A late comeback from Melton in Bowls Victoria division 1 section 1 on Saturday wasn’t enough to produce a win.
Melton trailed heading into the tea break but rallied to level the scores before Sunbury won the last three ends to secure a 79 (13)-74 (5) win.
Melton secretary John Adams said it wasn’t a complete disaster.
“We were a fair way down at tea and to get back to level was a good result,” he said.
“In the end, to take five points away isn’t the worst results and a total wipe-out. The greens were really good, but the wind meant you couldn’t get a read on your shots.
“We had one of our skippers out, David George. I’m not saying it would have changed the result, but he normally skippers the rink that lost.”
The result leaves Melton with a win and a loss from two rounds. It sits fourth on the ladder with 21 points.
In the opening round, the side enjoyed an upset win against Moonee Valley.
“Some people thought we may struggle against them, but we didn’t look like losing,” Adams said.
He said the aim for the top team this season was to make the finals.
He said players lost in the off-season had been replaced.
“It’s our sixth year in metro bowls, coming across from the Central Highlands,” he said.
“This year we have teams in division 1, 2 and 3 [and 6 and 7]. When we started we had teams in division 3, 4 and 6. We’ve come a long way in five years.
“We’ll be trying to get all five teams in finals, especially the top team.
“In division 2 and 3, I think we should stay away from relegation … if we can make finals in those two divisions and with our division 1 team, we’ll be happy.”
In the Central Highlands Bowls, Bacchus Marsh picked up its first win of the division 1 season.
Facing Romsey, Bacchus Marsh had the opportunity to win all four rinks, but fell just short with three wins and a drawn rink.
It won 134 (17)-83 (1), with Justin Webster’s rink enjoying a massive 44-12 win.
In division 2, Diggers Rest defeated Bacchus Marsh 95 (14)-86 (4), while Mt Cottrell couldn’t match it with Kyneton, losing 119 (6)-64 (2).
Bacchus Marsh forfeited in division 3, while Mt Cottrell lost to Woodend 79 (14)-62 (2).