By Jack Rollings
Monbulk 1 versed top side Mooroolbark at home in the midweek pennant. The weather was near to perfect for bowling. Low twenties, no need for jackets, just a slight breeze. The Monbulk clean green is settling down nicely. It was as fast and as wide as it had ever been, but, running consistently.
Jim Bras’ team picked up a five on the first end and that set the tone for the day. By the halfway mark Monbulk had 20 shots on the board and had dropped only two ends. There was confident bowling by Monbulk, there was also a bit of luck. After lunch they continued, winning eight ends in a row and picking up some good multiples. Monbulk won the rink 39 shots to six.
Brian Smith’s team picked up a six on the first end, and broke away for a good lead, but then dropped a six at the halfway mark. By the 13th end, Mooroolbark had drawn level, then hit the front on the next end. Monbulk was then able to pick up four ends in a row to take back the lead by seven shots. And with just three ends left, Mooroolbark couldn’t bridge the gap. Monbulk won the rink 24 shots to 21.
Eric Markham’s team made the early jump and led for most of the front half. Then they dropped a four shot clanger on the seventh end, gave up the lead and could never quite regain it. Monbulk lost the rink 16 shots to 18.
Overall, Monbulk won 79 shots to 45 with two rinks up – a strong win against the top side who had only lost two rounds before today. Monbulk is still fourth on the ladder, with only a game’s win from Warburton in third spot. With fifth spot currently more than 32 ladder points below Monbulk, and only two rounds to go, you could say that Monbulk is safely into the finals. But, will they have a home-ground final? Next week Monbulk has another home match, this time against
Monbulk 2 played away against Noble Park.
Peter Lee’s team won half the ends before lunch and was just three shots down at the halfway mark. After the break, they lost four ends in a row and the margin edged out to 10 shots. Then it was a close finish with both teams winning four ends out of the final eight. Monbulk lost the rink 17 shots to 26.
Klaus Eisele’s team won more ends in the front half but they were all singles. After lunch, Noble Park kicked into gear and grabbed some big ones. Monbulk won a good three shotter to level the scores again on the 16th end. But, after that, for the final five ends, it was all Noble Park. Monbulk lost the rink 13 to 26.
Alan Hamilton’s team trailed for most of the front half, picking up only four ends. After lunch, Noble Park grabbed nine shots over three ends to take their lead out to 11 shots. Monbulk won six of the final seven ends, drawing closer and closer. Noble Park won a single with two ends to go. Then Monbulk won the final two ends to force a draw at 20 shots all.
Overall Monbulk lost 50 shots to 70, with one ladder point for the drawn rink. Monbulk is currently third on the ladder and, with both remaining matches to be played against lower sides, there is a better than even chance of them playing finals.
Monbulk 3 played at home against Yarra Junction 1.
Mike Harris’ team trailed in the front half, picking up only four singles. After lunch, they flicked the switch and came good. They took the lead on the 14th end, then stormed home, winning most of the ends and also snatching an emphatic five shotter on the last end to win the rink 22 shots to 13.
Bruce Cockerill’s team came up against a very strong Yarra Junction combination, having just one loss for the season. Monbulk won five ends and managed to contain the clangers to just two. But they couldn’t take the mat away from Yarra Junction enough times to worry them. Monbulk lost the rink seven shots to 28.
Ray Pike’s team had a strong front half, dropping only three ends and leading by 15 shots at the halfway mark. In the back half, they did drop three clangers but they kept winning more ends and preserving their leading margin. Monbulk won the rink 30 shots to 14.
Overall Monbulk won the round by 59 shots to 55 with two rinks up. In the final two rounds, Monbulk plays sides that are below third place, so, with some solid wins, there is a good chance of moving up the ladder and playing finals.
