I’m a bit late publishing this week as there has been a bit going on around the place, however, the bit going on has been good, and Rosanna Bowling Club is featuring. There has been Pennant, Club Championships and Regional semi finals, Weekend MVP award and probably a lot more that even I don’t know about.
BUT the real good thing is that the Goannas are featuring in three Sectional Finals next weekend. The Ones will play Ivanhoe at Ivanhoe, and if they win will go straight into the final the following Saturday (28th February) to be played at Rosanna. If they lose they will play either Donvale, or Eltham, on Sunday (22nd) at Rosanna.
The Twos, Threes and Fours all played Montmorency and had two wins and a tie. That left the Twos on top of the table and hosting Mont next Saturday. If we win we go straight into the Final against any of Monty, Bennetswood, or Auburn, at Rosanna on the 28th. If we lose we would play the winner of the Bennetswood v Auburn semi, on Sunday at Rosanna.
The tie the Third side had, secured 6th spot and avoided relegation, in the end only missing a place in the four by 10 points. What might it have been had we not had a washout and a heat out?
As I said last week, the Fourths could finish at best, second on the ladder, at worst, fourth. Their win kicked them up to second and they will go to Donvale next Saturday, holding the double chance. A win there would put Rosanna into the final on the 28th against Donvale, Diamond Creek or Heidelberg Golf, at Rosanna. A loss will see us up against D Creek or Golf on Sunday, at Rosanna.
I think the season, to date, has been very fruitful for the Rosanna club, and I think everyone should give themselves a pat on the back, but not too much for there is still a lot of hard work to be done. Having said that though, I would like to thank Andrew Dalli for the work he has done in getting us where we are at present. Andrew was unknown to Rosanna when he took on the coaching role, however, he has done a great job in his debut year, and challenged the bowlers with his thoughts and ideas on coaching. I think we have stepped up a bit under his guidance and results are beginning to show.
First side: Aaron Van Haaften, Kevin Meade, Rachel Powers and Simon Matthews, 18 – 15, plus 3. Peter Watson, Phil McMahon, Dan Hartrick and Matty Ferguson, 14 – 22, minus 8. Rod Kerrison, Alan Mason, Chris Ball and Margaret Hunt, 26 – 11, plus 15. Andrew Dalli, Damian Jardine, Steve Kovac and Mil Crea, 20 – 16, plus 4. Rosanna 78, Heidelberg Golf 64. plus 14.
Second side: Damian Crea, Robbie Boxshall, Peter Burke and Debbie Jeong, 17 -18, minus 1. Peter Livingstone, Graham Bright, Colin Watson and Tony Campbell-Burns, 17 – 20, minus 3. Jim Gregory, Don Casey, Veronika Crea and Mark Files, 23 – 17, plus 6. Warren Williams, John Head, Tim Pullyblank and Gwenda Bail, 22 – 18, plus 4. Rosanna 79, Montmorency 73, plus 6.
Third side: Colin McDonald, Peter Bell, Sally Quilliam and Rob Barclay, 16 17, minus 1. Glenn Lyons, Ralph Moulden, Ray Prestney and Lorraine Campbell, 17 – 18, minus 1. Kay Plain, Paul Bassett, John Couling and Don Cowen, 19 – 20, minus 1. Jeff Cook, Graeme Bravo, Alan Phillips and Billy Chamberlain, 23 – 20, plus 3. Rosanna 75, Montmorency 75, Tie.
Fourth side: Paul Gregory, Russell Hyde, Sean Ryan and Trevor Robertson, 23 -23, Tie. Luke Roche, Ed Sheean, Terrye Meade and Michelle Robertson, 30 -14, plus 16. Leo Bosso, Gae Messina, Gerry Sheean and John Lindley, 29 – 17, plus 12. Bruce McDonald, Sam Mercadante, Kale Files and Robin Doherty, 9 -27, minus 18. Rosanna 91, Montmorency 81, plus 10.
