CARDINIA WATERS BOWLS
MIDWEEK REPORT
Atrocious weather was forecast for last Tuesday’s Midweek Pennant games – and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Side one played Willow Lodge at home and were looking to reverse the loss they sustained in the away game earlier in the season.
It was hot, already above 30c when play began, and a strong northerly wind persisted making play uncomfortable for both teams.
While the side managers kept an eye on the temperature, play continued until lunch, at which time Cardinia Waters held an 11-shot lead.
Two rinks were up and one rink was level.
After lunch the temperature kept rising, although still below the 36-degree cutoff, when play must stop.
Like most of Victoria the wind was most unpleasant.
Once 45 ends were played, and conditions of play allowed a result, the side managers conferred and resolved to abandon play with regard to the health and welfare of all bowlers.
At that stage Cardinia Waters were well in front, holding a 17-shot advantage and being up on two rinks.
The other rink was just one shot behind.
John Van Vugt’s rink was the best result for Cardinia Waters winning quite easily in the end 19-7.
He played with Del Dance, Robert Mitchell and Jill Naylor.
Also winning well was the rink of Jim Barrie, Bill Hite, Len Judge and Cathy Swinkels who won 15-9.
This week is the final game before the finals start, and Cardinia Waters side one travels to Cranbourne.
This game has no bearing on the four which sees Pakenham first, Cardinia Waters second, Cranbourne third and Noble Park fourth.
The gap in points means that no matter who wins this week the ladder positions cannot change.
This sees Cardinia Waters locked into a first semi-final against Pakenham under the Lions dome on February 27.
Being second on the ladder gives them a second chance if needed on the following Thursday March 1.
Side two travelled to Mt Waverley on Tuesday, and in warm conditions lost heavily 91-44.
One rink was never in the hunt, losing 7-46 and this included losing end eight by eight shots.
The other two rinks had only small losses; one rink won more ends but went down on shots.
Even the mercurial Stuart Tokely lost by three shots.
Despite this loss side two will get to play in the final series.
Their game this week against Pakenham at home will not affect the top four.
Cardinia Waters is in fourth place, currently ahead of fifth placed Berwick by 17 points.
As there is a maximum of 16 points for a win, no matter what happens they will hold on to their fourth position.
SATURDAY PENNANT
The Cardinia Waters Saturday side was given a thrashing by top-side Ferntree Gully.
The weather was pleasant, with some wind during the afternoon affecting both teams.
Ferntree Gully hadn’t lost a home game at all this season, and we found out why.
Their home green is slick, fast and hard to handle, and they know how to handle it.
The final score of 109-57 doesn’t see the true extent of how Cardinia Waters played.
They won on one rink, and whilst the scorecard shows two very heavy losses, Ferntree Gully was just too good at home.
Many times, the visitors had shots in the head, but the Ferntree Gully skips were too skilful, and consistently had shot turnovers.
John Moore skipped the only rink to win for Cardinia Waters.
He played with Steve Hale, Marion Stevens and Peter Mitchell.
This game was so close, scores being level at 11-11, 12-12 and 13-13, and it all came down to the last end and that saw Cardinia Waters grab four shots up, and a win.
Ferntree Gully finished the season on top, and get a first final at home against Cranbourne.
In third place is Churchill Waverley Golf Club who also host a home final against Narre Warren.
Jointly in fifth place and out of the finals is Cardinia Waters and Noble Park.
This is a far cry from the bleak outlook Cardinia Waters had before the Christmas break.
On the bottom and facing relegation, they then won four games in a row to leap frog up the ladder and finish the season in fifth place.
-John Moore-
