CARDINIA WATERS BOWLS
Cardinia Waters Midweek Side Two won its way into this week’s preliminary final with a come-from-behind win over Mulgrave Country Club on that club’s well-prepared grass green.
Under sunny skies and a pleasant breeze, Cardinia Waters showed great intent in taking the game right up to their opponents especially late in the game.
Leading the way for this important win was the rink of Steve Hale, Jim Barrie, Robert Mitchell and Paul Brindle.
They combined well, and finished best to defeated their opponents by seven shots.
Mick Knights rink had a win by the slimmest of margins as well; playing with Stuart Tokely, Therese Mitchell and Gary Bondfield.
Even the losing rink did well, with only a one-shot loss.
This week side two travel to Cranbourne RSL for a game that could see them in the grand final a week later.
If they can master the hard surface at the RSL’s home green they could be much-deserved grand finalists.
SATURDAY PENNANT
Cardinia Waters had one Saturday side in the finals this year and they won their way into the grand final to be played this Saturday.
In the preliminary final played at Cardinia Waters this week they comprehensively thrashed Churchill Waverley Golf Club with a score of 96-29.
The home side did not begin the best, but powered away in the afternoon to win on all three rinks.
Steve Hale skipped the best rink in a powerful display; being well assisted by Michele Bondfield, Marie Stephenson and Lorraine Devine.
They won 35-10, after dropping a six on the second end.
From then on, they just were all over their opponents, never conceding an end after the sixth.
Mick Knight also had an impressive win 33-9 win.
They only held a slender lead at the tea bell, but showed great skill to motor home from then on. They scored 13 shots in the last four ends including a six on the last.
He played with Ian Kennedy, Robert Mitchell and Gary Bondfield.
Rounding off a great day for Cardinia Waters was Stuart Tokely’s rink of Peter and Therese Mitchell and Jenny Cole.
With Jenny leading well, and all players getting shots in, they won 28-11, with three ends of four up contributing to this impressive win.
This side will need to carry their good form with them into the grand final.
Willow Lodge have beaten them in two of their three encounters this season and would be warm favourites for the flag.
Playing like they did this week, would see Cardinia Waters in with a chance.
PAIRS FINALS DECIDED
Both Men’s and Women’s Pairs Finals were played last Friday at Cardinia Waters.
The residents who watched were treated to two excellent games although the men’s game became very one-sided.
The Ladies final saw a great come-back in what was a 3.5-hour marathon game.
In the men’s game Ray Naylor and Keith Lewis were impressive against Ashley Graham and Len Judge.
In the end Ray and Keith won easily, but not before a few worrying moments.
Ashley and Len started brightly to take the lead, however, once Ray and Keith won the mat, they took control and never lost another end before the game ended early.
Nearby Cathy Swinkels and Jill Naylor took on Michele Bondfield and Jenny Cole.
Michele and Jenny led until late in the game with Cathy and Jill staging a memorable comeback to win on the last end.
-John Moore-
