A crucial first versus second match saw Monbulk 1 play away at Lilydale on the weekend.
Karen Rice’s team led throughout the front half and held a five shot margin by the tea break. In the back half, conditions on the rink had changed and the home team adapted more readily. The Monbulk team could only win three more singles. Lilydale caught up by the 13th end, then won a few doubles to increase their lead. Monbulk managed to salvage the last two ends but couldn’t make up the difference. Monbulk lost the rink 13 shots to 19.
Brian Smith’s team started strongly and held a seven shot lead after the seventh end. Then they dropped the next four ends to give up the lead and trail by three shots. Then Monbulk grabbed a big six shotter and regained the lead. Lilydale then levelled with a three shotter and the game at that time was up for grabs. In the run home Monbulk was able to claim the mat more times than Lilydale and hang on for a close win 25 shots to 22.
Jim Bras’ team also started strongly, only dropping four singles in the front half. They led 19 shots to six after the twelfth end. Then, after the break, Lilydale started winning the mat with some big scores. The Monbulk lead was eroded. Thankfully the finish line arrived while the scoreboard was still in favour of Monbulk, with a win 22 shots to 18.
Eric Markham’s team only dropped six ends for the day, but because their wins were mainly singles and their losses included three clangers, the scores were level several times during the match. Monbulk won the final four ends to take the rink 20 shots to 15.
Overall Monbulk won 80 shots to 74 with three rinks up. They are still on top of the ladder going into the final round, only needing a win or even a draw on at least one rink next week to retain the top spot and go into the semi-final with a home-ground advantage. Next week Monbulk plays at home against Mooroolbark 2 who are well down on the ladder.
Monbulk 2 played at home against Dandenong RSL Rec 1.
Peter Lee’s team had a strong showing all day. They led by four shots at the halfway mark, then dropped only four ends in the back half, all for minor scores. Their wins included some good multiples. They won their rink 28 shots to 14.
Klaus Eisele’s team has been enjoying the home-ground competitions. They only lost the mat five times, all with small scores. They won the rink strongly 30 shots to six.
Mike Harris’ team won ten of the 21 ends, but they were mainly singles, with a couple of doubles. The clangers more than add up to the losing margin for Monbulk. They lost the rink 12 shots to 29.
Alan Hamilton’s team trailed for most of the front half, by a nine shot margin at one stage. Then after the break, they put together a string of five winning ends to take the lead. But, with the finish in sight, they dropped a three shotter and couldn’t quite make it up. They lost the rink 19 shots to 21.
Overall Monbulk won 89 shots to 70 with two rinks up. Next week Monbulk 2 plays away against Vermont South 5, while the third-placed Willow Lodge plays away against the top side, Pakenham. There is only one ladder point separating third from fourth so there is a lot riding on next Saturday’s results.
Cockatoo/Monbulk played at Cockatoo against Lilydale 4.
Mark Blythman’s team had a close match in the number of ends won. Cockatoo/Monbulk managed to hang on by the slimmest of margins at the finish to win the rink 20 shots to 19.
Anthony Young’s team had a close front half, then raced out to a 14 shot lead with just four ends to play. In a thrilling finish, Lilydale grabbed some big scores to threaten, but Cockatoo/Monbulk saw it out 23 shots to 20.
Mark Coulter’s team had a very strong day out. They dropped only five ends for the day, for minor scores, and they picked up two threes and a five among their winning ends. They won the rink 27 shots to seven.
Ken Earle’s team had a close front half. They led by just two shots at the halfway mark. In the back half, they were able to increase their lead and win the rink 17 shots to 11.
Overall Cockatoo/Monbulk won 87 shots to 57 with four rinks up. After a gradual climb through the season, they have finally cracked it to the top spot on the ladder. Next week in the final round of home and away matches, they play away against Yarra Glen who is sitting third. Even just a single rink win will give the Cockatoo/Monbulk side enough ladder points to secure the top spot and a home-ground final.
