CARDINIA WATERS BOWLS
Midweek Report
With Side Two enjoying a bye it was up to Side One to fly the flag for Cardinia Waters with a home game against Cranbourne.
A strong easterly wind made play difficult, but kept everyone cool in the morning.
Cardinia Waters got away to a good start and were just in front at lunchtime.
From then on however, Cranbourne played the better bowls, winning by 12 shots with two rinks up.
Ray Naylor had a good win, with his rink of Ian Kennedy, Jill Naylor and Ron Seamer ending 11 shots up; winning 23-12 with two fours late in the game sealing the win.
Side One can’t make the final four and are currently in sixth place.
Next week is the final game of the season and Cardinia Waters travel to Pakenham to face off against the Lions.
These two have had some extremely close games during the recent years, as bragging rights are important.
This season has had little to crow about for both teams, who played off in their section grand final last season in Division 3.
Pakenham won by five shots after trailing most of the day but, after being promoted to Division 2, both sides have been out of their comfort zone.
Pakenham has won one game from 13 played, and Cardinia Waters have managed five wins.
Earlier in the season Cardinia Waters won at home, and will face a determined Pakenham side on their home green.
Saturday Report
Side Two received a walkover from Cranbourne in Division 8, allowing Cardinia Waters to hold onto top position on the ladder.
They now have earned a home final and will play Willow Lodge on Saturday February 22 on our village bowling green.
This is a great achievement for this side, who is having its first season in this division.
In the 14 games played they have only lost two games, another was a draw, and one was a bye.
A good win at home will send Cardinia Waters direct to the grand final on February 29, at a neutral venue to be decided.
Saturday Pennant
On a day that featured all four seasons in one, Cardinia Waters Side One played Parkdale at home. The village side played their finest game of this season, and stunned the visitors by winning on all four rinks and doubling Parkdale’s score.
Parkdale had been in second position, but the heavy loss saw them drop to fourth, replaced by Mulgrave Country Club in second position, and Cardinia Waters in third place.
Headlining the Cardinia Waters win was the performance of Stuart Tokely’s rink who scored a perfect eight on the first end of the game.
Stuart played with Marion Stevens, Del Dance and Sandra Wilde.
They continued their good work, holding back their Parkdale opposition who threatened to spoil the party late in the game.
The winning score was 32-23.
King rink was skipped by Ray Naylor, who played with Ian Kennedy, Jill Naylor and Ron Seamer.
Their score of 34-7 was studded with many multiples including two fives, two fours and a three.
After the break they won nine of the last 11 ends to romp home in a great win.
Keith Lewis’s rink also had a meritorious win.
They led by only two shots at the afternoon tea bell, but moved up a gear from then on to win 26-11. Again, it was multiples that helped them gain ascendancy.
Keith played with Ashley Graham, Robert Mitchell and Val Moore.
Coming from behind to support their teammates was the rink of Steve Hale, Jim Barrie, Dennis Patmore and Cathy Swinkels.
They were five shots behind with five ends to go, before winning four ends with multiple scores to win 22-16.
This would arguably be the best game Side One has played this season, and all 16 players contributed to their win.
The win of Mulgrave Country Club over Narre Warren sees Cardinia Waters finish the home-and-away season in third place.
They just missed out on second by one point.
However, they also escaped playing their first final game against Frankston, on their bayside turf green.
Instead, they meet Parkdale again, at home, and a repeat of this weekend’s game will see Cardinia Waters head straight into the preliminary final.
Being third on the ladder denies them the second chance.
This Saturday will be a special day for Cardinia Waters with both Saturday sides playing finals at home.
All seven rinks will be used, and supporters will be hoping for fine weather to watch and support the bowlers in their quest for premierships.
Thursday Night Triples
With very hot conditions forecast, last Thursday’s Triples Finals were postponed until this Thursday. The same times will apply with semi-finals at 2pm and the final at 5pm.
-John Moore-
