CARDINIA WATERS BOWLS
Midweek Pennant
Finals are looming large on the horizon and Cardinia Waters now has a distinct possibility of having three sides playing at the pointy end of the season.
Midweek Side Two is one of them, and this week they were successful in defeating Noble Park.
This win, on all three rinks, is one step closer to the finals, with three rounds to play.
One hitch could be one of these rounds is a bye; which means there is no earning of points or percentage.
Cardinia Waters are currently in third position, and this week play Carrum away, and after the bye play Berwick.
These two teams are bottom and second bottom, and lost their first round games to the Village bowlers.
This week, Stuart Tokely skipped the best winning rink winning 25-12.
He played with Marie Stephenson, Peter Mitchell and Paul Mercieca, and foremost in their win was one end of six up and other multiples.
Also winning a close game of 21-18 was Mick Knight, Robert Mitchell, Therese Mitchell and Donny Gibson.
In a close game it was four ends of three shots up that was telling in the end.
In another close game that could have gone either way, John Carr, Michele Bondfield, Jim Barrie and Gary Bondfield were winners 21-19.
The number-one side was always going to have a battle as sixth played third, when they hosted Narre Warren.
The Panthers won by 19 shots, and so moved up the ladder by one place.
The bright light for Cardinia Waters was Ray Naylor’s rink grabbing a one shot win; Ray played with Ian Kennedy, Jill Naylor and Ron Seamer.
They held the lead before surrendering it up on end 19, before winning the last two ends.
Side one simply can’t make the finals this year, and have found the promotion to Division Two just too difficult.
It may be a blessing if they slip to seventh spot and get relegated.
Saturday Pennant
Both Saturday sides reported handy wins, as the march towards the finals continues.
Side two has been particularly successful this season, losing only the first round then winning all 11 games since.
This Saturday they defeated Berwick, playing for the first time on their new synthetic surface under the new roof.
They won on all three rinks and continue sitting on top of the ladder, with two rounds left.
Best win was the rink of John Carr, Peter Mitchell, Jenny Cole and Therese Mitchell, who won 24-16. Also winning well was Mick Knight’s rink who delivered a score of 22-15.
He played with Donny Gibson, Ian Kennedy and Paul Mercieca.
Marie Stephenson’s rink needed a four on the second last end to wrestle back the lead to win by two shots.
The two games left are against Willow Lodge away and Cranbourne at home.
Win these and Cardinia Waters are assured of a home final.
Of special mention is the effort of Therese and Peter Mitchell, who are in the top five of the player’s ladder in their division.
Therese and Peter work hard on their bowls; practice regularly and are outstanding club people.
Side one had a tough win at Narre Warren.
Leading by two shots at afternoon tea, they surged late to win on three rinks for an 11-shot victory.
Best winning rink was John Moore, Marion Stevens, Bill Hite and Sandra Wilde, who won 24-12.
Also winning well was the rink of Steve Hales.
They were well behind by 10 shots, but rallied and won the last eight ends without dropping a shot to win 25-18.
Steve played with Cathy Swinkels, Del Dance and Jim Barrie in a remarkable turnaround in fortunes.
Ray Naylor skipped another winning rink, playing with Stuart Tokely, Jill Naylor and Ron Seamer.
The game was close with several ends to go, but Ray won a late three shots up to secure the victory.
Side one is secured in the top four and cannot drop lower than fourth.
All in the four have won nine games, and Frankston are still on top.
Next week Cardinia Waters play Mulgrave Country Club (4th) away, then Parkdale (2nd) at home; at stake here is a home final.
If the Villagers win both these games they will take over second place.
This gives then a home final, but also promotes them to Division 3 for next season.
-John Moore-