The best winning rinks on the day were: 1st/2nd sides: Rod Kerrison, Alan Mason, Chris Ball and Margaret Hunt, plus 15. 3rd/4th sides: Luke Roche, Ed Sheean, Terrye Meade and Michelle Robertson, plus 16.
There were no Milestones for Weekend Pennant for Round 14.
Some trivia that I have noticed that may, or may not, interest you: Apart from the two rounds that were not played, Paul Gregory skipped the other 12, and his rink was unbeaten for the season. In the BV Players Ladder top ten, Rod Kerrison (5th) and Margaret Hunt (6th) featured for Rosanna One. Gwenda Bail (1st), Damian Crea (2nd), John Head (5th), Warren Williams (7th), Don Casey (9th) and Veronika Crea (10th) featured for Rosanna Two. Nobody in our Third side made the top ten. Paul Gregory (1st), Don Varalla (7th), Sam Mercadante (8th) and Gae Messina (9th) featured for Rosanna Four.
Some Side stats: The highest winning margin for the Ones was plus 26 in Round 13, their worst defeat was minus 37 in Round 6. Their best winning streak was 4 games, their worst losing streak was 4 games. They won 7 games, lost 5. They used 26 different players during the season. They finished 2nd on the ladder.
Side Two had a highest winning margin of 65, with two other wins of 60. Their worst win was by 6 shots. They were not beaten during the home and away season, which is an excellent achievement. They used 30 different players during the season.
The Third side had a best winning margin of 16, and a worst losing margin of 27. Their largest winning streak was 2 games, losing streak was 3 games. They won 4 games, lost 7, and had a Tie. They used 35 different players during the season. They finished 6th.
The Fourth side had a best winning margin of 35 shots, and a worst losing margin of 28 shots. Their best winning streak was 4 games and worst losing streak was 2 games. They won 8 games, lost 4. They used 30 players during the season. They finished 2nd.
The Weekend Pennant MVP was held Saturday night and once again it was a close tussle. Kevin Meade was the bookies tip, and with one round left to count it looked as if they might be right. However, Glenn Lyons must have put in a blinder in the final game (or he paid his rink to give him maximum votes) because he came from behind to snatch thw win. Congratulations Glenn, well done. The Top Ten were:
31.3 Glenn Lyons; 30.6 Kevin Meade; 29.3 Matty Ferguson; 26.3 Damian Crea, Warren Williams; 24 Jeff Cook, Veronika Crea; 23.3 Alan Mason; 20 Marcus Hadley, Terrye Meade.
On Sunday morning the finals of the Club Singles Championships were played, with a couple of debut finalists in action. Both games were tight even contests and held much interest for the small band of spectators. In the Women’s final Past champion Margaret Hunt faced up to first time finalist Rachel Powers. The score was reading 23 – 22 in Margaret’s favour and she delivered two excellent bowls on the last end to pip a very valiant Rachel. An excellent game indeed.
In the Men’s game Matty Ferguson (debut) was up against Rod Kerrison (past champ) and he put the pressure on all day. Rod responded well, however, it was Matt’s day in the finish and he prevailed 25 – 19. Congratulations to Matty and Margaret. Commiserations to Rod and Rachel.
On Sunday afternoon Veronika Crea represented Rosanna in the semi-final of the Yarra Region Ladies Singles Championship. Veronika got off to a good start, however her opponent, Di McKee from Alphington, proved to be a bit stronger in the end and won 25 – 12. Veronika was certainly not disgraced and played some good bowls, however, Di’s experience shone through on the day.
And one final thing, Jane is seeking some help for the Milestone Triples Tournament on March 9th. Even if it’s only 30 minutes, the gesture would be much appreciated. Give her a call and make her life easier.
And that brings to a close a big weekend. Let’s keep the momentum going as we contest the finals next Saturday.
In signing off, remember what I keep saying, “the reward of a thing well done, is to have done it”.
Let’s all do it, and with Saturday coming up I offer you this: when belief and confidence work together, fear loses its grip. You show up clearer, braver and more grounded – ready to play your A-game.
Go get ’em, The Tout.
