Well here we are, second week in after the break and struggling somewhat with three side losses today. Not the sort of thing that gladdens the heart, however, all is not lost. The First side is still in a reasonably strong position and is a very good chance of playing in finals. They played top side Moonee Valley and two rinks were successful, however, their combined winning totals could not cover the third rink, and the side went down by 5 shots, a not insurmountable total if we come up against the Valley later, at the business end of the season. Warren Williams and Alan Mason’s rinks both came from behind to snatch thrilling wins against consistent opposition, but they were welcome wins in a hard fought match.
Old enemy Ivanhoe won their game today helping them to jump into second spot on the ladder, three points ahead of Rosanna. Next week’s games will be telling in the final four positioning, when Ivanhoe (2) play City of Melbourne (4) at CoM, and Rosanna (3) play Preston-Reservoir (6) at Rosanna.
Not every bowl is a winning bowl, but by the same token, not every bowl is a bad bowl. I don’t know of any player who deliberately goes out to bowl a bad bowl. Let’s get behind each other, give encouragement, and back ourselves to do our best.
The Second side had to travel to Hurstbridge, not the easiest of greens to play on, only to have their position exacerbated by fielding a side one player short. We are in the unfortunate position of not having enough available players, so that if there is a late scratching, it usually means a position in a team is vacant. Very frustrating for the Selectors who are having to face this situation almost weekly. Please spare them a thought as they try to do the right thing by everybody, and for the Club.
There is no denying the obvious, but the Second side are bound for relegation next season, but that does not mean that we give up on it. We are capable of a better showing, and should set our minds to that end starting from the moment you read this article.
The Third side had an ugly day today with all rinks down, and although sitting in 8th spot on the ladder, with four rounds left to be played, can still make finals. We are sitting on 63 points, Kingsbury (5) are 74, Whittlesea (4) are 79, and Wallan (3) are 82. Next week Wallan and Whittlesea play each other, whilst Rosanna hosts Kingsbury, so it is up to us to decide if we really want to be at the sharp end come round 14.
Number 1 Side:
Warren Williams, Margaret Hunt, Kevin Meade, Gwenda Bail, 20 – 18, plus 2;
Alan Mason, Don Casey, Veronika Crea, Jack Dunbar, 19 – 18, plus 1;
Damien Crea, Chris Ball, Colin Watson, Emilio Crea, 11 – 19, minus 8.
Rosanna 50, Moonee Valley, 55, minus 5,
4 pts. 3rd on ladder 117 pts.
Number 2 Side:
Leo Bosso, Kay Plain, Tony Canty, Rob Barclay, 13 -41, minus 28;
Jim Gregory, Don Varalla, Chris Pyke, Alan Phillips, 10 – 24, minus 14;
Glenn Lyons, Ralph Moulden, Vacant, Paul Bassett, 10 – 28, minus 18.
Rosanna 33, Hurstbridge 93, minus 60, 0 pts. 8th on ladder with 18 pts.
Number 3 Side:
Ed Sheean, Sam Mercadante, Sue Linley, Terrye Meade, 12 – 28, minus 16;
Paul Gregory, Gae Messina, John Lindley, Rob Hunt, 19 – 20, minus 1;
Russell Hyde, Phil Hynes, Don Cowen, Robin Doherty, 16 – 27, minus 11.
Rosanna 47, Greensborough 75, minus 28, 0 pts, 8th on ladder with 63 pts.
The best winning rink went to Warren Williams, Margaret Hunt, Kevin Meade and Gwenda Bail with only 2 shots up.
There were some notable Milestones today and our congratulations go to Jack Dunbar on 600 Club games, and to Rob Barclay and Ralph Moulden, who each tallied up their 300th Club game.
Next Tuesday, 27 January, the Ones play Preston-Reservoir at Rosanna. The Twos play Donvale away and the Threes play Kingsbury at home. Let’s up and at ’em.
In signing off, remember what I said in my re-introductory comments, “the reward of a thing well done, is to have done it”.
Let’s all do it, and I spotted this sign the other day, on Gwenda Bail’s fence, “Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive”.
The Tout.
