CARDINIA WATERS BOWLS
MIDWEEK REPORT: SIDE ONE
It was a hectic schedule for Cardinia Waters this week, with games on both Tuesday and Thursday, as happens when teams make the finals.
With both midweek sides in the top four, and several late withdrawals, all players were used and fortunately no emergencies were needed.
Side one faced the opponents they most enjoy beating, Pakenham Lions.
As Pakenham was on top it had the right to a home-ground final.
The scene was set, and another version of the local derby was played out under the dome at Pakenham Bowls Club.
Cardinia Waters won the toss, but Pakenham took an early lead, and were up by 13 shots at lunch.
John Van Vugt’s rink was in trouble, seemingly unable to handle Alister Stewart’s players.
They were down 11 shots at lunch and things didn’t get any better, eventually losing by the same margin at the end of 21 ends.
Jim Barrie also had a battle on his hands, but had a slender three-shot lead at lunch.
They extended that lead to six, to find Pakenham staging a comeback to get ahead near the finish.
Jim’s rink then won three on the trot to force a 20-all draw.
He played with Bill Hite, Len Judge and Cathy Swinkels.
Ray Naylor’s rink managed to stay in the game until lunch.
Immediately after lunch they then dropped a five, setting the scene for an overall four-shot defeat.
Overall Pakenham won its way straight into the grand final, leaving Cardinia Waters to play in the preliminary final on Thursday.
Two days later Cardinia Waters played host to Cranbourne in the preliminary final.
Disappointed with the loss to Pakenham, Cardinia Waters staged a great comeback against Cranbourne to storm right back into the Division 3 Section 8 grand final.
Playing at home, side one shut Cranbourne right out with a superb nine-shot victory.
This was a great form reversal after Cardinia Waters lost the semi against Pakenham, and previously had lost their last-round game against Cranbourne.
Leading the comeback was Jim Barrie’s rink, who set up the win early in the game with a strong 17-4 lead at lunch.
They weren’t able to continue at that tempo right through the game, but hung on bravely for an 18-18 draw.
Jim played with Len Judge, Graeme Taylor and Cathy Swinkels.
Graeme Taylor was a late call-up from the reserve list, and did his bit for his club and side.
Ray Naylor’s rink was also in good form, controlling the game, and standing firm when Cranbourne came right back into the game late.
They won 22-18, and the large group of supporters watching the game were treated to some quality bowling.
Ray played with John Moore, Dennis Patmore and Ian Kennedy.
John Van Vugt found himself in the hot seat in this game.
The other rinks had finished, and the big scoreboard saw the side six shots up.
John had three ends to play.
With the barrackers from both sides shouting their support, John’s rink had a few anxious moments before reaching the last end.
Cranbourne needed a big-end to win, or even draw the game.
In a few anxious moments the game had come down to the last end.
Unfortunately for Cranbourne several wayward bowls took the pressure off Cardinia Waters, and they were able to cruise through those last few bowls to a nine-shot victory.
Now they get to play Pakenham again, this time at a neutral venue, as happens in grand finals.
Berwick has been chosen as the venue by Bowls Victoria, and this Tuesday will see the two local teams do battle.
The Pakenham/Cardinia Waters games have become a feature of the local bowls scene.
Over the last few years, the cross-town battles have been closely fought.
This year the results have been Cardinia Waters one win, Pakenham two wins.
After Tuesday’s game one team will have bragging rights until next season.
Interestingly, both these teams will be promoted up to Division 2 next season.
So, it is likely these cross-town battles will continue for some time to come.
The winner of this game will play on Thursday in the Divisional semi-final at Burwood Bowling Club.
SIDE TWO
Side two faced the rampant Mt Waverley team in the first knockout semi-final and had many reasons to be nervous.
Mt Waverley had thrashed them in their round 14 game, and seemed destined by make the grand final.
Quite miraculously Cardinia Waters won this game to take them into the preliminary final.
Steve Hale’s rink shook off their doldrums, and had a mighty seven-shot victory.
He played with Bryan Stevens, Therese Mitchell and Donny Gibson.
Only winning 10 ends, they scored mainly multiples to overcome their opponents and set up the scene for a mighty win.
Stuart Tokely’s rink needed to win the last three ends to hold out their Mt Waverley opponents for a 15-15 draw.
Marie Stephenson’s rink was thereabouts all day, just falling short by two shots.
This meant Cardinia Waters won overall by two shots, to win a berth in the preliminary final against Narre Warren on Thursday.
After the excitement of winning at Mt Waverley on Tuesday, Side Two was on the receiving end of a heavy defeat against Narre Warren under the roof at their Fountain Gate home two days later.
With illness and other issues resulting in changes to the side before this game, Cardinia Waters was in need of their reserves to field their two midweek sides.
Cardinia Waters lost all three rinks and the final score of 74-39 was most disappointing.
However, their misery was put aside as they joined in celebrating side one’s great win.
They seem destined to remain in division five next season and, given their early season form this season, should remain competitive.
-John Moore-
