One huge win, two losses, but not impossible turnarounds. Such was the day for the Goannas earlier today. One Sectional Final appearance guaranteed and a promotion to go with it, two second chances guaranteed. You could say a bit of a mixed bag, however, we are not completely done yet. The Ones will play their preliminary final tomorrow (Sunday) at Rosanna, against Donvale. The Fours will play their preliminary at Rosanna against Diamond Creek next Saturday (28 Feb). The Twos play their Sectional final next Saturday (28 Feb) at Rosanna against the winner of tomorrow’s preliminary final between Montmorency and Bennettswood.
Some exciting times ahead and we approach the next seven days with great expectations. It is not the time to relax, but to sharpen our focus, and give the Club one of the best years in its 66 year history.
I leave you with the challenge.
The First side went to Ivanhoe, however, were not able to repeat their showing of a couple of weeks ago. There could be innumerable variations and reasons for the reversal of form, but suffice to say, Ivanhoe were better today.
Aaron Van Haaften, Kevin Meade, Rachael Powers and Simon Matthews, 20 – 14, plus 6. Peter Watson, Phil McMahon, Dan Hartrick and Matty Ferguson, 14 – 20, minus 6. Rod Kerrison, Alan Mason, Chris Ball and Margaret Hunt, 13 – 23, minus 10. Andrew Dalli, Damian Jardine, Steve Kovac and Mil Crea, 15 – 18, minus 3.
Rosanna 62, Ivanhoe 75, minus 13.
The Fourth side went to Donvale and had to play on their grass green, which is, from what I am told, slightly less than the best green in the comp. The Rosanna people fought hard, but fell short by 11 shots. We are looking forward to Diamond Creek next week even though they have beaten us twice during the season. They say, “third time lucky”, but we won’t be “lucky” we will just be the better bowlers.
Paul Gregory, Russell Hyde, Sean Ryan and Trevor Robertson, 18 -26, minus 8. Luke Roche, Ed Sheean, Terrye Meade and Michelle Robertson, 18 – 19, minus 1. Leo Bosso, Gae Messina, Kale Files and John Lindley, 14 – 24, minus 10. Bruce McDonald, Don Varalla, Sam Mercadante and Robin Doherty, 21 – 13, plus 8.
Rosanna 71, Donvale 82, minus 11.
And so to the big story of the day. Side Two. Back on the 6th December, Rosanna 2, hosted Montmorency 3. We towelled them up that day, 4 rinks and 60 shots up. The return bout occurred last Saturday at Montmorency, and they gave us a bit of a fright although we did get a 2 rinks, and 6 shots up, win. They came back to Rosanna today for the semi final, and with I would imagine, a bit of confidence given their showing last week. Well Rosanna soon put a slight dent in that confidence, and went on to better their first encounter showing, this time winning by 4 rinks and 84 shots.
It was an excellent win both on the green and psychologically, and it puts the Goannas in a strong position if we meet Monty again next Saturday. But just remember folks, pride comes before a fall, and it ain’t over until the fat lady completes her song.
Damian Crea, Robbie Boxshall, Peter Burke and Debbie Jeong, 31 – 10, plus 21. Jim Gregory, Don Casey, Veronika Crea and Mark Files, 42 – 8, plus 34. Peter Livingstone, Graham Bright, Colin Watson and Jack Dunbar, 28 – 10, plus 18. Warren Williams, John Head, Jeff Cook and Gwenda Bail, 27 – 16, plus 11.
Rosanna 128, Montmorency 44, plus 84.
And for all you numerologists out there, please note:
84 ends played, plus Monty’s 44 shots, equals Rosanna’s score 128. What does it all mean?
Best winning rink today (all sides) – Jim Gregory, Don Casey, Veronika Crea and Mark Files, plus 34 shots. Huge.
A couple of notes of thanks here because I think it is worthy of note. Tim Pullyblank, Neil Andrewartha and Rob Barclay were the emergency players for the 1’s, 2’s and 4’s today. They were not required to substitute, but were there for the game and as such, are a part of the team. I know it is a bit hard to swallow sometimes being emergency, but you are appreciated and recognised as a team member.
The second thank you goes to Jane Edgcumbe who was the umpire today. Again, not required to perform official duties, but on hand all day just in case. I believe she might also have been responsible for the balloons/decorations. Well done.
So people, rock up tomorrow to support the Ones. It will be a big game.
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.
Go get ’em, The Tout.
