Hello Bowlers,
Well that is it for the 2024 part of the current season. As we go into the festive break for the weekend competition, Rosanna is fairly well placed with three of its four sides in the top four, and the other side in fifth spot, 5 points adrift. I trust everyone will be refreshed by the hiatus, as there are only five rounds to be played after the break, and the teams need to keep winning to maintain, or improve their positions, and for the Second side to ease into the final four. After the ignominious embarrassment of having to withdraw the Fifth side, perhaps Rosanna can show the competition that it is still a force not to be taken too lightly. Anyway, in case I forget later, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a happy and peaceful Christmas, and a New Year which realises all of your wishes and expectations. Stay safe and well.
So, to yesterday and the outcomes. Side one played at Rosanna, hosting third placed Greensborough and putting more space between the two teams by gaining 16 points, and a 30 shots up win. It sees Rosanna in third place and up against 6th placed Monmorency (away) when hostilities resume.
Margaret Hunt, Chris Ball, Warren Williams and Alan Mason, 28-11, +17.
Dan Hartrick, John Aldridge, Rowan Sharp and Robbie Boxshall, 25-14, +11.
Damian Jardine, Kevin Meade, Damian Crea and Matty Ferguson, 19-20, -1.
Mil Crea, Peter Burke, Peter Livingstone and Rod Kerrison, 18-15, +3.
Rosanna 90, G’boro’ 60, +30, 16 points.
I am told the Second side had a nail biter at Montmorency, and the judge could not separate the two sides on the line. Three rinks had finished with two Rosanna rinks up by a combined 5 shots, the other Rosanna rink down by three shots. The Rosanna rink still playing was down 4 shots, meaning with two ends to play Rosanna was two shots down on the big board. The penultimate end saw Rosanna gain one shot and the pressure was on. I believe with three bowls to be played, Rosanna was holding two. The opposition skipper dislodged one of the two with his second last bowl, and the last bowl from each skipper was ineffective, leaving Rosanna with one shot to tie the game albeit the rink was two shots down at the end.
I also believe a curious situation took place in Jeff Cook’s rink. I am informed they were 4 shots up going into their 21st end. When it came to the skipper’s turn to bowl, the opposition was precariously holding one. Their third called his skipper, who had the final bowl, to the head and apparently they decided not to risk another shot, for fear of giving it away. They were 5 shots up on the big board and did not want to risk anything, so the skip “put it in his pocket”. They may not have considered that John Head’s rink still had 3 ends to play at that stage. As it played out, Heady picked up the two necessary shots to draw the game overall. I wonder what might have been had the Monty skipper played his last bowl?
Gwenda Bail, Jack Dunbar, Colin Watson and Don Casey, 16-19, -3.
Debbie Jeong, Nicole Carriero, Steve Kovac and Jeff Cook, 21-18, +3.
Ray Prestney, Fiona Tennant, Kay Plain and Jim Gregory, 21-19, +2.
Veronika Crea, John Couling, Graham Bright and John Head, 17-19, -2.
Rosanna 69, Montmorency 69, Tie, 9 points, 5th spot. Play Kingsbury 2 next, at home, who are 4th on 85 points.
The Third side played 4th placed Kingsbury, at Rosanna, and had a solid 25 shots up win, earning 16 points and second place on the ladder. Upon resumption they will play 1st placed Wallan at Wallan.
Neil Andrewartha, Terrye Meade, Simon Matthews and Leo Bosso, 29-8, +21.
Bob Dunbar, Rob Barclay, Ralph Moulden and Glenn Lyons, 27-23, +4.
Noel Broadhurst, Paul Bassett, Gary Veale and Brian Tipping, 15-17, -2.
Robin Doherty, Cory Quilliam, Jane Edgcumbe and Bec Merrick, 21-19, +2.
Rosanna 92, Kingsbury 67, +25, 16 points.
The Fourth side played third placed Doncaster at Doncaster, and secured 4 points to keep them in 4th place, just hanging in. Unfortunately they have suffered from changing rinks brought about by illnes and unavailability, but their resilience is to be praised, and hopefully they will have a better run after the break. They will play 2nd placed Donvale, at home in round 10.
Trevor Robertson, Gerry Sheean, Russell Hyde and Paul Gregory, 21-16, +5.
Lorraine Campbell, Tony Canty, Kale Files and Colin McDonald, 7-39, -32.
Alan Phillips, Michelle Robertson, Luke Roche and Ed Sheean, 18-24, -6.
Kevin Nelson, Gae Messina, Peter Bell and Bruce McDonald, 20-13, +7.
Rosanna 66, Doncaster 92, -26, 4 points.
The best winning rink yesterday was Neil Andrewartha, Terrye Meade, Simon Matthews and Leo Bosso with plus 21. Well done people.
The only milestone for this round was Steve Kovac, who played his 300th Club game. Well done Steve, and it is hoped that there will be many more to be played.
That summarises Round 9, and we now have a 35 day rest period. A good opportunity to get some Club championship games out of the way, have a few practice sessions, or do nothing apart from come back refreshed ready to rip the back end of the season apart.
Just before I go, I have discovered a few facts that some of you may, or may not, know.
Were you aware that Rod Kerrison is the Deputy President of the Yarra Region Board, and also on the Yarra Region Match Committee?
Did you know that on Saturday 10 November, 2024, Damian Jardine, Alan Mason and Rod Kerrison, were Runner-up in the Region Triples Final?
Did you know also that Rod Kerrison (Skip), Marcus Hadley, Alan Mason and Mil Crea, won the Region Fours, beating a composite side, 16-7, and will play in the State finals around March/April 2025, in Bendigo?
And were you also aware that Don Casey is now in his fifth year as a member of the Bowls Victoria Disciplinary Panel?
Amazing what you learn if you listen and pay attention.
And here is something for you to ponder over the break – To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
Have a merry one.
Keep ’em rolling.
The Lizard.
