of ends to Healesville, but they started slowly and trailed in the front half. After lunch, Monbulk won a few good ends and took the lead on the sixteenth end. Then Healesville won four of the final five ends to reclaim the lead. Monbulk lost the rink 14 shots to 18.
Jim Bras’ team led for the front half. When the bell went for lunch Monbulk was six shots in front. After lunch Monbulk lost eight ends in a row, and, with two ends to go, were seven shots down. They won the final two ends but couldn’t make up the margin. Monbulk lost the rink 19 shots to 21.
Overall Monbulk lost 47 to 64 with no rink wins. They are now fourth on the ladder, with a win/loss ratio of 5/5, and with a tough run home. Next week they play the top side Mooroolbark, who have only lost two rounds this season. But it will be on Monbulk’s home ground and Monbulk has a lot of incentive to claim the points.
Monbulk 2 played at home against Cranbourne 3.
Peter Lee’s team led for most of the day and won twelve of the 21 ends. With three ends to go, they had an 11 shot lead. Unfortunately, they dropped 11 shots over the final three ends to let Cranbourne back in and had to settle for a draw 21 shots all.
Jim Anderson’s team had a strong day, only dropping seven ends for the whole game. By the halfway mark they were nine shots up. After lunch, they continued their dominance and grew the margin. They won the rink 29 shots to 14.
Klaus Eisele’s team had a day out. They won thirteen ends and led for the whole day. But it was the amazing multiples that really put them way out in front. They won three threes, two fours, a five, a six and a seven. They won the rink 44 shots to 10.
Overall Monbulk won 94 shots to 45 with two and a half rinks up. Monbulk is now second on the ladder with a good 7/3 win/loss ratio. Next week they play Noble Park who is well below on the ladder, but it will be an away game. With Monbulk’s best performances, this could be a chance to edge closer to the top spot.
Monbulk 3 had a bye this week.
