25 February, 2023

Section Grand Final

Rosanna fronted up to this season’s nemesis, Ivanhoe, in the Division 4, Section 3, Grand Final this afternoon, played at East Ivanhoe.  It was always going to be a hard game as Ivanhoe had the measure of Rosanna, in three of the four games played against one another this season, with one game being “heated” out.  Rosanna had gone into today’s game with confidence after their resounding win over Fitzroy/Victoria, last Sunday.

The afternoon’s event started slowly for Rosanna as they strove to get the “feel” of the green, and whilst three rinks were cautiously pro-active, one rink struck trouble and dropped 11 shots in successive ends.  However, they stuck to their task, much to the frustration of their opposition who began to “blue” amongst themselves, and came back from an unhealthy deficit to lose by three shots.

After the break, Rosanna slowly took the upper hand with some very good bowling, and at one stage moved to an overall 18 shot lead, however, due to some big number losses right toward the end of the match, Rosanna fell short by two shots.

Although a very disappointing result for the Club, the players should feel pleased with what they have achieved this season.  After almost being written off following Round 4, and languishing at the bottom of the ladder, things looked somewhat bleak.  But, a change came over the team with the injection of some “new” old blood, and gradually the wins came and with them, progress up the ladder.  Finishing second gave Rosanna the double chance, which they used to get into the Grand Final, and promotion to Third Division next season.

Throughout the season thirty-six players contributed to the second side’s final effort, and the twenty who did not take the field today were as much a part of the team that represented them, and Rosanna, today.  Well done to all those people, and thank you for doing your bit.

A big band of supporters tried to help Rosanna over the line, and we are disappointed for them that we missed by the barest of margins.  Thank you for being there, it was very much appreciated.

Thank you too to the two emergencies, Jane Edgcumbe and Gary Veale, who had to look on all day,  fervently hoping someone might “do a hammy” so they could have a go.  It’s amazing how some people aren’t so obliging these days.

Thank you also to the coach, Ben Mantynen.  Almost got the job done for him.

John Aldridge, Kevin Meade, Veronika Crea and Emilio Crea – 24 to 27.             Jim Gregory, Graham Howard, Barry Grennan and Graeme Bravo – 17 to 21.        Jeff Cook, Don Casey, Colin Watson and Gwenda Bail – 19 to 22.                                    Damian Crea, Graham Bright, Simon Mattews and Robin Doherty – 23 to 15 and Best Winning Rink (even though it was the only one).

Congratulations to all teams for this season’s efforts.  It has been one of the most successful in some time, and has done Rosanna Bowling  Club proud.

So, that’s it for the 2022-23 Pennant Season, and that’s it for the Tout.  I hope you have enjoyed reading the blurbs as much as I have enjoyed being given the information, and writing the articles. However, it is time for me to move on and devote more of my energies to my husband and family, and so it is with a certain sadness I say thankyou and goodbye.  And remember – one of the most important rules of good manners is to refrain from speaking about one self.  So I’ll say no more.

The Tout